Today I was lucky enough to head out on Lake Taupo aboard the Ernest Kemp. The Ernest Kemp is a lovely replica of an 1800′s Steamer that was based in Northland. she herself was built about 30 years ago, and looks to all intents and purposes as a steamer, with a funnel sitting proudly behind the wheel house. The trip takes you from the mouth of the Waikato river across to the picturesque Acacia Bay, then on around Rangatira Point to the high light of the trip the Maori rock carvings. Our skipper Ian today got us very close to the rock, the wind was blowing and there was quiet a swell out there. However the Ernest Kemp claims to “Get you closer” to the carvings than any other trip, and I think I would have to agree with that!
After leaving the rocks we steamed back around the point and across to Wharewaka point, from here you get a fantastic view of Mount Tauhara and the township of Taupo. As we entered 5 mile bay we had a call from the Police asking us to check up on a wind surfer that appeared to an onlooker to be in distress, we pulled up beside him, but he assured us he was fine and was swimming his broken board back to shore. Leaving him we headed along the lake front and back to the harbour, a neat way to spend 2 hours and for only $40 adult and $10 for a child, makes this one of the best value for money trips around.
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