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 and 2pm = 2 hour (approx).
9:00am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, and 6:30pm = 1.5 hour (approx).
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
Hi Mark! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We’re so glad you had a great time and enjoyed the crew, the boat and the trip. We will pass on your kind words! Have a wonderful day.
Boat on time, clean and well kept. Staff very friendly and helpful. Tea and coffee on board and a free cookie (hooray!) and a lovely way to spend some time on Lake Taupo and to see the Māori carvings.
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re so glad you enjoyed your time out on the lake and seeing the carvings. It’s lovely to hear you found the boat clean and well looked after too. We will pass on your kind words! Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day.
This was a relaxing, fun, and informative early-evening cruise. Very good value for money; I recommend it highly
Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We’re so glad you had a relaxing and enjoyable evening on the cruise. We hope you have a great rest of your day.
Had done this trip many years ago and was very happy that it was just as enjoyable trip. The skipper was very friendly, knowledgeable and funny and the other staff member was very friendly and professional looking after the passengers. Would highly recommend
Hi Nik! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for recommending us. We’re so pleased to hear you enjoyed the trip to the Māori carvings and that it lived up to your previous visit. It’s great to know our skipper and crew helped make the experience memorable. We will pass on your kind words! Thanks again for sharing your experience. Wishing you a great rest of your day!
Hi Becky! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for coming out with us twice. We truly appreciate you recommending us and adding your beautiful photo! It is fantastic to hear you enjoyed the experience in both seasons and that our crew made it special. We will pass on your kind words! Wishing you a wonderful rest of your day.
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MARK WALKER from New Zealand wrote on 20 January 2026
Great crew, boat and trip. Recommend
Has a great time doing this excursion. Fully recommend