Name: Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp
SKU: 116518P1
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (1059 reviews)

WizardTrip

Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

4.7(1.1 k)· Taupo· By ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES

Free cancellation

From

€31per person

1 to 15 travelers per booking.

Options2 of 3 available on this day

Time

1 × Adult × €31€31

Total€31

About the activity

Ernest Kemp Cruises has been sailing on Lake Taupo for over 30 years, specializing in daily visits to the Maori Rock Carvings. Experience the rich history of the region aboard this unique replica steamboat. Our friendly skipper and crew provide live commentary and a colorful brochure explaining the significance of the carvings. Enjoy ample photo opportunities with both indoor and outdoor seating and viewing areas. In the summer months, bring a towel as your skipper might offer a chance to swim in the crystal-clear lake. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are served onboard, along with free WiFi. During summer, we offer four daily cruises lasting between 90 and 120 minutes. Our popular 5 pm Cocktail Cruise includes a couple of complimentary glasses of wine or beer and pizza, all covered by the ticket price. Relax and anticipate a memorable experience with Ernest Kemp Cruises.

What's included

✓Complimentary WiFi access on board
✓Live commentary provided by the skipper and crew
✓Complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies
✓Scenic cruise experience on the Ernest Kemp

What is not included

✕Snacks and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase
✕Hotel pick-up and drop-off services

Itinerary

1
Maori Rock Carvings
Enjoy a relaxing cruise across the picturesque Lake Taupo to witness the renowned Maori Rock Carvings with Ernest Kemp Cruises. Complimentary hot beverages and Free WiFi are available onboard. Cruises range from 90 to 120 minutes, offering excellent opportunities for photography. The vessel features comfortable seating both inside and outside. Listen to live commentary about the lake and the history of the local area.
· 1 h 30 min· Admission included

How to use your ticket

Your booking confirmation can be presented as a mobile or paper ticket.

Meeting point and return

Proceed directly to the boat, located at Berth 2, Taupo Marina, Redoubt Street.

Please check in with the boat 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Your booking will be listed on the manifest and a crew member will greet you.

Proceed directly to the boat, located at Berth 2, Taupo Marina, Redoubt Street.

Please check in with the boat 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Your booking will be listed on the manifest and a crew member will greet you.

Please make your way directly to the boat at Berth 2, Taupo Marina, Redoubt Street.

Arrive at the berth 10-15 minutes prior to the cruise departure time.

A crew member will meet you for check-in. Do not worry if the boat is not at its berth upon your arrival; it will return shortly from its previous cruise.

Ample free parking is available at the marina.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Service animals are permitted on board.
Access to public transportation is convenient from the nearby area.
The activity is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the cruise.

Activity options

12:30 PM 1.5 Hour Cruise
Maori Rock Carving Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
10:30 AM & 2 PM 2 Hour Cruise
4:30 PM 1.5 Hour Cruise
4:30 PM 1.5 Hour Cruise: Journey to the Maori Rock Carvings, with a potential swimming opportunity at the skipper's discretion.
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

Duration

1 h 50 à 2 h

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive at the marina 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Bring a towel during summer for a potential swim.
Enjoy the complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies.
Take advantage of the free WiFi onboard.
Capture stunning photos of the lake and carvings.
Consider the 5 pm Cocktail Cruise for a special evening experience.

Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Taupo to witness the magnificent Maori Rock Carvings aboard the historic Ernest Kemp steamboat.

Cancellation conditions

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Any questions?

Product code: 116518P1

Activity offered by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Families
Couples
Solo travelers
History enthusiasts
Nature lovers

Activity essentials

Scenic cruise on Lake Taupo
Visit the famous Maori Rock Carvings
Live commentary on local history and sights
Complimentary refreshments onboard
Stunning photo opportunities
Unique replica steamboat experience

Taupo: good to know

Population: 25,400 (2020)
Elevation: 360 m
Currency: New Zealand dollar
Official languages: Māori, English
Driving: on the left
Power plugs: I · 230 V
Emergency number: 111
Capital city: Wellington

Average temperatures

15°Jan
16°Feb
14°Mar
10°Apr
8°May
5°Jun
4°Jul
5°Aug
7°Sept
8°Oct
11°Nov
13°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

What is the duration of the cruises?

Cruises range from 90 to 120 minutes, with specific durations for each departure time.

Are there refreshments available on board?

Yes, complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are provided. Additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Can I swim in the lake during the cruise?

During the summer months, the skipper may offer the opportunity for a swim at their discretion.

Is there WiFi on the boat?

Yes, free WiFi is available for all passengers.

What should I do if the boat is not at the berth when I arrive?

Do not be concerned; the boat will return shortly from its previous cruise. Please wait at the berth, and a crew member will meet you.

Reviews

4.74.7(1.1 k)

5 stars

815

4 stars

184

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Viator review
Very knowledgeable talk....
Trudy_M, October 2026
Very knowledgeable talk. Crew were very helpful and friendly. The boat was a beautiful vessel and the colours were great.
★★★★★Viator review
Great Journey on on a Great Lake
Fleur_B, October 2026
Get ready for a couple of hours of an interesting journey across a huge beautiful lake. Great skippered team. Everybody enjoyed the trip. Worth it!!
Response from the operator · Departure32244933589
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so pleased to hear everyone enjoyed their time out on the lake with our skipper and crew. It’s wonderful to know you found the cruise worthwhile and enjoyed exploring the beautiful Lake Taupō and Māori rock carvings with us. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
★★★★★Viator review
I wouldn't say it's a...
Solange_G, October 2026
I wouldn't say it's a must do activity. The tour guides and all around was really nice and good, I just thought that there were more of the carvings.
Response from the operator · Departure32244933589
Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear you found our crew friendly and informative and enjoyed the overall experience aboard the Ernest Kemp. We are sorry to hear the carvings didn’t quite meet your expectations. While we understand everyone has different preferences, the Māori rock carvings are a world-renowned cultural treasure, highly regarded by visitors from around the world. As our cruise is specifically designed to take guests across the lake to view these carvings, we do feel it is important to distinguish between the cruise experience itself and personal expectations of the carvings. We appreciate you joining us and taking the time to share your thoughts. Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
★★★★★Viator review
The crew were friendly...
Gwen_L, October 2026
The crew were friendly and informative which made for a very pleasant boat trip, We were lucky to have beautiful weather and a calm lake!
Response from the operator · Departure32244933589
Thank you for your lovely review! We’re glad you enjoyed your cruise with our friendly crew and had beautiful weather and a calm lake to take in the Māori rock carvings. We appreciate you joining us aboard the Ernest Kemp! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team
★★★★★Viator review
Such a wonderful experience 🩷
Isabella_W, October 2026
I went with my aunt, we had such an amazing time! Best experience of my whole trip. Such a cute boat, no matter where you were sat you would have a lovely view of the mountains and the carvings. The captain and friend were so happy to be there and give us the best experience.
Response from the operator · Departure32244933589
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you and your aunt had such an amazing time and that it was a highlight of your trip. The views of the mountains and Māori rock carvings really are something special, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to our skipper and crew. Thanks for joining us aboard the Ernest Kemp! Warm regards, The Ernest Kemp Team

5 activities · New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand, has 5 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Taupo

5 in the catalogue

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Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving

from €176★ 5.0

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from €34★ 4.6

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from €96★ 4.8

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Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

from €31★ 4.7

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All activities · Taupo · 5

02On the water

Boats & cruises in Taupo

2 activities

Free cancellation

Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo

from €34★ 4.6

Free cancellation

Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

from €31★ 4.7

Frequently asked questions about Taupo

What is there to do in Taupo?

Taupo has 5 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving », « Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo », « Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo ».

What are the top-rated activities in Taupo?

According to traveller reviews: « Lake Taupo 12,000-Foot Tandem Skydiving » (5.0/5, 454 reviews) ; « Waikato River Jet Boat Ride from Taupo » (4.9/5, 1,476 reviews) ; « Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride in Taupo » (4.8/5, 737 reviews).