Ernest Kemp Lake Taupo Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings

Unveil the Stories of the Māori Rock Carvings on Our Guided Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey across Lake Taupō with Ernest Kemp Cruises, the premier specialists in Māori Rock Carvings tours. Our replica steamboat offers daily cruises, providing an up-close encounter with these culturally significant carvings, accessible only by water. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies as you relax in comfortable seating, suitable for all weather conditions. With free Wi-Fi on board, you can share your experience in real-time. Join us for a 1.5 to 2-hour cruise and immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty of Lake Taupō.

Ernest Kemp Cruise Schedule and Pricing:

10:30 AM & 2:00 PM Cruises: 2-hour journey priced at $55 per adult.
12:30 PM & 4:30 PM Cruises: 1.5-hour journey priced at $50 per adult.
Children (5-15 years): $10 per child.
Infants (under 5 years): Free of charge.

Special rates are available for seniors and families.

Highlights of Taupo Ernest Kemp Cruise:

Māori Rock Carvings: Witness the intricate carvings up close, a testament to New Zealand’s rich indigenous heritage.
Scenic Views: Sail through native tree-lined bays with the majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Comfort and Amenities: Our vessel is equipped with indoor and outdoor seating, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions. Complimentary beverages and cookies are provided, and a fully licensed bar is available for additional refreshments.

For over 30 years, Ernest Kemp Cruises has been offering informative and enjoyable tours on Lake Taupō. Our experienced skippers provide live commentary, enriching your understanding of the lake’s history and cultural significance.

To secure your spot on this exceptional voyage, book your cruise today and experience the magic of Lake Taupō and its iconic Māori Rock Carvings with Ernest Kemp Cruises—a journey that blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unparalleled comfort.

Tour Time Options Aboard the Ernest Kemp on Lake Taupo

Two Hour Cruise

10:00 am & 2:00 pm

1.5 Hour Cruise

Departs: 12:30 pm

1.5 Hour Cruise

Departs: 4:30 pm

Price per adult: $55 pp
Child: $15 (ages 0 to 15)
departs: 10:00 am & 2:00 pm
Duration: 2 Hours

Price per adult: $50 pp
Child: $15 (ages 0 to 15)
departs: 12:30 pm
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Price per adult: $55 pp
Child: $15 (ages 0 to 15)
departs: 4:30 pm
Duration: 1.5 Hours approx

The Voyage of a Legend: The Ernest Kemp Story

In the early 1980s, a visionary idea was born in Kerikeri. John Elliott dreamed of a vessel that could bring the charm of the 1920s steamboats into modern times—a small, low-powered boat with a shallow draught, built to navigate New Zealand’s coastal waters with grace. Designed by Bruce Askew and brought to life by T.W. Watson Steel Boat Builders and Kempthorne Boat Builders, the vessel was constructed with native Kauri timber and robust steel.

This unique replica was christened the Ernest Kemp, in honor of Alfred Ernest Kemp, the last of the Kemp family to call Kerikeri home. Launched into Lime Burners Creek using two mighty cranes, the boat soon captured the hearts of its early passengers as it made its debut from the historic steps of the Stone Store.

However, fate had more in store. In 1981, a fierce flood reshaped the Kerikeri River Inlet, washing away many small boats and forcing the Ernest Kemp into a new chapter. The vessel, too large to maintain its scheduled routes in the altered waters, found a new beginning when local Taupō businessman Simon Dickie acquired it. Carefully transported by road, the Ernest Kemp made its way to the sparkling waters of Lake Taupō.

By December 1982, the boat was home on Lake Taupō, beginning a legacy that continues to this day. With its classic design, a blend of modern engineering and nostalgic craftsmanship, the Ernest Kemp now ferries visitors on scenic cruises. Guests marvel at not only the natural beauty of the lake and the famed Māori rock carvings but also at a piece of living history—a vessel that has witnessed decades of change and adventure.

Today, the Ernest Kemp stands as a tribute to New Zealand’s maritime heritage. Its story is a reminder that sometimes, the journey itself becomes a cherished destination.

What Visitors Say About Taupo's Ernest Kemp Cruises

Anand Harsh from India
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “Ernest Kemp Cruises was the right choice. The crew was great. It was on time and sparkling clean. The service was amazing. My whole family just loved the experience. It offered great views of the lake and carvings. The commentary was really explanatory. I would recommend the cruise to everybody travelling to Taupō.”
Patsy Rapira from Australia
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “Fantastic outing for families of all ages. Well-organised outfit, also very affordable (coffee, hot chocolate, water, biscuits & chocolate fish included). The vessel is very comfortable (the weather was not the best the day we went) & staff are informative, cheerful & helpful. The Rock was cool, and the captain made sure everyone on the vessel had good views to take photos, etc. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Echo Yan from China
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “Very nice and relaxed. Lovely staff, yummy cookies and chocolate fish.”
allesca from United Kingdom
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
- Review: “Very interesting two hours. Skipper gave lots of info about the lake and the various places along the shore. The carvings are well worth the trip, and it is always good to be out on the water.”
Konny from Germany
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “Friendly and with a lot of information.”
Lisa from Canada
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
- Review: “Cheeky, nice skipper, free tea, coffee, and cookies, and a lovely boat. It is a nice two-hour trip with the view of Mt Tongariro from the lake!”
Frank from United States
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
- Review: “Nice boat trip and interesting, quite large rock carvings. A bit disappointing to learn that the carvings are from 1972, not quite historic.”
Alan & Gill Geach from South Africa
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “Very friendly skipper who went out of his way to give us info, etc. Two kids on board, and he allowed them to drive the boat, etc. Good value for money.”
Mary Verissimo from Brazil
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
- Review: “We had beautiful weather, friendly crew, met some lovely people; all this made our trip great. The captain spent plenty of time going back and forth when viewing the carvings so everyone could get photos; ours are fantastic. Very interesting trip, well worth the money.”
Felicity Ford from United Kingdom
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Review: “We chose the Ernest Kemp Cruises, who provided excellent service; however, it is a lot of money for what you get to see. I wish I had spent my money on something better.”
Wendy van Boom from Netherlands
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
- Review: “A boat trip to the Māori Rock Carvings with free drinks and snacks. It was okay, but as a vegetarian, hardly anything to eat. You have to be early to have a good spot to sit. The swimming in the lake was short but nice.”
ebzranapia from Fiji
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Review: “My family and I traveled to Taupō today; it was in celebration of my son Pounamu’s 7th birthday, and it was his choice that he wanted to go on a boat cruise on the lake. The skipper and the deckhand lady were AWESOME. I GIVE THIS CRUISE A BIG THUMBS UP for making my son’s day so special and for singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him. IT WAS AN AWESOME CRUISE AND WOULD DO IT ALL AGAIN!!!”

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Did you enjoy the Ernest Kemp Cruise? We’d love to hear from you! Share your adventure by submitting a review and inspire future travellers to embark on a cruise on Lake Taupo. [email protected]