Daily Māori Rock Carvings & Lakefront Cruise

A relaxed 2 hour cruise along the Taupō Lakefront and the treelined bays to visit the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. Get up close to capture the perfect photo opportunity of the expert craftmanship and details of the Māori Rock Carvings. Towering 14m above the waters of Lake Taupō the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings have become a “must do” tourist attraction in the North Island.

Departures: 10.30am & 2pm
Duration: 120 minutes

What’s Included

Live Informative Commentary, our skippers share their knowledge of the history of the lake and surrounding areas, and the cultural significance of the Māori Rock Carvings.
Complimentary Tea, Coffee & Cookies
Kids can visit the skipper to receive a Wheel Certificate.

Comfortable seating both inside and out.
Swimming – if conditions allow.
Licensed Bar on board.
Free WiFi.

PRICES

Adults: $55
Children (0-15yr): $15
Senior (65+): $50
Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children): $130

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A must do in Taupō

This was an excellent lake cruise around the lake to the stone carving, with free tea, coffee and biscuits. Boat is also dog friendly which is why we booked and glad we did.

Josh M – Hamilton, NZ (June 2025)

Worth a trip on the water

We went for the 2 hr tour in the morning, which was the perfect duration, and got plenty of time to take in the view. Had a nice amount of commentary from the captain about specific points along the way.

Madie G – Wellington, NZ (June 2025)

Great
experience

The staff was friendly and really great!
On the way back to the marina, the captain even let the children on the boat have a chance to drive for a bit which was super fun for our little one!

William M (June 2025)

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Additional Information

Camera!
Sunhat, Sunscreen & Sunglasses.
Light Jacket, appropriate layers for the weather.
Swimwear and towel… if conditions allow we stop for a swim.

There is generally plenty of free parking available close to the boat at the Taupo Marina.

We like to be able to welcome everyone on board, we do have steps to access the boat and steps on the boarding wharf. Our crew are happy to assist, if you have any concerns please contact us to discuss. We cannot take strollers for children as the can block access ways on the boat. If it is very quiet we are happy to take your stroller on board.

In summer, on the 2 hour cruises, if conditions are suitable, we stop for passengers to take a short swim. Please only swim if you are a competent swimmer. No swimming in jeans or long pants allowed. Please bring your own towel.

The Lake can get very rough! We have been cruising the lake in all conditions for over 40 years.

The Ernest Kemp with its heavy steel hull will ensure your cruise is as smooth as possible. If the lake is windy and rough you will be advised and if you suffer from motion sickness you can choose to cruise another day or receive a refund. Safety is paramount! be assured we will not cruise if we think it is too rough.

Cancellations made by the client within 24 hours of the departure day/time will incur the full booking price. NO refunds will be given.

Ernest Kemp Cruises reserves the right to cancel cruise departures, amend timetables, substitute vessels at any time for safety and operational reasons including adverse weather conditions or vessel maintenance. In the event of a cruise being cancelled prior to departure by the operator you will be given a full refund or the opportunity to change your booking time/date.

There will be NO refunds or transfers given for “no shows” or late arrivals by the client for your cruise.

Health & Safety for our clients and crew is Ernest Kemp Cruises primary concern. Prior to every cruise departure your Skipper will give a clear safety briefing. Please listen carefully and comply with all aspects of the safety advice. All passengers while on one of our cruises must act in a safe and respectful manner, observe all instructions from the crew, not smoke and not interfere with emergency equipment.

Ernest Kemp Cruises or their employees will not be liable for any property loss or damage, personal injury or suffering while participating in an activity with Ernest Kemp Cruises.

The skippers word is final. We have the right to refuse passengers on board if they are intoxicated or if in our opinion that they present a safety risk to themselves or that of another person.

We recommend you book online through our website. Online bookings will be confirmed by email. Phone bookings are accepted. Credit Card payment will be required to secure phone bookings.

All prices stated on our website are in NZ Dollars and incl Goods & Services Tax (GST). Prices are subject to change without notice.

All credit card payments are processed securely through a payment gateway/ANZ bank NZ. Ernest Kemp Cruises does not store and credit card information on our servers.

Ernest Kemp Cruises is fully licensed for the sale and supply of alcohol. Any sale or consumption of alcohol is strictly limited to persons 18 years and over. You may be asked to provide ID for proof of age, please do not be offended.

Photographs or videos take by Ernest Kemp Cruises may be used for advertising and social media. Please advise crew if you do not wish to have your image used. No flying of drones are allowed over the lake from the Ernest Kemp Vessel.

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