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.
Enjoyable cruise; friendly and informative crew.
Myself and two friends had a lovely morning cruising Lake Taupo on Ernest Kemp. It was a grey day, but nevertheless we were able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The description of the surroundings and the history of the area by the Skipper most informative, but it could have been a little louder as we missed some of it (could have been the wind factor). Would definitely recommend.
Hi Gillian! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We are so pleased you and your friends enjoyed a lovely morning out on the lake and were still able to take in the scenery from outside despite the grey weather. It is great to hear you found the skipper’s commentary informative. We appreciate the note about the volume as well and will certainly keep that in mind. We will pass on your kind words and wish you a wonderful rest of your week.
Didn't get to swim. overall trip was ok
Hi Edwin! We are sorry to hear the experience did not fully meet your expectations. Our 12.30pm cruise does not include a swimming stop and we will make this clearer, so it is better understood when booking. We appreciate you coming out with us and wish you all the best for the rest of your travels.
Had friends staying from Raglan none of us had done this trip & I thought now that we are locals we should do it so I booked it & yes it was great gorgeous weather great commentary so it's a five star from us nga mihi
Hi Helen! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased you and your friends decided to join us and that it turned out to be such a great day out. It is always special to welcome locals on board. We will pass on your kind words! Nga mihi and all the very best.
Copyright © 2026 Bookme Limited.
This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
This item will be deleted immediately. You can't undo this action.




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