Join us for a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Lake Taupo aboard The Ernest Kemp, a beautiful vintage replica steamboat!
Lake Taupo, one of the largest freshwater volcanic craters in the world, is home to the famous Maori Rock Carvings.
Only accessible by boat, we will get you the closest to these incredible 10 metre high carvings which tower high over New Zealand’s largest lake. Learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of the area from your skippers interesting and informative commentary.
With comfortable seating both inside and out, bathroom facilities and a licensed bar, we’ll ensure your cruise on the Ernest Kemp will be warm and comfortable. Your skipper even welcomes you to join him in the wheelhouse and take a turn at the wheel! Bring a towel as there may be an opportunity for a swim *at skippers discretion.
The Ernest Kemp cruise is an enjoyable outing and a great way to see the Maori Rock Carvings and to get out onto Lake Taupo.
Cruise Duration:
10:30am and 2pm = 2 hour (approx).
9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, and 6:30pm = 1.5 hour (approx).
Hi Mark! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We’re so glad you had a great time and enjoyed the crew, the boat and the trip. We will pass on your kind words! Have a wonderful day.
Great experience. Crew was great. Lots of interesting commentary along the ride. Option to have a swim, by the rock carvings, was great on a fantastic Day.
Hi Danisa! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re glad you enjoyed your experience with Ernest Kemp and had a great time on Lake Taupō. It’s great to hear the crew and commentary added to your visit to the Māori Rock Carvings. Have a great rest of your day!
I had a wonderful experience on the Ernest Kemp cruise to see the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō. The weather was perfectly clear on the day, and the lake was incredibly crystal clear, with many swans around the harbor when we boarded. The check-in process was smooth and well organized, and both the captain and crew were very friendly and welcoming. During the journey, they provided informative and engaging commentary about the lake, nearby volcanoes, and the history behind the carvings. On a sunny day, I highly recommend sitting at the front of the boat, where the views are open and very comfortable. When we reached the carvings, the captain stopped for a while to make sure everyone had enough time to fully appreciate them—it’s truly impressive to see both the power of nature and the cultural significance of the artwork. The cruise was very relaxing. Guests were offered snacks, tea, and coffee, and there was even a chance to swim in the lake, which was beautifully clear. The boat itself was clean, and I chose a classic-style vessel, which added to the charm. Overall, it’s a perfect mix of nature and culture, and I highly recommend it.
Hi Jeremy! Thank you for taking the time to leave such thoughtful feedback. We’re pleased to hear that your experience with Ernest Kemp met your expectations and that the overall journey on Lake Taupō was enjoyable from start to finish. It’s great to know the crew made you feel welcome and that the trip was well organized. We’re also glad you had the opportunity to appreciate the Māori Rock Carvings in good conditions and that the onboard service and amenities contributed to a comfortable visit. Thank you again for your recommendation. Wishing you all the best in your future travels and a great rest of your day!
Boat on time, clean and well kept. Staff very friendly and helpful. Tea and coffee on board and a free cookie (hooray!) and a lovely way to spend some time on Lake Taupo and to see the Māori carvings.
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re so glad you enjoyed your time out on the lake and seeing the carvings. It’s lovely to hear you found the boat clean and well looked after too. We will pass on your kind words! Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day.
This was a relaxing, fun, and informative early-evening cruise. Very good value for money; I recommend it highly
Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We’re so glad you had a relaxing and enjoyable evening on the cruise. We hope you have a great rest of your day.
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MARK WALKER from New Zealand wrote on 20 January 2026
Great crew, boat and trip. Recommend
Has a great time doing this excursion. Fully recommend