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Rotorua & 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 -$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$45.00 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 1842 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you very much for joining us, we love that you had such a great time!
Irene Ma from Hong Kong wrote on 05 November 2016
Good!
Few days before the departure, the weather forecast was cloudy with a little rain. Luckily, that day was a sunny day! Clear to see the carving on the wall! Have enough time to take photos. Although I travel alone, I enjoy so much! Nice view, nice people.
Siu Ping Ng from Hong Kong wrote on 06 March 2016
lake cruise
nice
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
valentina santacruz castillo from Mexico wrote on 04 May 2026
Big Group Experience
The Ernest Kemp were lovely and very welcoming. They took us on a lovely boat ride around Lake Taupo and have very interesting facts and explanation throughout! Very enjoyable. We were a group of 10 and we all enjoyed it so much. Thank you guys.
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so glad your group enjoyed the boat ride and learning about Lake Taupō. It was a pleasure having you all with us, and we hope to see you again in the future. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Copyright ©2026 Bookme Limited.
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elainet from Taiwan wrote on 13 August 2020
喜歡這次旅程！
非常喜歡這次旅程！