Ernest Kemp: Lake Taupo Maori Carvings Cruise
4.7
845 Ratings
Taupō

Embark on an unforgettable scenic voyage to the mesmerizing Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo with Ernest Kemp Cruises. Enjoy live commentary, photo opportunities, and complimentary drinks and snacks onboard.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Sit back and relax cruising picturesque Lake Taupo to visit the famous Maori Rock Carvings with Ernest Kemp Cruises. Enjoy complimentary hot beverages, Free Wifi. Cruises between 90 -120 mins. Great photo opportunities. Comfortable seating inside and out. Live commentary of the lake and history of the local area.
What's Included
  • Scenic cruise on Ernest Kemp
  • Live commentary from skipper & crew
  • Complimentary tea, coffee & cookies
  • Free WiFi on board
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
Additional Information

For over three decades, Ernest Kemp Cruises has been offering delightful voyages on Lake Taupo. Our specialty lies in daily tours to the Maori Rock Carvings. As you relish the area’s history and our one-of-a-kind, replica steamboat, our amiable captain and staff provide live narrations along with a vivid brochure explaining the carvings’ significance….

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Location
Ernest Kemp Cruises
Redoubt Street
Please go directly to the Boat, the boat is in Berth 2 at the Taupo Marina Redoubt Street. Please report to the boat 15 mins prior to departure. Your booking will be in the manifest and you will be met by a crew member.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(845 Ratings)
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Ulrikewu1305ak
Nov 12, 2025
Nice trip! - We had great weather and the ride was informative. The view from Lake Taupo to the bay is fascinating. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meeko04
Nov 12, 2025
Great Cruise - This was a great cruise commentary was good very friendly staff the carvings are well worth going to see highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sightseer33037971366
Nov 11, 2025
Ernest Kemp cruise on Lake Taupo. - We chose the Ernest Kemp as it is a traditional old vessel so ideal for a cruise on the lake, and we were not disappointed. It was a most enjoyable cruise, friendly crew and informative commentary. Well recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carolyn_h
Nov 10, 2025
Terrific Two Hours - The captain & first mate were friendly, helpful, and took great care of us. The trip took the perfect amount of time. Additionally, we had great weather for the trip!
Review provided by Viator
409daylins
Nov 10, 2025
Such a beautiful experience - Such a beautiful experience. Very cool boat. Very good price. And lovely staff. Enjoyed having a beer and looking at the maori cravings
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_g
Nov 9, 2025
Great trip with a lovely crew - A lovely boat trip around the lake with up close views of the rock carvings and lots of information about the settlements along the shore. The crew were very nice and made sure everyone got the most out of the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Joywl5398za
Nov 9, 2025
Great boat trip on the lake - Great trip, such a cute boat. Really friendly staff. Pack your togs, you don’t want to miss the swimming opportunity if the weather is right!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_s
Nov 11, 2025
Delightful experience on... - Delightful experience on a sunny morning on the Earnest Kemp. Nice touch with inclusive drink & cookie. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
B4074pgruthc
Nov 10, 2025
Lake Taupo Maori Rock Carvings scenic cruise aboard Ernest Kemp - We had an enjoyable couple of hours with good service. Unfortunately, the PA equipment wasn't loud enough to enable us to hear the captain's commentary over the loud laughter and youngsters for most of the cruise (and we were up the front near a speaker). Great opportunity for photos of the rock carvings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen_m
Nov 7, 2025
It was a pleasant trip... - It was a pleasant trip but would have been better if you could have heard the commentary better. It was hard to hear outside at the back and also inside. It would have been nice if the windows were cleaned as if you were sitting inside the windows were foggy - even better if there had been no glass at all
Review provided by Viator
Check Availability
From $28
From $28
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).