Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Cruise: Ernest Kemp Steamboat
Ernest Kemp takes you past carvings most Lake Taupō visitors never see
A scenic cruise on Lake Taupō aboard the Ernest Kemp, a replica steamboat, visits the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay with live commentary from the skipper and crew. The boat carries complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies; free WiFi is available on board. Cruises run 90 to 120 minutes, with four departures daily in summer. The 6:30pm Cocktail Cruise includes complimentary wine or beer and pizza at no extra cost.
1h 50m–2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings
- Board Ernest Kemp Cruises
- Cruise Lake Taupo
- Enjoy live commentary
- View Maori Rock Carvings
- Take photos inside and outside
- Enjoy complimentary hot beverages
- Use free WiFi on board
- Optional swim in lake (summer)
- Disembark after 90-120 minutes
The Experience
Lake Taupō's Māori Rock Carvings sit on a cliff face across the water at Mine Bay, and most visitors never make the trip to see them. The Ernest Kemp gets you there — a replica steamboat that has been running these cruises for over 30 years. The skipper and crew provide live commentary on the lake's history and the meaning of the carvings as you approach, and you get a colour brochure to take with you. Seating is both inside and out, so you can stay warm or move to the deck for photos depending on the weather.
The cruise runs between 90 and 120 minutes depending on conditions and which departure you choose. Six daily options span from 9am to 6:30pm, so you can fit it around the rest of your day. Complimentary hot beverages and cookies come with every ticket; snacks and drinks are available for purchase if you want more. Free WiFi means you can upload photos or stay connected while you're on the water. In summer months, the skipper may offer time for a swim in the lake if the conditions allow — bring a towel if that appeals to you.
The 6:30pm Evening Cruise is the only departure that includes complimentary wine or beer and pizza as part of the ticket price, making it a different kind of outing if you're looking for something beyond the standard daytime cruises. All other times stick to the hot drinks and cookies format. Dogs are welcome on board if they're well-behaved, and service animals travel free.
What’s included
- Live commentary from the skipper and crew explaining the Māori Rock Carvings and the lake's history.
- complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies.
- free WiFi on board.
- comfortable seating both inside and out for viewing and photography. The 6:30pm Cocktail Cruise adds complimentary wine or beer and pizza.
Operated by ERNEST KEMP SCENIC CRUISES
Is this one for you?Pick a morning or early afternoon departure if you want the clearest light for photos of the carvings and the lake. The 6:30pm Cocktail Cruise works better if you're looking for an evening outing with food and wine included in the ticket price, rather than just hot drinks and cookies.
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Top questions
What are the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay?
The carvings are Māori rock art on a cliff face across Lake Taupō that you can only reach by boat. The Ernest Kemp's skipper explains their meaning and history as the boat approaches, and you receive a colour brochure with details about each carving.
How many times a day does the Ernest Kemp cruise?
Four cruises run daily in the summer months, departing at 9am, 10:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm, and two evening options at 6:30pm. Each cruise lasts between 90 and 120 minutes depending on conditions and the specific departure time.
What's included with the ticket price?
Every ticket includes the scenic cruise, live commentary from the skipper and crew, complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, and free WiFi on board. The 6:30pm Cocktail Cruise also includes complimentary wine or beer and pizza.
Can I bring my dog on the Ernest Kemp?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on board, and service animals travel at no extra charge. The boat has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can find a comfortable spot for your dog during the cruise.
Is there a chance to swim during the cruise?
In summer months, the skipper may decide there is time for a swim in the lake if conditions allow. If you think you might swim, bring a towel with you.
Which departure is best if I want food and drinks included?
The 6:30pm Evening Cruise is the only departure that includes complimentary wine or beer and pizza as part of the ticket price. All other departures include only hot beverages and cookies; additional snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Cruise: Ernest Kemp Steamboat
1h 50m–2h · EN
from NZ$ 50 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.681,040 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
