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).
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
My family had a wonderful time on board the Ernest Kemp. The staff were so lovely and very hospitable. The kids got the steer the boat which they really enjoyed. It was beautiful on the lake.
Hi Lisa, thank you for your kind review. We're happy to hear your family had a great time on board and that the kids enjoyed steering the boat. It’s always a pleasure to help make special memories out on the lake. Have a lovely day!
This was great experience overall with family, complementary coffee and cookies offered, one thing I didn’t like, inside the cabinet all windows has water marks which reduce visibility and faded, if someone likes to get experience of the lake from inside cabinet while sitting, then it won’t be worth it.
Hi Sukhmander, thank you for your review and for joining us with your family. We’re really glad to hear you had a great overall experience and enjoyed the complimentary coffee and cookies. We appreciate your feedback regarding the window visibility inside the cabin. We’ll be looking into this issue and working on improving it. Have a great day!
Wonderful cruise, lovely staff! Please just provide more cookies haha it is a long 2hour cruise cookies were yummy! Will be great to have more than one lol besides that loved the cruise.
Hi Janita, thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad you enjoyed the cruise and that our team helped make it a great experience. Have a wonderful day!
Great trip Commentary throughout the journey was infuriating and fun The carvings are very impressive from the boat The captain's mate was really good
Hi Gary, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! We're glad you enjoyed the trip and had some fun along the way. Have a lovely day.
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Elisiva FIHAKI fromNew Zealand wrote on 28 September 2025
Amazing Experience
My kids and I enjoyed our little experience.