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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1842
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 11 Jun to 24 Jun 2026

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Thu 11 Jun
Fri 12 Jun
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Bookings close in 1 hour...

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

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

Bookings close in 4 hours...

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

  • Adult$45.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 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$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$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

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

1842 reviews

Showing all 1842 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.

Nikhil Sharma from New Zealand wrote on 29 May 2026

Excellent

Thanks to captain and the crew for make my son day special

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for your kind review! We're so pleased to hear that our captain and crew helped make your son's day extra special. Creating memorable experiences for our guests is what we love most, and it means a lot to know we were part of such a special occasion. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

Jj Botha from New Zealand wrote on 24 May 2026

Boat cruise

10/10 great cruise, friendly staff, free coffee

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cruise, our friendly crew, and the complimentary coffee. A 10/10 rating means so much to us, and we're delighted we could help make your time on the lake memorable. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

Bruce Mcleod from New Zealand wrote on 22 May 2026

Excellent value

Perfect way to see the lake.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for your review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your time on the lake and found it to be the perfect way to experience it. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

Karyn Chapman from New Zealand wrote on 19 May 2026

ERNEST KEMP MAORI ROCK CARVING TRIP

This was one of the best things we did on our weeks holiday in Taupo. Fantastic crew and captain, who was very knowledgeable and friendly. Excellent experience. Highly recommended.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your cruise with us was one of the highlights of your Taupō holiday. Our crew and captain take great pride in providing a friendly, informative, and memorable experience, so your kind words mean a lot. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board again in the future. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

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