Pete, Ernest Kemp

The Ernest Kemp is one of Taupō’s most recognisable sights, but how much do you know about the story behind the historic steamboat?

In this Love Taupō Check-In, we meet Pete, the skipper of the Ernest Kemp, who has a remarkable personal connection to the boat. Built in Kerikeri in 1980, the 14.5-metre replica steamboat was caught up in a major storm before eventually making its way south to Taupō.

Pete shares the story of how the boat disappeared from his childhood home in Kerikeri, only for him to unexpectedly spot it again years later on Lake Taupō. We also hear about the history behind the Ernest Kemp name, what visitors love about cruising the lake, and why locals should get out on the water and experience this piece of Taupō history for themselves.

The Ernest Kemp is one of Taupō&rsquo;s most recognisable sights, but how much do you know about the story behind the historic steamboat?
In this Love Taupō Check-In, we meet Pete, the skipper of the Ernest Kemp, who has a remarkable personal connection to the boat. Built in Kerikeri in 1980, the 14.5-metre replica steamboat was caught up in a major storm before eventually making its way south to Taupō.
Pete shares the story of how the boat disappeared from his childhood home in Kerikeri, only for him to unexpectedly spot it again years later on Lake Taupō. We also hear about the history behind the Ernest Kemp name, what visitors love about cruising the lake, and why locals should get out on the water and experience this piece of Taupō history for themselves.

A weekly catch up with Jesse Archer (Lake FM 89.6) and Patrick Dault (Destination Great Lake Taupō) on the work being done to grow Taupō tourism.

It's all part of positioning Taupō as New Zealand's lifestyle destination, and each episode we meet a local operator and the people behind their business.

Because our tourism success is anchored in our community. Tune in to find out what's on, how it benefits you, and how you can get behind it.

A weekly catch up with Jesse Archer (Lake FM 89.6) and Patrick Dault (Destination Great Lake Taupō) on the work being done to grow Taupō tourism.
It's all part of positioning Taupō as New Zealand's lifestyle destination, and each episode we meet a local operator and the people behind their business.
Because our tourism success is anchored in our community. Tune in to find out what's on, how it benefits you, and how you can get behind it.