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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1770
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 30 Nov to 13 Dec 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sun 30 Nov
Mon 1 Dec
Tue 2 Dec
Wed 3 Dec
Thu 4 Dec
Fri 5 Dec
Sat 6 Dec
Sun 7 Dec
Mon 8 Dec
Tue 9 Dec
Wed 10 Dec
Thu 11 Dec
Fri 12 Dec
Sat 13 Dec

  • 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$35.00 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

  • Adult$35.00 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

  • Adult$35.00 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

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

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

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$31.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

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

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

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

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

Bookings close in 1 hour...

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00
  • 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$15.00

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

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

  • Adult$35.00 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

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

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

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$15.00

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

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

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$28.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$11.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$30.00 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

1770 reviews

Showing all 1770 authenticated Bookme reviews

Jordi Iserte from Spain wrote on 24 November 2025

pleasant journey

Excellent staff and pleasant trip.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you Jordi! Have a wonderful day

anniew18 from Australia wrote on 24 November 2025

Amazing!

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.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

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.

Diana Halliday from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2025

Ernest Kemp

We had an enjoyable trip on the Ernest Kemp. Staff were great and fun passengers too.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you, Diana, for sharing your kind feedback. We're really glad the crew and atmosphere made your trip enjoyable. Have a great day!

Eliana Bell from New Zealand wrote on 17 November 2025

Amazing

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!

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

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!

Simon Nash from United Kingdom wrote on 11 November 2025

Wonderful family experience

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

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

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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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

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.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

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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