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).
Thank you Jordi! Have a wonderful day
We absolutely loved our lake trip on the Ernest Kemp. Sophia looked after all of us guests with drinks, cookies and even colouring ins for the kids. We got to learn information about the lake and carvings and then had the opportunity to jump off the boat and go for a short swim in the lake, which we loved. Sophia then gave us all warm blankets after the swim. I would highly recommend this experience.
Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience with us. It’s great to hear that the time on the water felt fun, comfortable, and engaging for both adults and kids. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to Sophia as she’ll be delighted to hear them. Wishing you a wonderful day ahead.
We had an enjoyable trip on the Ernest Kemp. Staff were great and fun passengers too.
Thank you, Diana, for sharing your kind feedback. We're really glad the crew and atmosphere made your trip enjoyable. Have a great day!
Ernest team provided a beautiful and tranquil tour. They helped with a birthday surprise with going out of their way to get a cake and balloons to celebrate with just an added small fee. We both felt so special and very grateful to the experience!
Thank you, Eliana, for sharing such a lovely message. We're delighted the team could help make your celebration feel extra special and that the cruise offered a peaceful experience for you both. Have a great day!
Wonderful trip with friendly crew on a beautiful boat, the kids were allowed to drive the ship and got a certificate afterwards. Lovely tri for all the family, many thanks
Thank you for your review, Simon! We appreciate your kind words; we are glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip with us and our crew's company. Have a wonderful day!
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Jordi Iserte from Spain wrote on 24 November 2025
pleasant journey
Excellent staff and pleasant trip.