-
travel_explore
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!
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 in NZD ($)
- 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 -$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$35.00
- 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$45.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
- Adult$27.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$10.00
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 1839 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
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.
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
Rie Shibasaki from New Zealand wrote on 27 April 2026
Great experience★★★★★
The team was incredibly kind and friendly, and our kids had such a great experience. The cruise itself was fantastic. The commentary was fun and engaging, and the kids even had a chance to experience being the skipper, which they absolutely loved! It was a little chilly outside, but the blankets, cookies, and hot drinks kept us warm and comfortable. It was much more than just viewing the murals — it was a truly wonderful experience for our family. Highly recommend!
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for such a wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear your whole family had a great time and that the kids especially enjoyed their turn as skipper, that’s always a big highlight. It’s lovely to know the commentary, little treats, and warm blankets helped make the chilly weather more comfortable too. We’re really glad it felt like more than just a sightseeing trip and that it became a special family experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you all back again one day! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Sara Carlton from United Kingdom wrote on 19 April 2026
Relaxing trip
Good way to pass a couple of hours . Lovely hosts. Drinks served onboard very pleasant
From Ernest Kemp - Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Thank you for your review! We’re glad you enjoyed a relaxing trip and the onboard hospitality. Great to hear the drinks and hosts made it a pleasant experience. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
Copyright © 2026 Bookme Limited.
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.
Qualmark Gold
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.
Qualmark Silver
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.
Qualmark Bronze
The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.
Continue with Facebook
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