Ernest Kemp: Lake Taupo Maori Carvings Cruise
4.6
801 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
  • Free WiFi on board
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate & cookies
  • Live commentary from skipper & crew
  • Scenic cruise on Ernest Kemp
What's Not Included
  • Meals (except pizza & drinks on Cocktail Cruise)
  • 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
4.6
(801 Ratings)
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Shekhar67
Aug 30, 2025
Once only - Life time experience and ones only. We hired a stabby to visit the rock carvings. Its great experience to watch. All kindly of boats are available to visit the place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
76hpb
Aug 26, 2025
Amazing - Had an amazing trip aboard the Ernest Kemp boat we took our snacks however snack are available on board which is amazing coffee and tea is free on board aswell as a complimentary biscuit. My baby got ti gi up the front and drive the boat with the captain which she absolutely loved so made the trip extra special and the captain has alot.of knowledge to share well worth the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anail1741lv
Aug 24, 2025
Awesome Lake views - Nice views, really kind staff. It was cold and there were some waves but the captain and the staff made the trip safe and warm. Great experience to see this huge and amazing lake
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joanne309
Aug 21, 2025
Great trip - would recommend! - Great boat trip observing a unique Maori carving! The tour was well organised and blankets were provided if you were cold out on the lake.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nina_s
Aug 18, 2025
Lake cruise - Lovely trip on a smaller boat. Staff friendly and informative. Ensured all could take photos of rock carvings. Nice to have complimentary tea, coffee and cookies!
Review provided by Viator
911oao
Aug 16, 2025
Take this boat road - What a great trip across the lake with a very informative and funny skipper. The young lady looking after the guests was super friendly and kind. Definitely put this on your to do list.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharpkevin26
Aug 13, 2025
Excellent cruise to the Moari Rock Carvings on board the Ernest Kemp - An excellent trip all round, highly recommended. We've lived in the area for some time and was aware of the carvings, but just hadn't got around to booking a trip. We're so glad that we chose the Ernest Kemp cruise, a beautiful boat with excellent staff. Heaps of time to photograph everything up close and very good knowledge from the skipper on the history of the carvings and its creator. Fabulous value for money and a great way to spend a couple of hours when you're in Taupo. Just be aware that if you're booking through Tripadvisor that you may be quoted in a currency other than your own country's currency - we thought we'd got a real bargain on our tickets to find out later that the quoted price was in US$ and not NZ$. It was still however great value for money :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W5030zmandreaa
Jul 13, 2025
There is never a bad day on the water! - Our plans changed during the morning and the crew allowed us to shift our booking from the afternoon to the morning cruise. Although the weather was rainy, the crew ensured everyone had a good time. The staff were engaging, informative and great to chat with. We had a large stuffed kiwi bird travelling with and they even took photos with her!! The weather improved as we got further out from Taupō and the lake smoothed out. As for the rock carvings…magnificent!! We got so close that it felt as if we could touch the carvings themselves. Thank you to the staff for proving a phenomenal experience for us. We will never forget our time in the lake with you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
754mathewb
Jul 12, 2025
Excellent option for Taupō Cruise - Great experience with a knowable and accommodating crew. Great experience and value for the price. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happiness31421273866
Jul 12, 2025
Cruising Lake Taupo - We had an awesome trip around to the Maori carvings. The skipper was very informative and had great control of his vessel. The young lady assisting him was very friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend them 👍😁
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Check Availability
From $29
From $29
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Select a date
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).