Unforgettable Taupo: Exclusive Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Price From $28.32 per person
Lowest Price Guarantee
Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board. 4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
4 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
leigh3051, 12/14/2025 4:15:06 PM
Great trip great staff lovely old replica boat...awesome experience and a great way to chill for an afternoon. The young girl on the cruise was so friendly and looked after everyone on board so very well.
Stephani_T, 12/14/2025 9:50:24 AM
The carvings are really impressive and well worth seeing. We’re happy that we chose to go on the Ernest Kemp. Smaller boat, fewer people, friendly crew.
elainewC9409MV, 12/10/2025 8:20:02 PM
We really enjoyed this this tour. The staff were excellent and very informative and accommodating. We loved our time on board the Ernest Kemp and would highly recommend to others. The rock carvings were brilliant and not like any I’ve seen previously, and the information was excellent. We even stopped off for a swim near to the rock carvings which was awesome. Thank you guys Elaine and James.
buckhaventurangi, 12/7/2025 5:12:44 PM
Great boat, great crew, as someone who has been coming to the area for a number of years and still learnt a few things would bring other guests on this great trip
D5889EZmatthews, 12/7/2025 1:23:37 AM
What a fantastic cruise !!!! Totally accommodating of our family. Drinks and snacks plentiful and the Maori carvings inspiring !!!
davewY4976CA, 12/3/2025 8:06:50 AM
Good overall trip, seemed to get a longer. trip than the. other boats. Commentary was good when you could hear which was not always the case which was a shame. Free coffee and tea was welcome but the 'cookies' were just a biscuit.
E9881TFfrancesl, 12/1/2025 10:53:40 PM
Our group of three had a wonderful trip on Ernest Kemp with skipper Pete. It was a perfect day, great views of the rock carvings and lake and the commentary from Pete was most interesting. We really enjoyed the personal stories he included which made it more enjoyable. The whole trip was outstanding and the team was friendly and welcoming. Recommend this to anyone visiting Taupo.
fkinita237, 11/27/2025 3:07:02 PM
Enjoyed our boat ride. Friendly staff. Did have to stand for a lot of the trip as there wasn't enough seats, but we enjoyed the trip. Good commentary, learnt a lot of cool things and plenty of time at the carved rock, circling the boat so everyone can have a good look and get pictures.
alexandrahU6088GV, 11/26/2025 6:45:06 PM
A fantastic experience! Friendly crew, great view of the carvings, and even the chance for a swim. I was surprised it was 2 hours long as this was a great value for money! It felt like the perfect length and was quite relaxing and peaceful being out on the water. We got some local info along with plenty of time to relax as well. I highly recommend! Also, a tip that adult tickets are as cheap as $25 using BookMe!
402sherylj, 11/26/2025 6:19:01 PM
Nice trip on the lake. The hosts were great. They provide free tea and coffee, and you can purchase snacks and cold drinks. The commentary is great to listen to. He speaks about a lot more than just the Māori rock carvings which I thpught was really good.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Well behaved dogs welcome.
Departure point
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.Return details
Ernest Kemp Cruises cruising Lake Taupo for over 30 years. We specialise in visiting the Maori Rock Carvings daily. Enjoy the history of the area and this unique replica steamboat. Friendly skipper and crew offer a live commentary and a colour brochure explaining the meaning of the carvings. Lots of great photo opportunities with viewing and seating both inside and out. Bring a towel in summer months your skipper may decide there is time for a swim in our crystal clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Free wifi on board. 4 cruises daily in the summer months, from 90 - 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, this is all included in the ticket price. Sit back and relax you will have great experience on board Ernest Kemp Cruises.Redemption
Please report directly to the boat, Berth 2 Taupo Marina. Redoubt St Taupo. Please be at the berth 10-15 minutes before cruise departure. Our crew member will meet you and check you in. Do not be concerned if the boat is not in her berth, we will be back shortly from the previous cruise. There is plenty of free parking at the marina.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund