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The Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo are one of the most celebrated examples of Maori traditional art. One of the most striking attractions of Lake Taupo, the immense carvings adorn the cliff faces of the bay. They tower over 14 metres above the crystal-clear water.
Although the designs appear like the remains of an ancient Maori settlement, they were in fact carved by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and a team of artists over four years in the 1970s. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world. The main carving depicts Ngatoroirangi, the Maori visionary who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to Lake Taupo over a thousand years ago. Flanking Ngatoroirangi are smaller sculptures that depict kaitiaki (guardians) or tupuna (ancestors) of the local Maori tribe.
Only viewable from the water, visiting the Maori Rock Carvings is a popular boat or kayak excursion from Taupo. The experience of viewing the carvings close up as you float beneath the cliffs is one you will never forget.
- TikiTiki is the top knot that sits at the peak of Ngatoroirangi's head. It represents his ability to communicate to lo Matua Kore, the highest god in the Maori culture.
- Matakite the spiritual eye (or third eye) represents the sixth sense. It is shown here in the centre of the forehead.
- Aho/Mauri begins at the tip of the nose and runs up the centre of the nose, through the forehead, to the bottom of the TikiTiki, representing the connection to the spiritual world.
- Te Haa is the spirit wind and is depicted on the bridge of Ngatoroirangi's nose, representing Ngatoroirangi's discernment and intuition.
- Whatukura is the design on the upper lip. It depicts the angel that represents the most sacred bird in Maori culture, the White Kotuku. The White Kotuku carried the three baskets of knowledge from the spiritual world to earth.
- Matakokiri is the design that runs over Ngatoroirangi's top and bottom lip. It is symbolic of the waka (canoe) belonging to a powerful god from the celestial realm Puhaorangi, an ancestor of Ngatoroirangi's.
- Mareikura is shown on Ngatoroirangi's chin, the symbolism being the Hokioi (Haast Eagle) who is the messenger between God and man. These two symbols (including Whatakura) on Ngatoroirangi's face gave him the rank of High Priest.
Well behaved dogs are always welcomed on board.
Enjoy a scenic cruise in any weather condition with fun, informative commentary of the history of the Maori Rock Carvings and the surrounding lake area.
With comfortable seating both inside and out, bathroom facilities and a licensed bar, we’ll ensure your cruise on the Ernest Kemp is warm and comfortable.
Don’t forget to have a look at the beautiful art piece on board by master carver, Matahi Whakataka Brightwell.
⭐ Ernest Kemp is back from a major refurbishment! Come and check out the stunning new livery! ⭐
Information we collect & how we use it
We collect personal information from you, including information about your name and contact information, in order to make bookings.
Besides our staff, we only share this information with REZDY for external processing to make the bookings. We do not share personal information with companies, organisations and individuals outside of Ernest Kemp or REZDY.
Transparency & choice
Providing some information is optional. If you choose not to enter your contact details, we’ll be unable to make bookings.
Information security
Our website is encrypted with SSL to protect Ernest Kemp and our users from unauthorised access to or unauthorised alteration, disclosure or destruction of information we hold.
Accessing & updating your personal information
You have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, please click here to contact us.
Reservations
All prices stated are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Reservations may be amended to another date or time subject to space and availability. No charge is made for this amendment but any difference in price will need to be paid by the client.
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations made by the client within 24 hours or on the day of travel are not entitled to a refund.
Ernest Kemp cruises reserved to right to cancel cruise departures, amend timetables, substitute vessels at any time for safety or operational reasons including adverse weather conditions or vessel maintenance. In the event of a cruise be cancelled prior to departure by Ernest Kemp Cruises you will be given a full refund or the opportunity to change your booking date.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety for our clients and crew is Ernest Kemp’s primary concern. Prior to every cruise departure the Skipper will give a clear safety briefing. Please listen carefully and comply with all aspects of safety advice. All passengers while on one of our vessels must act in a safe and reasonable manner, observe all instructions from crew, not smoke, and not interfere with or use emergency equipment.
Swimming
In summer if conditions allow we stop for passengers to take a swim. Please only swim if you are a competent swimmer.
Liability
Ernest Kemp cruises and its employers will not be responsible for any loss, damage, cost or injury suffered by passengers or loss or damage to a passenger’s property.
Promotional Purposes
Photographs or videos of passengers may be used by Ernest Kemp Cruises for promotional purposes. Please advise crew if you do not wish to have your image used.
Liquor License & Laws
Ernest Kemp Cruises is fully licensed for sale and supply of alcohol. New Zealand Liquor Laws require consumption and sale strictly to persons 18 years and over. You will be asked for ID so please do not be offended. The Skipper has the right to refuse passengers on board if they are intoxicated. There will be no refund given if a passenger is refused from boarding due to being intoxicated.
Credit Card Details
All credit card payments are processed securely through ANZ Bank New Zealand. Ernest Kemp does not store any credit card information on our servers.
Where do I board my cruise?
Ernest Kemp cruises is located at Berth 2 at the Taupo Marina, Redoubt St or Ferry Rd, Taupo.
When do I board my cruise?
If you have purchased tickets please report directly to the boat at Berth 2 15 minutes prior to departure. If you would like to purchase tickets please head to the black booking office at the Taupo Marina.
Where can I park?
There is generally plenty of parking available close to the boat and booking office. There is no time restriction on the carparks at the harbour.
Are there any passenger ability restrictions?
We like to be able to welcome everyone on board, however we do have steps to access the boarding wharf and steps to board the boat. Our crew are happy to assist but if you have any concerns please contact us and we can discuss your best options.
What about the weather? Do you still cruise if it is rough?
We have been cruising the lake in all conditions for 35 years. The vessel is excellent in all weather. We have comfortable seating both inside and out. The lake can get rough but the Ernest Kemp with its heavy steel hull ensures your cruise is as smooth as possible. You will be advised before your cruise if it is windy and rough and if you suffer from seasickness you can choose not to cruise. Safety is paramount at all times. Be assured we will not cruise if it is too rough. Often rough lake trips add to the adventure and excitement.
What do I need to bring with me?
Must haves:
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Swimwear and towel in summer
- A light jacket or sweater if the weather is cool
Are there bathrooms on board?
Yes, we have 2 bathrooms on board.
Can I take my child’s stroller on board?
We have to be aware of obstacles blocking walkways & passageways so we may ask you to stow your stroller downstairs in the galley or if possible to leave in your vehicle. If, however, passenger numbers on your cruise are very light and there is a lot of space, then yes we are happy for you to have the stroller for your child.
May we bring our own food?
Ernest Kemp Cruises offers a selection of light food and beverages for you to purchase on board. In consideration for your fellow passengers we ask you to refrain from bringing food on board. You are welcome to bring a water bottle, or hot beverage only. Our onboard tea, coffee & water are also complimentary.
If you would like to enquire about a Private Charter aboard Ernest Kemp, please flll in our form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Call Us
+6421669139
Find Us
Harbour Booking Office
65 Redoubt Street, Taupo
Berth 2, Taupo Marina
OPEN HOURS
Winter: 9:30am - 2:30pm
Summer: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Our Team
Skippers
Ian Cammell
Jordan Bird
Simon Debenham
Crew
Lilly Battell
Linda MacDonald
Well behaved dogs are always welcomed on board.
Enjoy a scenic cruise in any weather condition with fun, informative commentary of the history of the Maori Rock Carvings and the surrounding lake area.
With comfortable seating both inside and out, bathroom facilities and a licensed bar, we’ll ensure your cruise on the Ernest Kemp is warm and comfortable.
Don’t forget to have a look at the beautiful art piece on board by master carver, Matahi Whakataka Brightwell.
Cruising Lake Taupo for 40 Years
Unique to New Zealand, this replica steam boat is 14.5 meters long (47ft), weighs just over 20 tonnes, and has a draught of one metre (3ft), which means it will operate in shallow waters safely. It is powered by two four-cylinder ford diesel engines (73Hp), producing an average speed of approximately 9 knots.
The steering wheel was one of two winding reels mounted on both sides of a horse-drawn hose-reel used by fire brigades years ago in New Zealand.
The steam whistle was originally from a New Zealand bush steam locomotive engine that operated hauling logs years ago in the Central North Island.
Our Story
1980
First conceived as an idea by John Elliott from Kerikeri, and designed by Bruce Askew from Wellington.
John wanted a small, low powered, shallow draught vessel that would carry approximately 50 passengers, and to look like a 1920s steamboat.
T.W. Watson Steel Boat Builders built the steel hull section, while Kempthorne Boat Builders built the upper wooden super structure.
Based in Whangarei, and using native Kauri timber, both builders completed the boat in around three months.
The top section, when completed, was moved a short distance to where the hull was, then lifted and lowered into place, a perfect fit.
The boat was named after
Alfred Ernest Kemp,
the last member of the Kemp family to live at Kemp House, Kerikeri.
The Ernest Kemp was launched into Lime Burners Creek in Whangarei using two cranes.
On 6 December 1980, the boat then began to take passengers from the Stone Store’s steps and down the Kerikeri Inlet, proving to be a big success.
1981
Three months into 1981, a horrendous flood smashed down the Kerikeri River Inlet and washed many of the small boats downstream from their moorings, including the Ernest Kemp.
Later that same day, the Ernest Kemp was seen rounding up small craft that had been washed downstream.
The volume of water from this flood took the water level up to the bottom of the Stone Store’s lower windows. This flood also brought silt into the river and created a new problem – there was not enough depth of water for some of the larger boats to navigate all of the Kerikeri River, except for at high tide.
The Ernest Kemp, being one of the larger boats, could no longer keep its scheduled cruising times.
Many meetings and letters passed between the local council and the boaties, as to who should pay for the dredging of one part of the channel to enable boats to navigate the Kerikeri Inlet during low water levels. Unfortunately no group would accept responsibility, so for John Elliott it meant selling his boat – the Ernest Kemp.
The Ernest Kemp was bought by local Taupo businessman,
Simon Dickie,
and it cruised to the port of Tauranga where the funnel and mast were removed.
The boat was lifted out of the salt water and placed onto a large transporter, where it was brought slowly by road to Lake Taupo.
1982
On 7 December 1982, the Ernest Kemp felt the fresh water on its hull in its new home,
Lake Taupo.
