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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1787
Deals from $35.00 Save $20.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Join us for a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Lake Taupo aboard The Ernest Kemp, a beautiful vintage replica steamboat!

Join us for a relaxing cruise along the magnificent Lake Taupo aboard The Ernest Kemp, a beautiful vintage replica steamboat!

Highlights

  • Experience an amazing two hour cruise along the spectacular Lake Taupo!
  • Enjoy your cruise in a beautiful vintage replica steam boat
  • Visit the famous Maori Rock Carvings
  • Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and cookies!

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).

Adult $55.00 (10:30am and 2pm Departures)
Adult - $50.00 (9am and 12:30pm departures )
Child $15.00 (0-15 yrs old)

What's included

  • Informative commentary
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and cookies
  • 2 hour cruise on 10:30am and 2pm departures
  • 1.5 hour cruise on 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm

Duration

  • Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Berth #2
  • Taupo Marina
  • Redoubt Street.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Important: Cancellations made within 24 hours will receive no refund. Tickets are non-transferable and are unable to be rescheduled. Please ensure you book the correct departure time.

    Upon arrival: Please report to Berth 2 Taupo Marina, Redoubt St approx. 10 -15 mins prior to departure. You need to meet in front of the red sign in front of the Ernest Kemp ready to board. Our crew member will meet you and your booking will be in our system.

Available Bookings from 20 Jan to 2 Feb 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Tue 20 Jan
Wed 21 Jan
Thu 22 Jan
Fri 23 Jan
Sat 24 Jan
Sun 25 Jan
Mon 26 Jan
Tue 27 Jan
Wed 28 Jan
Thu 29 Jan
Fri 30 Jan
Sat 31 Jan
Sun 1 Feb
Mon 2 Feb

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult -$50.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Bookings close in 11 hours...

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$35.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

1787 reviews

Showing all 1787 authenticated Bookme reviews

Laura Stewart from Canada wrote on 18 January 2026

Fun morning out

Great crew good experience

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Laura! Thank you for leaving us a review, have a great day.

Aya Schrey from New Zealand wrote on 17 January 2026

Wonderful boattrip

Really lovely people and a beautiful boat! Surplus was that our doggy was allowed! Definitely recommend!

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Aya! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We are delighted to hear you, and your furry friend enjoyed the boat trip and that our crew helped make it a welcoming experience. We will pass on your kind words! We hope the memories from your time on the lake stay with you. Wishing you a lovely rest of your summer.

Tracy Andrews from New Zealand wrote on 15 January 2026

Fantastic trip!

My granddaughters and I loved the trip. Everyone was friendly and conversation was easy. My granddaughters loved the dog passenger onboard, as they can't have one yet. The skipper was very informative about the lake, the Ernest Kemp boat, Taupo township, the carvings, and lots more. A great way to spend an afternoon. Having a discounted trip was even better.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Tracy! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We’re delighted to hear you and your granddaughters enjoyed the trip and the friendly atmosphere on board. We will pass on your kind words! It’s great to know the commentary and special touches made for a memorable afternoon. Have a great day!

andreaseed from New Zealand wrote on 12 January 2026

Highlight of Taupo

Welcoming and knowledgeable hosts with Capt Pete and Ross. Both gave the trip a personal touch. Great value for money. Commentary during trips, snacks and drinks, swimming and opportunity to steer the boat. Thanks for a great afternoon

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Andreas! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review and for sharing your experience with us. We’re thrilled to hear the trip was a highlight of your time in Taupō and that the personal touches from the crew helped make it so enjoyable. It’s great to know you felt it was good value and had the chance to really get involved during the afternoon. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and wish you all the best!

Leeza Willcox from New Zealand wrote on 12 January 2026

Windy

Awesome sail, very professional and felt like we were on the high seas!! The waves were mean! Thank you

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Leeza! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the sail and that our crew made the trip feel exciting and we will pass on your kind words! Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day.

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Qualmark Certification

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.

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