Ernest Kemp Cruises — Local services in North Island

Adi and her team hosted our family for a private charter to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday.

I give my highest recommendations of the charming Ernest Kemp boat, staff and experience.

This was such a nice way to celebrate a special occasion. Our group was kept to around 30, in order to seat everybody inside comfortably if necessary if the weather was not favourable. And that number was just lovely.

The usual wines, soft drinks and pizzas (and some extra sweet slices!) were provided and very much enjoyed by all. Gluten free pizzas were also offered.

We were able to play out own music over the sound system, but still had some commentary about the Lake provided by the Captain as well. We were also able to use the mic to give speeches.

I wanted to have some special items placed on the boat before everybody arrived (a cake, some flowers and a photo) and the staff were so helpful with this, letting me deliver them earlier in the day and then setting them up so nicely on the boat.

They also provided some extra balloons which were an unexpected touch.

We had some guests who hadn't seen the Maori carvings, so the team made a particular effort to get us around to see them, even though it meant we were going through a bit of choppy water. We all got a bit of rocking and rolling and it was great fun.

I considered the price to be very affordable for a group of this size.

I simply cannot recommend the Ernest...

Had a great trip with the Ernest Kemp folks today. Other reviewers have mentioned disappointment at the content of the trip but can only think they didn’t read the description carefully. This is a pleasant boat ride to and from the very impressive Maori rock carving of Ngatoroirangi.

The crew were fantastic. A very warm welcome from Sam set the tone for the voyage. Peter captained the vessel expertly while providing and an interesting and amusing commentary. Sam was just delightful – so attentive and friendly and she made sure all passengers were well supplied with coffee/tea and biscuits.

We also received a (much-needed) education on the Lord of the Rings movies (and books) from Sam. Just a shame that we didn’t have her with us on our trip to Hobbiton a few days earlier!

The Ernest Kemp is full of character and has an interesting history, which Peter explained. We thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the voyage and in our opinion, this boat is so much more enjoyable than the other anonymous boats at the dock.

If you’re looking for a pleasant, relaxing voyage hosted by some lovely folks, then book yourself onto an Ernest Kemp cruise. We’re loving our first visit to Taupo, and it won’t be our last. We’ll definitely repeat this voyage next time we’re in this great little town.

Thank you so much...

I booked a 5-7pm sunset/cocktail cruise based on how pretty the Ernest Kemp boat looked in the photos. What I didn't realise was how limited the outdoor deck space is when the boat is full of people, and I have to say it felt way too crowded for my (admittedly fussy) taste. It was a beautiful evening and all the guests obviously wanted to be outside -- not much point in taking the cruise and then sitting in the cabin. Personally I would suggest they limit the number of guests somewhat more and maybe up the price a bit. But that's a business decision for the owners.

The staff involved were all very pleasant. We had a couple of glasses of wine and they served some pizza. But Domino's pizza.....really? We planned to eat straight after the cruise so it didn't bother me but I'm sure there are suppliers in Taupo who can do better than that!

The cruise itself was pleasant, and it was interesting to get close up to the Maori rock carvings, but at the end of the day it just felt too crowded on the boat. Sorry, I'm sure not everyone would think that way, but that was my takeaway...