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Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

4.7
1797
Deals from $27.00 Save $28.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
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).

Adult $55.00 (10:30am and 2pm Departures)
Adult - $50.00 (9am and 12:30pm departures )
Child $15.00 (0-15 yrs old)

What's included

  • Informative commentary
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and cookies
  • 2 hour cruise on 10:30am and 2pm departures
  • 1.5 hour cruise on 9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm

Duration

  • Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Berth #2
  • Taupo Marina
  • Redoubt Street.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • Important: Cancellations made within 24 hours will receive no refund. Tickets are non-transferable and are unable to be rescheduled. Please ensure you book the correct departure time.

    Upon arrival: Please report to Berth 2 Taupo Marina, Redoubt St approx. 10 -15 mins prior to departure. You need to meet in front of the red sign in front of the Ernest Kemp ready to board. Our crew member will meet you and your booking will be in our system.

Available Bookings from 3 Feb to 16 Feb 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Tue 3 Feb
Wed 4 Feb
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Fri 6 Feb
Sat 7 Feb
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Mon 16 Feb

Bookings close in 7 hours...

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult$35.00 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$45.00 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$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Bookings close in 9 hours...

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$50.00
  • Child$15.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult -$35.00 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

Bookings close in 10 hours...

  • Adult$35.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$35.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • 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$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$55.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$50.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$39.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$30.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$50.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$30.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$30.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$30.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

  • Adult$30.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$10.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.7

1797 reviews

Showing all 1797 authenticated Bookme reviews

Melissa Hakem from France wrote on 16 January 2019

Belle croisière

Meilleur rapport qualité-prix déniché pour la croisière d'1h30 de 12H30 à $35 (no deal). Le bateau s'approche effectivement très près de Maori Rock Carving, et tourne autour afin que personne ne soit lésé par rapport à la place qu'il occupe. Café, thé, chocolat et petits gâteaux disponibles à bord.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Hi Melissa, Thank you for your review. We hope to see you on board again soon. Kind regards, Timothy Burke General Manager

Mélissa from France wrote on 01 June 2018

Une promenade détente

Petite sortie "en mer" plutôt sympathique qui valait le coup pour moitié prix, les gravures ne sont qu à un seul endroit, les explications données n étaient pas faciles à choper à cause du haut parleur des années 20 mais juste asseyez vous à l extérieur et profitez de la balade

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Auriana Castro from France wrote on 22 August 2025

Croisière sympathique

Comptez 2 heures pour l'activité. Ambiance conviviale à bord, café et thé en libre service. Belle découverte, des explications le long de la balade et très agréable par temps ensoleillé.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Chère Auriana, Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé un bon moment à bord et que la croisière vous ait plu. C’est toujours un plaisir de partager ce bel endroit, surtout sous le soleil ! Très belle journée à vous !

alexandraf8 from France wrote on 07 January 2025

Sympa

Tour en bateau agréable même si le lac était très agité lors de la balade. La roche est intéressante mais c’est le tour en bateau dans son ensemble qui est agréable et permet de voir Taupō et les environs sous un autre angle. Belle vue sur le Tongariro

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Bonjour ! Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous avez apprécié votre voyage avec nous. Passez une agréable journée

Adriane Besse from France wrote on 06 March 2021

Une belle excursion sur le lac Taupo

L'expérience s'est très bien déroulée. Dans le respect des mesures de distanciation liées au Covid-19. L'équipage était très sympa, accessible et souriant.

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From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise

Thank you for joining us in these uncertain times Adriane, your support means a lot to a small business like us. It is our pleasure to have had you both onboard :)

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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