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Taupo Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
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).
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$55.00
- Child$15.00
- Adult$55.00
- Child$15.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult -$50.00
- Child$15.00
- Adult -$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$11.00
- Adult$55.00
- Child$15.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencyThe crew is super friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience enjoyable for everyone (45 people said this).
- emergencyThe cruise offers stunning views of Lake Taupo and the Maori rock carvings, which are a highlight of the trip (40 people said this).
- emergencyPassengers appreciated the opportunity to steer the boat, especially kids who received certificates (20 people said this).
- emergencyComplimentary drinks and snacks, like tea and cookies, were a nice touch (30 people said this).
- emergencyThe vintage boat adds charm to the experience, making it feel unique (25 people said this).
- emergencyMany found the cruise to be great value for money, with a relaxing atmosphere (35 people said this).
- star_shineBring a camera for great photo opportunities.
Dress warmly if it's a chilly day.
Showing all 1846 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your kind review! We're so pleased to hear that our captain and crew helped make your son's day extra special. Creating memorable experiences for our guests is what we love most, and it means a lot to know we were part of such a special occasion. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Jj Botha from New Zealand wrote on 24 May 2026
Boat cruise
10/10 great cruise, friendly staff, free coffee
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the cruise, our friendly crew, and the complimentary coffee. A 10/10 rating means so much to us, and we're delighted we could help make your time on the lake memorable. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Bruce Mcleod from New Zealand wrote on 22 May 2026
Excellent value
Perfect way to see the lake.
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your time on the lake and found it to be the perfect way to experience it. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Karyn Chapman from New Zealand wrote on 19 May 2026
ERNEST KEMP MAORI ROCK CARVING TRIP
This was one of the best things we did on our weeks holiday in Taupo. Fantastic crew and captain, who was very knowledgeable and friendly. Excellent experience. Highly recommended.
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your cruise with us was one of the highlights of your Taupō holiday. Our crew and captain take great pride in providing a friendly, informative, and memorable experience, so your kind words mean a lot. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on board again in the future. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Judith Pearsey from New Zealand wrote on 06 May 2026
Wonderful Experience
Husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the Experience on Ernest Kemp, and highly recommend this Trip. Great commentary and information from both Crew. Amazing day on the Lake.
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
So glad you both had a fantastic time aboard the Ernest Kemp! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the commentary, crew, and stunning day on the lake—your recommendation means a lot to us. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
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Nikhil Sharma from New Zealand wrote on 29 May 2026
Excellent
Thanks to captain and the crew for make my son day special