We enjoyed a lovely, relaxing cruise on Lake Taupo. The captain and crew were attentive to guests and maintained a lively narrative. The rock carvings were wonderful to see.

Great staff. Sunset trip was well worth it. Great views and weather. Many people on other cruises on hen and stag nights (what a menace lol). Don’t know if I would go during the day.

You have a choice of 2 main companies to see the carvings, and in hindsight probably wished we had got on the other boat. At 1st could barely hear the commentary. Asked for the sound to be turned up and it was a little. When the captain turned up the sound for the 3rd time, it was probably sufficient. However there were too many screaming kids and adults who had just gone on the water to enjoy a few drinks and have a chat so listening to the commentary was a struggle. The carvings were excellent and to be fair this boat got closer to them.

We along with another couple really enjoyed our 12.30pm (1.5hr) boat trip over to view the Māori carving. Although it was a bit windy the boat handled the chop well and staff were excellent

A wonderful trip out on Lake Taupo. Takes around 2 hrs and is very comfortable and relaxing. Good commentary and friendly staff. The carvings are awesome and they give you plenty of time for photos and viewing. Well worth it and highly recommend you do it.

Was an interesting cruise with informative friendly host. Lovely day weather was awesome. would recommend to those visiting Taupo

With NZ borders closed to overseas tourists because of COVID-19, numbers are down at all attractions. The “Ernest Kemp” sailed from Taupo marina with just four paying passengers, plus the charming young woman who is the tour guide on board. The ship was built in 1980, but in an older style. There is seating both inside and out. It chugs gently rather than racing and bumping on the lake. The boat has been kept in excellent condition. All the paintwork is fresh and clean. A pleasure to be on board. Tea and coffee are complementary, and there is a liquor licence allowing the sale of a small range of beers and wine. The tour to the Māori carving takes just over an hour, and finishes with a run along the cbd lake front. The commentary is informative. We had perfect weather and it was exceedingly pleasant being out on the water.

We were very lucky, super calm day. Clean well maintained boat, knowledge staff and they different over do the talking which makes a nice change. Free tea and coffee and a cookie

Lovely boat trip with knowledgeable staff. Without being asked, they reserved tables on the boat so our extended family could sit together. That consideration was appreciated.

Beautiful day, calm water and enjoyable history on the cruise. Food was great, and a nice beer on the water was enjoyable. Classic Tugboat style allowed for a very relaxing trip.

The evening tour was exordinary, hot pizza and cold beer and new zealand wines. Supprisingly they dropped a lether to water in the middle of the lake, I just could not help myself to drum in without swimmer and had a good swam.

We booked this tour and we all (6) enjoyed it enormously. We did the 17.00 hrs sailing. The boat was immaculately clean and tidy. The first mate was a joy, helpful, courteous and just a really nice young man. We were given a complimentary drink and pizza, other drinks could be purchased. The captain gave a short and informative talk and then let us take in the surroundings at our leisure. The lake was like a millpond, but be aware it can get a bit bumpy.

We choose this tour because of others’ review first: it’s not a big boat and not many people on it; because of its small size, it could also reach area that big boat couldn’t access. The captain and the lady staff are both very nice, they even let my son try the boat steering wheel for a “steering certificate”. The captain is also very knowledgeable, explained the tour and information we need to know about the site! The tour also includes 10mins of lake swimming that the brave ones could give a try in the cold lake. Highly recommend to others who is looking for a small, quite, and fun lake tour!

Friendly staff. Awesome little cruise. Very informative commentator/cruise driver. Comfortalbe.They allow you to swim in the lake near the maori rock carvings, an added bonus.

We booked this last minute, but were very happy with the service. Great boat, great time seeing Taupo from the lake! Absolutely worth it.