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 ($)
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience especially as we were on the replica boat which added to the charm. The carvings were well worth waiting for. We enjoyed the complementary tea and biscuits and it was worth noting that they had toilet facilities on board. In addition there were some blankets available to keep us warm although there was the opportunity to sit either inside or outside. The only thing we did not receive was the souvenir booklet and postcard.
This was a lovely boat cruise, but was unforuntaely shorted by bad weather, and never got to see the rock carvings, and was arough trip home. We were given the opportunity for re-booking the following day but we were leaving for next destination so were unable. The weather was terrible the next day too, so possibly didnt go again,
Really enjoyed this! The skipper shared so much knowledge, and I loved the carvings!
loved every second of it, staff were so friendly and they even let our daughter have a drive of the boat!!
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Anne fromAustralia wrote on 04 November 2025
Lake Taupō
Fantastic way to experience a day on the lake and get up close to the rock carving. Staff were very informative and personable. Highly recommend this tour .