About Ernest Kemp Cruises
Ernest Kemp Cruises has been sailing Lake Taupō for over 30 years aboard their charming replica steamboat, the Ernest Kemp. Departing from Berth 2 at the Taupō Marina, the vessel offers a relaxed and scenic two-hour cruise to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay — one of New Zealand's most significant cultural landmarks carved into a 14-metre cliff face.
The cruise runs daily year-round, with four departures in summer and two in winter. On board, passengers enjoy complimentary hot drinks, cookies, and a postcard, along with a fully licensed bar. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating makes the experience enjoyable in all weather conditions, and complimentary Wi-Fi keeps passengers connected. Commentary throughout the voyage covers the ecology, volcanology, and cultural history of the Lake Taupō region.
The Ernest Kemp's charm lies in its old-world steamboat character set against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of the Taupō caldera. It is a gentler, more relaxed alternative to the larger catamaran cruises, and the smaller vessel allows for a more intimate experience as you approach the rock carvings up close.
