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, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm = 2 hour (approx).
9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm = 1.5 hour (approx).
Hi Daveen, Thank you for sharing your experience. We're so pleased your family enjoyed the trip despite the weather. It's wonderful to hear that touching the carving made such a memorable impact—especially for the younger ones. We appreciate your kind words about our crew and the information shared during the journey.
No issues in this two hour experience. Painstakingly good opportunity to see the carvings, and a safety conscious crew.
Hi Suzanne, Thank you for your feedback. We're glad to hear you had a smooth and enjoyable experience on the lake. It’s great to know the carvings made an impression and that our crew’s attention to safety stood out. We appreciate you joining us.
An awesome trip with interesting information about local sights. Thoroughly enjoyed by all members of our family group.
Hi Gabriel, Thank you for your thoughtful review and for choosing to cruise with us. We're delighted to hear that your whole family enjoyed the trip and found the commentary engaging. It's always a pleasure to help create memorable experiences on the lake.
Ernest Kemp cruise was great. The guys running it are friendly and knowledgeable. The scenery of Lake Taupo is amazing with great photo opportunities.
Hi Joanne! Thanks so much for your wonderful review. We’re glad you enjoyed the cruise with Ernest and appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable team. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words. Wishing you an amazing day!
Fantastic trip. Skipper and host were awesome. Highly recommend.
Hi there! Thank you for the fantastic review. We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed the trip, we’ll be sure to let the skipper and crew know your kind words. Wishing you a wonderful day!
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daveen from New Zealand wrote on 04 July 2025
Lake Taupo
My family enjoyed the trip even with the rain and rough weather. It was special to be able to touch the Maori carving at the age of 6, good memories. Staff were friendly and helpful with good information about the area and history.