Ernest Kemp Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupo to the Maori Rock Carvings
Ernest Kemp Scenic Cruise on Lake Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings
Cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō aboard the iconic Ernest Kemp and discover the world-famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. This relaxing scenic boat trip offers live commentary, excellent photo opportunities, and uninterrupted views of New Zealand’s largest lake. A must-do Lake Taupō experience for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
Unveil the Stories of the Māori Rock Carvings on a Guided Lake Taupō Boat Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable scenic cruise across Lake Taupō aboard the iconic Ernest Kemp, specialists in Māori Rock Carvings tours. This relaxing boat trip takes you to the famous Mine Bay carvings—accessible only by water—while enjoying live commentary, panoramic lake views, and excellent photo opportunities. With comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary tea and coffee, and daily departures, this is one of the most popular boat cruises on Lake Taupō.
Ernest Kemp Lake Taupō Cruise – Quick Facts:
🚤 Cruise length: 1.5–2 hours
🗿 Main highlight: Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
📍 Departure point: Taupō Harbour
👨👩👧 Suitable for: All ages
🎙 Onboard commentary: Live skipper commentary
☕ Amenities: Tea, coffee & snacks included
Special rates are available for seniors and families.
Highlights of the Ernest Kemp Māori Rock Carvings Cruise:
- Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
Get up close to the impressive Ngātoroirangi carvings, a powerful symbol of Māori culture and history. - Scenic Lake Taupō Views
Cruise past native bush-lined bays with uninterrupted views across New Zealand’s largest lake. - Comfortable Boat Experience
Enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary tea, coffee and cookies, plus a fully licensed bar for additional refreshments. - Live Commentary
Knowledgeable skippers share stories of the carvings, local legends, and the history of Lake Taupō.
Book Your Ernest Kemp Lake Taupō Cruise
Secure your place on one of Lake Taupō’s most iconic boat trips and experience the Māori Rock Carvings from the water. With daily departures, flexible cruise durations, and family-friendly pricing, the Ernest Kemp scenic cruise is a must-do Taupō experience.
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 imagined a vessel that captured the charm of 1920s steamboats while embracing modern engineering—a low-powered boat with a shallow draught, designed to navigate New Zealand’s waters with ease.
Designed by Bruce Askew and built by T.W. Watson Steel Boat Builders and Kempthorne Boat Builders, the vessel combined native kauri timber with steel construction. It was named Ernest Kemp, honouring Alfred Ernest Kemp, the last of the Kemp family to live in Kerikeri.
After a dramatic flood in 1981 reshaped the Kerikeri River Inlet, the Ernest Kemp began a new chapter when Taupō businessman Simon Dickie relocated the vessel to Lake Taupō. By December 1982, the boat had found its permanent home.
Today, the Ernest Kemp continues its legacy on Lake Taupō, offering scenic cruises to the Māori Rock Carvings and standing as a living piece of New Zealand’s maritime history—where the journey itself is as memorable as the destination.
Ernest Kemp Lake Taupō Cruise – Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from a scenic cruise on Lake Taupō with Ernest Kemp?
A scenic cruise on Lake Taupō aboard the Ernest Kemp offers relaxing lake views, live onboard commentary, and an up-close visit to the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. The cruise features comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, complimentary tea and coffee, and daily departures suitable for all ages.
How do I learn about the Māori Rock Carvings during the cruise?
During the cruise, experienced skippers provide live commentary explaining the history, cultural significance, and stories behind the Māori Rock Carvings. You’ll also hear local legends and insights into Lake Taupō’s landscape and heritage.
What cruise times and prices are available for Ernest Kemp cruises?
Ernest Kemp cruises operate daily with departures at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, and 4:30pm. Prices start from $50 per adult for a 1.5-hour cruise and $55 per adult for a 2-hour cruise, with discounted fares available for children, seniors, and families.
What is the history of the Ernest Kemp vessel?
The Ernest Kemp was designed in the early 1980s to reflect the charm of 1920s steamboats. Built using native kauri timber and steel, the vessel has been cruising Lake Taupō since 1982 and is now an iconic part of the region’s maritime history.
What do visitors say about the Ernest Kemp Lake Taupō cruise?
Visitors consistently rate the Ernest Kemp cruise highly, praising the friendly crew, informative commentary, scenic lake views, and comfortable onboard experience. Many reviews describe it as a must-do activity in Taupō, often awarding 4.5 to 5-star ratings.
