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.
The boat was faster than I expected, which made it really fun, and the staff were very friendly. There was also more to see than I expected, so I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the faster pace of the boat and that it added to the fun. It’s also wonderful to hear our team made you feel welcome and that the experience exceeded your expectations with everything there is to see along the way. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on board again soon! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
The team was incredibly kind and friendly, and our kids had such a great experience. The cruise itself was fantastic. The commentary was fun and engaging, and the kids even had a chance to experience being the skipper, which they absolutely loved! It was a little chilly outside, but the blankets, cookies, and hot drinks kept us warm and comfortable. It was much more than just viewing the murals — it was a truly wonderful experience for our family. Highly recommend!
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear your whole family had a great time and that the kids especially enjoyed their turn as skipper, that’s always a big highlight. It’s lovely to know the commentary, little treats, and warm blankets helped make the chilly weather more comfortable too. We’re really glad it felt like more than just a sightseeing trip and that it became a special family experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you all back again one day! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Good way to pass a couple of hours . Lovely hosts. Drinks served onboard very pleasant
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed a relaxing trip and the onboard hospitality. Great to hear the drinks and hosts made it a pleasant experience. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a beautiful experience and felt well looked after by the crew. We’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to the skipper—what a compliment to be called an excellent storyteller! 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