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.
Our family loved our experience on the boat cruise the staff were amazingly accommodating we had a party of 16 people and we each enjoyed our adventure we got splashed by some water this was not intentional but greatly welcomed we steered the wheel and got a certificate learnt so much from the commentary and the views were amazing very happy with our outting 😊😊
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're thrilled to hear your family had such a great time on board and enjoyed the commentary, taking a turn at the wheel, and the beautiful views. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again soon! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your time aboard the Ernest Kemp. It's great to know that you found the cruise both relaxing and informative, and that you enjoyed our food and beverage offerings. We're especially pleased that the cheese platter was a hit with your family! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another memorable trip. Regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Such a great experience, Peter shared facts throughout the cruise about the history of the lake and let the kids have fun steering the boat. Would recommend to anyone visiting Taupo.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience on the cruise. Peter is passionate about sharing the history and stories of the lake, and we're so pleased that both you and the kids enjoyed the journey, especially the opportunity to steer the boat! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure on Lake Taupō in the future. Warm regards, The Erenest Kemp Team
An authentic, informative and relaxing experience.
Thank you for your kind review. We're delighted you found the experience authentic, informative, and relaxing. We appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back on board again soon. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
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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