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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1872
Deals from $27.00 Save $28.00 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 9 Sep to 22 Sep 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Wed 9 Sep
Thu 10 Sep
Fri 11 Sep
Sat 12 Sep
Sun 13 Sep
Mon 14 Sep
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Wed 16 Sep
Thu 17 Sep
Fri 18 Sep
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Mon 21 Sep
Tue 22 Sep

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult -$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

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

  • Adult$35.00 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

1872 reviews

Showing all 1872 authenticated Bookme reviews

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

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

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.

kerrynr from Australia wrote on 08 September 2026

Pleasant trip

The crew were nice, and very informative. Weather wasn’t great but at least we could be undercover and they even provided blankets. Got up really close to the rock art.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for your lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your cruise and found the crew friendly and informative. Although the weather wasn't the best, we're glad you were able to stay warm and comfortable undercover with our blankets. It's wonderful to hear you enjoyed getting up close to the rock carvings! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

Gemma Harrison from New Zealand wrote on 05 September 2026

Great activity

The kids had a ball, the ducks following us and flying up to be fed was really cool and the kids loved having a chance to steer the ship! The commentary was great, learned some thing along the way.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thanks so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear the kids had such a great time, especially feeding the ducks and having a turn steering the boat. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the commentary and learned something along the way too! Thanks for coming aboard! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

Helena Van gerwen from Australia wrote on 02 September 2026

Missed opportunity

Unfortunately cruise was cancelled due to rough waters. Boat looks immaculate and we hope to return and give it another shot one day

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for your understanding. We’re sorry that we weren’t able to get out on the lake due to the rough conditions. We hope you get the chance to return to Taupō and give the cruise another shot one day. We’d love to have you aboard! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

graeme123 from New Zealand wrote on 22 August 2026

Fantastic boat trip!

The trip was excellent. The staff were warm and welcoming and were so good with my 4 year old. They kept him entertained the whole trip. Colouring in to do, got to drive the boat. He was so proud of his certificate. All round great day!

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear that you and your little one had such a great time with us. It’s wonderful to know he enjoyed the colouring, having a turn at driving the boat and receiving his certificate. We can imagine how proud he was! We love making the experience enjoyable for the whole family. Thanks for coming aboard! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

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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.

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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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