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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$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$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$55.00
- 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
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
Danielle from New Zealand wrote on 03 May 2026
A must do in Taupo!
A wonderful experience. The crew were lovely, knowledgeable and humorous. Highly recommend for all ages. Even our 6mth old was amazed :)
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so glad you had a wonderful experience and that our crew made it enjoyable. It’s great to hear even your 6 month old was amazed, such a special memory. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
markc37 from Australia wrote on 01 May 2026
Fantastic tour on Ernest Kemp
Had a perfect day with the weather for a morning cruise on the Ernest kemp We chose them as the boat looked authentic for the Area Small group fantastic commentary from our skipper A young boy celebrated his 13th birthday so we sang happy Birthday and he was given the opportunity to steer the boat back to our dock Highly recommend booking Mark and Jen Australia 24/4/26
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you, Mark and Jen, for your lovely review! We’re so glad you enjoyed a perfect morning on the Ernest Kemp and appreciated the authentic experience and small group atmosphere. It’s great to hear the birthday celebration made the trip even more special — what a memorable moment at the helm! Thanks again for your recommendation, and we’d love to welcome you back in the future. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
jaehunl1 from South Korea wrote on 27 April 2026
Great experience
The boat was faster than I expected, which made it really fun, and the staff were very friendly. There was also more to see than I expected, so I would definitely recommend it.
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the faster pace of the boat and that it added to the fun. It’s also wonderful to hear our team made you feel welcome and that the experience exceeded your expectations with everything there is to see along the way. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on board again soon! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
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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.