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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1770
Deals from $25.00 Save $25.00 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 30 Dec to 12 Jan 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Tue 30 Dec
Wed 31 Dec
Thu 1 Jan
Fri 2 Jan
Sat 3 Jan
Sun 4 Jan
Mon 5 Jan
Tue 6 Jan
Wed 7 Jan
Thu 8 Jan
Fri 9 Jan
Sat 10 Jan
Sun 11 Jan
Mon 12 Jan

Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult -$25.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • 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$55.00
  • Child$15.00

  • 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 -$50.00
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult -$50.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$50.00
  • 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$15.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • 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$40.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$15.00

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

  • Adult$40.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$50.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • 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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

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

1770 reviews

Showing all 1770 authenticated Bookme reviews

Cherie van Tol-Rose from New Zealand wrote on 28 December 2025

Ernest Kemp boat

The ride out to the maori carving was great. The commentary was very good and gave lots of information. I enjoyed every moment on the trip. The coffee was also a great addition to have. Thank you..

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Cherie, thanks for sharing your experience with us! It’s great to hear the journey was enjoyable from start to finish and that the onboard touches helped make it even more comfortable. We’re pleased the information shared along the way added value to your time on the water. Have a fantastic day.

ebonee from New Zealand wrote on 25 December 2025

Great Trip!

We loved our boat trip. Peter and crew were very welcoming and the commentary was really informative. Loved the views along the way and the carving was very special. Enjoyed the refreshments and got some great photos.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thanks, Ebonee! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. It’s wonderful to know the crew made you feel welcome and that the journey offered plenty of memorable moments along the way. We’re glad the experience left you with lasting impressions and some great photos to take home. Have a lovely day.

Sunder Iyengar from Australia wrote on 22 December 2025

Boat ride on Lake Taupo

Comfortable and pleasant boat ride on Lake Taupo to view the Maori Rock carvings. It took nearly 45 mins from the berth at Taupo to the rock carvings. 1.5 hours round trip. Friendly staff on board. We had a good time.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for sharing your experience and for choosing to join us on the lake. We’re glad to hear the journey felt relaxed and enjoyable, and that the team helped create a welcoming atmosphere on board. It’s great to know the timing and overall experience suited your plans and made for an enjoyable outing while visiting Taupō. Have a great day!

Teresa Hill from United States wrote on 20 December 2025

Amazing!

The Captain and young deck crew were very nice. The Captain spoke about the history while we traveled to the Ngatoro carving. The young girl gave out cookies and later we were able to choose food off the menu. Sadly it was a very windy day, the lake was choppy, but it still was a pleasant trip. We circled twice by the rock and then back to the harbor. I’m so glad I did not go kayaking- it would have been canceled. I recommend the trip.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you so much for your kind words, Teresa! We’re really pleased the crew helped make the journey enjoyable and that you were able to learn a bit about the area along the way. Even with the challenging conditions on the lake, it’s great to hear the experience remained comfortable and worthwhile. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope the rest of your travels were just as memorable. Wishing you safe and happy adventures ahead!

Kapil Bansal from New Zealand wrote on 19 December 2025

Earnest Kemp

My experience was on but not so good. They were run out of milk and cookies. Staff was more keen to sale stuff on boat rather then provide free stuff for which we paid in advance. Although staff was good. Sound was not so good and was very difficult to hear commentary. I have been to Chris Jolly before and they are really good.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Kapil, Thank you for your feedback regarding your recent cruise with Ernest Kemp. We’re sorry that your experience did not fully meet expectations. While we did run short of cookies on that trip, we would like to clarify that milk is always available on board. We also appreciate your comments about the sound quality and onboard service, which have been noted and will be reviewed with our team. We’re pleased to hear that you found our staff to be good, and we thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Have a good day

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