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Sightseeing cruises in Queenstown
Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship with add-ons for more.
- Sail past rugged, forested hillsides and the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, with onboard commentary throughout the journey.
- The TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912 and restored to its original form, is Queenstown’s last operating coal-fired steamship—a piece of living history on the water.
- Combine your cruise with a farm tour at Walter Peak. Feed animals, see sheepdogs in action, and enjoy afternoon tea in the old woolshed.
- Savor a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at the lakeside Homestead Restaurant. Includes a farm show or free time to explore lakeside gardens.
- Or add a horse trek to your adventure. Ride through the farmland with a guide, followed by tea and time at the yard.
Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship with add-ons for more.
- Sail past rugged, forested hillsides and the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, with onboard commentary throughout the journey.
- The TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912 and restored to its original form, is Queenstown’s last operating coal-fired steamship—a piece of living history on the water.
- Combine your cruise with a farm tour at Walter Peak. Feed animals, see sheepdogs in action, and enjoy afternoon tea in the old woolshed.
- Savor a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at the lakeside Homestead Restaurant. Includes a farm show or free time to explore lakeside gardens.
- Or add a horse trek to your adventure. Ride through the farmland with a guide, followed by tea and time at the yard.
Inclusions
- 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu
- Live commentary on the cruise
Walter Peak Farm Tour (if option selected)
- Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm
- English-speaking guide
- Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show
- Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)
Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Meal (if option selected)
- Gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner buffet here (based on time selected) (based on time selected)
- Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show
Walter Peak Horse Trekking Tour (if option selected)
- 45-minute horse trekking tour
- Nature guide
- Small group of up to 6 people
- Freshly baked morning or afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)
- Safety helmet and wet weather clothing
Exclusions
- Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)
- Tip: Don't miss watching the steam engines at work on the TSS Earnslaw—it's a rare glimpse into the ship’s 1912 history!
- TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.
- The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, so it may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.
- The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.
- Safety is a priority so the horse trekking experience is restricted for guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft) and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb).
- The horse trekking tour is suitable for riders of all skill levels, including first-time riders.
- The TSS Earnslaw undergoes yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.
- The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.7
344 ratings
257
70
11
5
1
Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sandra
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whole package. The lunch was great, with plenty of variety for all. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The farm show was cute, as I was a farm girl 50 odd years ago.
Cathy
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was a lovely experience sailing on the grand old lady of the lake the TSS Earnslaw. The views were magnificent of Queenstown, the mountain ranges and Walter Peak. Our meal was fabulous, Walter Peak Station homestead is beautiful and the staff were all lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Julie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Excellent scenic comfortable steamer ship journey and experience. Professional crew. Well stocked bar and great coffee! Terrific views and great fun! Take the trip on a fine sunny day!
Ronny
Mar 2025Verified booking
The ticketing experience was very easy. We decided to book our tickets the day of our travel and selected our preferred time and the delivery was instant. When we arrived at the terminal the collection of the tickets was simple, and we even had a courtesy call. The tour was terrific. The trip across the lake was great and we appreciated the history of the steamship and its technology. Being able to see into the workings of the steamship was great. W only did the tour, which had its advantages. The steam ship was busy when we departed Queenstown, andwe selected seats that were available inside. O the return trip we had the choice of any seat and chose to go on the fore deck initially, then move around to other areas of the ship to enjoy each area. My only complaint is the price. I believe $50 per person for a single ticket is appropriate value for money.
Hanny
Mar 2025Verified booking
The four hour activity was excellent cruising across to Walers Peak in a coal driven steam boat. Watching the coal be delivered on the TSS Earnslaw prior boarding added to the experience as did viewing the engine room & reading the information boards. Chris provided a relaxful atmosphere as he sang & played the guitar on our journey. Chris was fantastic & enhanced our experience with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The gourmet BBQ was sensational, succulent meats, delicious sides & amazing desserts, all plentiful. Staff well presented, friendly & helpful. Immaculate venue with beautiful gardens. Farmer Cory and his sheepdog did a wonderful information show. Highlight of our NZ holiday and a Must Do for every traveller.
Angela
Mar 2025Verified booking
The views are amazing. The boat ride was stunning. The food was spectacular. The butterscotch steam pudding was delicious. So many goodies on the menu. Thank you so much. It was my 50 th birthday so lovely celebrating with all my friends
David
Mar 2025Verified booking
The booking process was painless and the disembarking of passengers from the Earnslaw and boarding of new passengers was very efficiently handled. With one exception we found staff generally helpful and kind. They worked hard, especially the man in the engine room stoking the fireboxes for the boilers. Having access to the engine room was a memorable experience and information about the Earnslaw was readily available. What impressed us most was the attention to detail including the staff coming out to wave a welcome to guests as the Earnslaw approached Walter Peak Station. Feeding 250 people was no mean feat. The food was excellent and there was plenty of it. Finally, the giftshop was well stocked and the farm show informative and we'll-presented. A Korean couple sat next to us at dinner. We asked them what they liked so far. The husband replied, "it's like heaven!" You couldn't get a better accolade than that!
Andrew
Feb 2025Verified booking
Great cruise on the old steamer...... there and back!!! Just a perfect day!!! We got a great seat at the Homestead restaurant...... with a front seat view of the Lake....topped off by the best BBQ lunch we've had in ages!! The BBQ meats along with the rest of the meal were "to die for". The sheep shearing and dog demonstration was a great addition. Don't change anything. We had a glorious day!!! Thanks so much.
Renee
Apr 2025Verified booking
Brilliant cruise, AMAZING food and a fab show. Thoroughly impressed with the whole experience start to finish.
Yvonne
Mar 2025Verified booking
The ship was lovely and the bbq was ready good. Great location and views from the patio area.
Reginald
Mar 2025Verified booking
The nostalgia of the ship. It's amazing that the steam engine is still running so smoothly!
Karen
May 2025Verified booking
Great boat trip. Awesome meal. A little bit rushed though. Could have done with another 15-30 minutes to look around & view gift shop properly at the end.
stuart
May 2025Verified booking
As an avid traveler this is one of the best excursions we've done the whole thing was great value for money professionally done and I would recommend it to anyone
Craig
May 2025Verified booking
We both enjoyed the cruise especially the fact that you can see the engine working. The bbq was nice. The booking, ticketing was easy and the staff were friendly.
Donna
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whole trip was a great experience, well worth doing. On the way over to the farm the Earnslaw skipper gives you a good factual commentary about the area and the workings of the steamer. Walter Peak was a picturesque destination. The gourmet bbq lunch was great. Really enjoyed the farm show, especially informative for tourist's. Gift shop was definitely worth a look. Something for everyone.
Barry
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very well organised loading / unloading easy Captains educational along the way was great , Mr Stewart ? Singing was very relaxing and enjoyable . Queenstown is such a picturesque township, what's not to like. Thoroughly enjoyed the history of the ship .Barry & Gaye 🤩
Kim
Apr 2025Verified booking
What an amazing experience from start to finish! The boat ride, Walter Peak, the beautiful views and the food were phenomenal. Highly recommend!
Glenys
Apr 2025Verified booking
Super easy to book. A beautiful calm evening with stunning sunset. Enjoyed being able to see the ship's engine. Delicious meal and impressive farm show. 10/10 experience!
Timothy
Apr 2025Verified booking
The cruise across Lake Wakatipu was magnificent. Lunch was plentiful and just beautifully presented. Unfortunately, even as a tourist, it's hard to understand other tourists' behaviour. The tour is a "must do" when in Queenstown - especially for the first time. I must admit it was a little confusing how lunch was organised and which entry to go to etc. The other small issue was that the PA on the boat was impossible to understand. I have seen similar feedback - after the experience, but I thought that having the waiter at the table explain the next steps was important and worked well - it was just making sure you were in the right place to get that explanation that may be an issue for some. Overall - it was a great experience and I'm pleased to have done it - best lunch in Queenstown!
Geoffrey
Apr 2025Verified booking
it was fun, staff were amazing, wished we could have stayed for the island visit and lunch but we were time poor, so just did the ride over and back
Leeanne
Mar 2025Verified booking
What an experience to be sailing on a Steamship full of history, beautiful scenery and a sight inside to see how everything works. Wonderful! My family , friend and myself are from Australia, Wollongong . I am a country girl in heart & it was one of my main attractions I had written down to do. Loved it & your beautiful city.
Bruce
Mar 2025Verified booking
WE really enjoyed the farm tour and it was also very interesting to be able to watch the engine room of the coal fired steamer.
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Again the dining experience was awsome. Extremely well organised. At the check in office, my friend who has a disability was allowed a priority boarding which made boarding much for her Will be bck again
Gail
Mar 2025Verified booking
Highly Recommended. We did the Gourmet dinning trip. The food was delicious served by friendly staff in a beautiful location.
Nan
Mar 2025Verified booking
The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic! Personnel were friendly and helpful and very efficient in dealing with the number of people on the tour.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship and discover high-country farm life at Walter Peak.
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu with breathtaking views, hearing stories of the lake’s history as the steamship glides along.
- Step into Walter Peak Farm life—pet fluffy alpacas, say hi to Highland cows, and dive into authentic Kiwi country charm.
- Watch the talented farm dogs work their magic, herding sheep with skill and speed in an exciting live demo.
- Treat yourself to afternoon tea with warm scones and sweets, the perfect snack as you unwind by the lake.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship and discover high-country farm life at Walter Peak.
- Cruise across Lake Wakatipu with breathtaking views, hearing stories of the lake’s history as the steamship glides along.
- Step into Walter Peak Farm life—pet fluffy alpacas, say hi to Highland cows, and dive into authentic Kiwi country charm.
- Watch the talented farm dogs work their magic, herding sheep with skill and speed in an exciting live demo.
- Treat yourself to afternoon tea with warm scones and sweets, the perfect snack as you unwind by the lake.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm
- English-speaking guide
- Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show
- Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)
- 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu
- Live commentary on the cruise
Exclusions
- Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)
- TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.
- The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, so it may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.
- The TSS Earnslaw undergoes yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.
- The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.6
64 ratings
41
20
2
1
0
Guests from Australia, United States, India and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Bruce
Mar 2025Verified booking
WE really enjoyed the farm tour and it was also very interesting to be able to watch the engine room of the coal fired steamer.
Sylvia
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything! I booked half an hour before the experience. I received a phone call while I was waiting in line to see if I had made it to the jetty ready to board..ah yes...surprised at the followup. Like who does that, impressed team! Staff - friendly on the boat and on shore Farm tour - very informative, play time with the animals, i loved the care and safety of the animals from the tour guide (wondering if a translator would be helpful as saw an asian participant touch and pull horns when told not too). Timing was just right..not too long and not too short. Farm show - impressive, exceeded my expectations. Loved the amphitheater. Afternoon tea - wow what...loved it (the fresh scones were like my mum's homemade ones) Boat ride - added to the experience Overall a 10/10 experience and will highly recommend it to colleagues and family.
Prashant
Feb 2025Verified booking
Excellent boat cruise, with the Captain providing good info. The welcome snacks at the farm were tasty, and warmly served. The shearer (guy from Wales) was absolutely brilliant. He made the visit so entertaining! The animals were adorable, especially the Scottish cattle (the male, Doogle!) and the Alpacas! The shearing demo was brilliant! Overall, a fantastic experience!
Juliette
May 2025Verified booking
Fantastic trip! Kids & adults loved it. Great food, scenery & experience. Efficient, friendly & knowledgable team.
Msizi
May 2025Verified booking
Various activities, food and overall experience on the cruise
Li
Apr 2025Verified booking
Both cruise and farm tour are memorable
Joann
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very unique experience. We enjoyed the beautiful sceneries and the farm tour.
Audrey
Apr 2025Verified booking
Easy to book online. Checking in was quick. Captains knowledge was informative. Music on board was lovely to listen to.
Madelon
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was lovely to cruise on a historic steamer across a gorgeous lake to a beautiful farm. What's not to like?
Kristine
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything nice morning tea. Great tour guide
Cohen
Mar 2025Verified booking
Boat experience and also farm tour and feeding animals
AINA
Mar 2025Verified booking
The experience on the farm was especially wonderful. The interaction with the animals, the sheep show, and the tea time were great.
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Henryk
Mar 2025Verified booking
Great experience great staff. Would recommend the trip as essential when in Queenstown
Jennifer
Mar 2025Verified booking
Great experience with amazing views and very friendly staff.
Margaret
Mar 2025Verified booking
Nice lake cruise, good afternoon tea, enjoyed the farm experience
Tracy
May 2025Verified booking
Susan
May 2025Verified booking
Nancy
Apr 2025Verified booking
Yasmin
Apr 2025Verified booking
Margaret
Apr 2025Verified booking
Stephen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ping
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jane
Apr 2025Verified booking
Shane
Apr 2025Verified booking
Joan
Apr 2025Verified booking
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
- Best for: families and short-stay visitors to New Zealand, this comprehensive day trip from Queenstown is your ticket to experiencing the best of Fiordland.
- Book this if you: want to combine a scenic drive, short walks, and a cruise all in one action-packed day, with hassle-free transfers.
- What's unique: Explore Milford Sound with curated stops at locations like Mirror Lakes, and Eglington Valley, with the chance to upgrade to a premium, small-group experience.
- Sights seen: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Four Sisters, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, and more!
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Milford Sound
- Round-trip transfers from Queenstown
- Stops with short walks
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Complimentary tea and coffee on-board
- Small-group experience (as per option selected)
Exclusions
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
- Tip: Head to the bow when near Stirling Falls on the boat to experience a refreshing spray from glacial meltwater!
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
145 ratings
94
35
10
1
5
Guests from Australia, United States, India and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
LIU,
Apr 2025Verified booking
1.The driver & captain introduced the views very clearl ! 2.Milford sounds very beautiful! 3.There are many places to visit during the trip!
Christine
Apr 2025Verified booking
I had the vegetarian pie and must say that it was inedible. The filling consisted of some mushed up vegetables and was without any kind of seasoning. I had also thought that there would be walks to speak of. Instead we were dropped of somewhere and picked up again 10 minutest later by the driver at the other end of the carpark. You should not include these kind of walks in the tour description. It is misleading.
Ires
Apr 2025Verified booking
everything was excellent from the staffs and the scenery too
KONSTANTINOS
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything was very good. I had a very good and unique experience. I would gladly do it again!
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Celina
May 2025Verified booking
Luca
May 2025Verified booking
Aichun
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jinky
Apr 2025Verified booking
Achini
Apr 2025Verified booking
Wai
Apr 2025Verified booking
Huiwen
Apr 2025Verified booking
Katherine
Apr 2025Verified booking
Tanja
Apr 2025Verified booking
Ferdinand
Mar 2025Verified booking
Charity
Mar 2025Verified booking
Tal
Mar 2025Verified booking
LIN,
Mar 2025Verified booking
Aman
Mar 2025Verified booking
Dirk
Mar 2025Verified booking
JIEUN
Mar 2025Verified booking
Elizabeth
Feb 2025Verified booking
Eunkyung
Feb 2025Verified booking
Curtis
Apr 2025Verified booking
Air nz turned the plane around and the head out staff offered no help or adjustment of tour and left us out to dry was fucking bullshit, head out kept all the money paid and said not our problem the plane was turned around and because it was less than 24hr notice they couldnt do shit!! We were in the fucking air how were we suppose to contact headout in the notice period when air nz made the call to turn around!!?? I will not be recommending using head out at all!!! I will tell everyone to avoid them!!!
Xiguo
Feb 2025Verified booking
The view is awesome. The travel guide Jeff was excellent. He explained the history and all relevant information to Milford sound, which made our trip a remarkable experience.
Marc
Jan 2025Verified booking
Scarlet, the busdriver to Milford was amazing. What we didn't lile was the glassroof of the bus, which let so much sum through. If you buy a glassroof the next time, please make sure you order an option to block the sun.
Scenic 90-minute cruise with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and expert local commentary onboard.
- Unwind on a serene cruise with your family from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the jagged-pointed Remarkables Range.
- Listen to the local experts onboard tell you fascinating insights about the region’s history and wildlife, making it one of the most popular spots in NZ.
- Relax on the outdoor deck while breathing in the gentle breeze and enjoying the calm, turquoise water of Lake Wakatipu.
- Cruise by iconic Queenstown landmarks like the vibrant green fields of the Queenstown Golf Club and the rectangular Kawaru Falls Dam.
- Spot rare birds native to this area such as the Australasian crested grebe and the Black-fronted Tern drinking water from the lake.
Scenic 90-minute cruise with breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and expert local commentary onboard.
- Unwind on a serene cruise with your family from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the jagged-pointed Remarkables Range.
- Listen to the local experts onboard tell you fascinating insights about the region’s history and wildlife, making it one of the most popular spots in NZ.
- Relax on the outdoor deck while breathing in the gentle breeze and enjoying the calm, turquoise water of Lake Wakatipu.
- Cruise by iconic Queenstown landmarks like the vibrant green fields of the Queenstown Golf Club and the rectangular Kawaru Falls Dam.
- Spot rare birds native to this area such as the Australasian crested grebe and the Black-fronted Tern drinking water from the lake.
Inclusions
- 90-minute cruise from Queenstown
- Expert local guides
- Live commentary
Exclusions
- Snacks and beverages (available at an additional cost)
- Lake Wakatipu
- Queenstown Gardens
- Queenstown Central
- Queenstown Golf Club
- Deer Park Heights
- Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
- Kawarau River
- The Remarkable Ranges
- Frankton Trail
- Tip: Try out water activities like jet boat riding and white water rafting completing the cruise.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchairs.
- The operator may cancel the cruise due to poor weather conditions or if the minimum number is not met. In such cases, you will be offered a full refund or an alternate date or experience.
- The tour can accommodate a maximum of 60 passengers.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a gourmet BBQ, and a farm show.
- Take in rare sights on the cruise as the TSS Earnslaw’s captain invites you to explore the engine room and learn about its historic coal-fired workings.
- Watch chefs sizzle up your favorite BBQ favorites – from succulent grilled meats to fresh bread, cheeses and salads that'll leave you craving for more.
- Dine in the historic Colonel’s Homestead, a beautifully restored 1902 building, offering lakeside views and colonial charm that take you back in time.
- After the meal, wander the homestead’s lush gardens or snap photos of the farm’s idyllic mountain views for memories that last long after your visit.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a gourmet BBQ, and a farm show.
- Take in rare sights on the cruise as the TSS Earnslaw’s captain invites you to explore the engine room and learn about its historic coal-fired workings.
- Watch chefs sizzle up your favorite BBQ favorites – from succulent grilled meats to fresh bread, cheeses and salads that'll leave you craving for more.
- Dine in the historic Colonel’s Homestead, a beautifully restored 1902 building, offering lakeside views and colonial charm that take you back in time.
- After the meal, wander the homestead’s lush gardens or snap photos of the farm’s idyllic mountain views for memories that last long after your visit.
Inclusions
- Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show
- Gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner buffet menu here (based on time selected)
- 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise (as per option selected)
- 60-minute Spirit of Queenstown cruise (as per option selected)
- Live commentary
Exclusions
- Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)
- TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.
- The restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.
- The TSS Earnslaw undergoes yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.
- The cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will have the option of rescheduling or receiving a full refund.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.8
173 ratings
144
19
7
2
1
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Sandra
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whole package. The lunch was great, with plenty of variety for all. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The farm show was cute, as I was a farm girl 50 odd years ago.
Cathy
Apr 2025Verified booking
It was a lovely experience sailing on the grand old lady of the lake the TSS Earnslaw. The views were magnificent of Queenstown, the mountain ranges and Walter Peak. Our meal was fabulous, Walter Peak Station homestead is beautiful and the staff were all lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Hanny
Mar 2025Verified booking
The four hour activity was excellent cruising across to Walers Peak in a coal driven steam boat. Watching the coal be delivered on the TSS Earnslaw prior boarding added to the experience as did viewing the engine room & reading the information boards. Chris provided a relaxful atmosphere as he sang & played the guitar on our journey. Chris was fantastic & enhanced our experience with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The gourmet BBQ was sensational, succulent meats, delicious sides & amazing desserts, all plentiful. Staff well presented, friendly & helpful. Immaculate venue with beautiful gardens. Farmer Cory and his sheepdog did a wonderful information show. Highlight of our NZ holiday and a Must Do for every traveller.
Angela
Mar 2025Verified booking
The views are amazing. The boat ride was stunning. The food was spectacular. The butterscotch steam pudding was delicious. So many goodies on the menu. Thank you so much. It was my 50 th birthday so lovely celebrating with all my friends
David
Mar 2025Verified booking
The booking process was painless and the disembarking of passengers from the Earnslaw and boarding of new passengers was very efficiently handled. With one exception we found staff generally helpful and kind. They worked hard, especially the man in the engine room stoking the fireboxes for the boilers. Having access to the engine room was a memorable experience and information about the Earnslaw was readily available. What impressed us most was the attention to detail including the staff coming out to wave a welcome to guests as the Earnslaw approached Walter Peak Station. Feeding 250 people was no mean feat. The food was excellent and there was plenty of it. Finally, the giftshop was well stocked and the farm show informative and we'll-presented. A Korean couple sat next to us at dinner. We asked them what they liked so far. The husband replied, "it's like heaven!" You couldn't get a better accolade than that!
Andrew
Feb 2025Verified booking
Great cruise on the old steamer...... there and back!!! Just a perfect day!!! We got a great seat at the Homestead restaurant...... with a front seat view of the Lake....topped off by the best BBQ lunch we've had in ages!! The BBQ meats along with the rest of the meal were "to die for". The sheep shearing and dog demonstration was a great addition. Don't change anything. We had a glorious day!!! Thanks so much.
Renee
Apr 2025Verified booking
Brilliant cruise, AMAZING food and a fab show. Thoroughly impressed with the whole experience start to finish.
Yvonne
Mar 2025Verified booking
The ship was lovely and the bbq was ready good. Great location and views from the patio area.
Karen
May 2025Verified booking
Great boat trip. Awesome meal. A little bit rushed though. Could have done with another 15-30 minutes to look around & view gift shop properly at the end.
stuart
May 2025Verified booking
As an avid traveler this is one of the best excursions we've done the whole thing was great value for money professionally done and I would recommend it to anyone
Craig
May 2025Verified booking
We both enjoyed the cruise especially the fact that you can see the engine working. The bbq was nice. The booking, ticketing was easy and the staff were friendly.
Donna
Apr 2025Verified booking
The whole trip was a great experience, well worth doing. On the way over to the farm the Earnslaw skipper gives you a good factual commentary about the area and the workings of the steamer. Walter Peak was a picturesque destination. The gourmet bbq lunch was great. Really enjoyed the farm show, especially informative for tourist's. Gift shop was definitely worth a look. Something for everyone.
Kim
Apr 2025Verified booking
What an amazing experience from start to finish! The boat ride, Walter Peak, the beautiful views and the food were phenomenal. Highly recommend!
Glenys
Apr 2025Verified booking
Super easy to book. A beautiful calm evening with stunning sunset. Enjoyed being able to see the ship's engine. Delicious meal and impressive farm show. 10/10 experience!
Timothy
Apr 2025Verified booking
The cruise across Lake Wakatipu was magnificent. Lunch was plentiful and just beautifully presented. Unfortunately, even as a tourist, it's hard to understand other tourists' behaviour. The tour is a "must do" when in Queenstown - especially for the first time. I must admit it was a little confusing how lunch was organised and which entry to go to etc. The other small issue was that the PA on the boat was impossible to understand. I have seen similar feedback - after the experience, but I thought that having the waiter at the table explain the next steps was important and worked well - it was just making sure you were in the right place to get that explanation that may be an issue for some. Overall - it was a great experience and I'm pleased to have done it - best lunch in Queenstown!
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Again the dining experience was awsome. Extremely well organised. At the check in office, my friend who has a disability was allowed a priority boarding which made boarding much for her Will be bck again
Gail
Mar 2025Verified booking
Highly Recommended. We did the Gourmet dinning trip. The food was delicious served by friendly staff in a beautiful location.
Nan
Mar 2025Verified booking
The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic! Personnel were friendly and helpful and very efficient in dealing with the number of people on the tour.
Donald
Mar 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was great and so was the cruise and the meal. Once we finished eating it was very unclear where we were shipped to go or what we were supposed to do. We never saw any one go do a guided tour.
Per
Mar 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was super easy. The Erneslaw trip was great. The music by Tony really got everyone enthusiastic as he is a great and engaging entertainer. Lunch at the Walter Peak farm was very good.
Ian
Mar 2025Verified booking
Great day on TSS Earnslaw Lunch at Walter Peak excellent. Sheep dog and shearing display engaging. Good communication and organisation from headout
Wesley
Mar 2025Verified booking
The boat trip was great. The lack of information was woeful! The announcements were impossible to hear. When we got off the boat to get our meal we had no idea where to go. We almost missed the sheep shearing as we didn't know where to go ( and met several other people who missed it completely.
Veronica
Mar 2025Verified booking
The steamboat was authentic- that is, a real steamboat- and the journey beautiful. It was the best buffet that I have ever had, and the dog and sheep show was wonderful. From a well-travelled Irish woman.
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Boat trip was beautiful, Lunch was amazing, farm show was good, would of liked more time to look around the property. Seemed rushed to get us processed and back to Queenstown docks. Still an amazing day and would recommend it to everyone 😊
Richard
Mar 2025Verified booking
Really historic ship, still fitted out as if the turn of the century. Wonderful cruise and great dining at the station. Even the sheep shearing was entertaining.
Jet boat to your rafting launch point and tackle the longest commercially rafted rapid in NZ.
- Rafting and jet boating? Talk about an adrenaline double feature! Speed down the Kawarau River, then grab a paddle and take on epic whitewater rapids.
- You'll see: Rugged gorges, swirling rapids, and iconic Lord of the Rings filming spots as you journey through one of Queenstown’s most scenic waterways.
- You'll enjoy: High-speed jet boat spins, splashing through rapids, optional cliff jumps, and a relaxing float between waves to soak in the views.
- Best for: Adventurers looking for a mix of thrills and scenery, first-time rafters keen to test the waters, and anyone chasing Queenstown’s wild side.
Jet boat to your rafting launch point and tackle the longest commercially rafted rapid in NZ.
- Rafting and jet boating? Talk about an adrenaline double feature! Speed down the Kawarau River, then grab a paddle and take on epic whitewater rapids.
- You'll see: Rugged gorges, swirling rapids, and iconic Lord of the Rings filming spots as you journey through one of Queenstown’s most scenic waterways.
- You'll enjoy: High-speed jet boat spins, splashing through rapids, optional cliff jumps, and a relaxing float between waves to soak in the views.
- Best for: Adventurers looking for a mix of thrills and scenery, first-time rafters keen to test the waters, and anyone chasing Queenstown’s wild side.
Inclusions
- 1-hour rafting on the Kawarau River
- Professional rafting guides
- 25-minute jet boat ride
- Round-trip bus transfer between Queenstown and the rafting base
- All rafting and safety equipment including wetsuit and helmet
- Use of hot showers
- Complimentary photos (sent to your email)
Exclusions
- Food & beverages
- Tip: Keep an eye on the Kawarau Bridge where you might see fellow adrenaline junkies bungee jumping from its 43-meter height.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- Pregnant people and guests with back issues, cardiac issues, and other serious medical conditions cannot participate in the experience.
- All participants must sign a waiver form.
- Guests under 16 years old must have a guardian traveling with them and all guests under 18 years old must have a waiver form signed by a guardian.
- Guests must be water-confident, able to swim in fast-moving water, and agree to carefully follow instructions from the guides.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
- Best for time-conscious travelers seeking a premium experience to visit Milford Sound in less than a day, with convenient flight transfers.
- Book this if you are looking for both aerial and sea-level views of Milford Sound without the hassle of an hours-long drive to and from Queenstown.
- What's unique: If you opt for return flights, your adventure won't take more than half a day. If you opt for return by road, you get to enjoy some scenic stops.
- Sights seen: Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock, Fairy Falls, Stirling Falls, St Annes Point Lighthouse, Tasman Sea, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day or half-day tour of Milford Sound from Queenstown (based on option selected)
- Small-group experience
- Round-trip flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)
- One-way coach to Milford Sound (if option selected)
- Return flight transfer to Queenstown (if option selected)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Live commentary
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea, coffee, & water on cruise
Exclusions
- Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)
- Tip: Look out for playful dolphins and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare and elusive Fiordland Crested Penguin.
- The flyover from Queenstown over Milford Sound and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Passengers weighing 140kg (308lb) or more should make a note during booking. For helicopter activities, there is a weight limit of 116kg (255lb).
- A discrepancy exceeding 15kg (33lb) from the declared weight at check-in may lead to rescheduling, depending on availability.
- This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.7
38 ratings
31
5
0
1
1
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
John
May 2025Verified booking
Seyyedmehdi
Apr 2025Verified booking
Clayton
Apr 2025Verified booking
Philippus
Mar 2025Verified booking
Christopher
Mar 2025Verified booking
Beiting
Feb 2025Verified booking
Everything is amazing. A comfortable trip within only 5 hours driving from Queen's town. The plane is extremely amazing. The scenery is beautiful. Enjoy myself whole day.
HYOJI
Jan 2025Verified booking
Smooth and pleasant flight with phenomenal views of mountain chains. The milfordsound cruise was not too busy. Could see a penguin swiming in ocean, seals enjoying sun bathing. Perfect day! Lovely experience!
Andre
Feb 2025Verified booking
David
Jan 2025Verified booking
Joel
Jan 2025Verified booking
Snezana
Dec 2024Verified booking
Krystyna
Nov 2024Verified booking
Rob
Nov 2024Verified booking
Matthew
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
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Oct 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Oct 2024Verified booking
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Sep 2024Verified booking
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Sep 2024Verified booking
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Sep 2024Verified booking
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Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Sep 2024Verified booking
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
- Best for solo travelers looking for an interactive, small-group Milford Sound cruise or active adventurers wanting a more immersive encounter with a Milford Track trek.
- Book this if you want flexibility between a scenic cruise only or combine it with a guided walk on the famous Milford Track for a land and sea adventure.
- What's unique: a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with the option to explore by both water and land, with the walk offering up-close interaction with the environment.
- Sights seen: Unobstructed views in a small-group setting of Arthur River, Lake Ada, Giant's Gate waterfall, Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and more.
Inclusions
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- Small boat cruise of up to 75 people
- Live commentary on cruise
Milford Track Guided Walk (if option selected)
- 3.5-hour Milford Track guided walk
- English-speaking guide for walk
- Small group of up to 12 people for guided walk
- Round-trip water taxi transfers from Deep Water Basin to Sandfly Point
- Safety gear for guided walk
- Tip: Pack wisely for the trek. Carry essentials like a lightweight backpack, rain gear, quick-drying clothes, and trekking poles for added support.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- Safety is a priority so the Milford Track guided walk is restricted for guests under the age of 8 years and over the age of 75 years.
- This hike is suitable for people in moderate shape. You'll walk about 7 miles on uneven terrain, with some uphill sections. Expect to be on your feet for around 3.5 hours. Be prepared for wet weather and wear sturdy shoes.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.6
103 ratings
65
36
2
0
0
Guests from Australia, Germany, United States and over 16 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Thomas
Feb 2025Verified booking
Nice trip on a smaller scale! Very keen to make the ride worth seeing!
View original review in German
Rodney
May 2025Verified booking
Boarding was easy and efficient, boat was not crowded and the cruise was enjoyable. (and wet!!) We took my daughter and her husband who had wanted to do this cruise and they were delighted. Loved every minute of it, and said they would do it again. The small boat is the way to go. The only small issue was if outside (front or back) you could not hear the commentary.
Isaac
May 2025Verified booking
Fantastic trip out in the sound! Really pleased I booked the smaller boats after seeing the huge lines of people for the bigger boats. The boat wasnt packed and we all got a great spot to see all the beautiful sights! Would definitley do the trip again.
Melissa
Apr 2025Verified booking
I really liked the Mitre Peak's boat. We were not too many on it and thanks to its size, we could get very close from the falls. The crew was nice and having hot drinks available is a big plus!
Iris
Apr 2025Verified booking
Headout helped me to go back to the site where I ordered so I could buy another ticket for the exact cruise. Also I could change the date of the cruise for free, which helpex me reserve tickets ahead of time. The cruise was amazing. Spacious as promised, could see from wherever we wanted and choose our seats. just the right weather (lots of rain), couldn't get enough of the leaking mountain and river, informative explanations to those who wanted, free tea/coffee/hot chocolate which helped a lot, as most of us got wet just from the short walk from the station to the port .We went also near a meeting ooint of the river and got a nice splash of water.
Corinne
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was a wonderfull experience and we had the chance to have sun! The landscape is amazing. The small boat allows a good experience.
Rajasingham
Mar 2025Verified booking
Breath taking views. Very good commentary from the Skipper. I have never been up close to so many mountains and water falls. For my family it was a once in a life time experience
Mohit
May 2025Verified booking
One of the best trips. Staff were helpful and a water fall shower on the boat was immensely fun.
Stephanie
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was perfect and a amazing experience
Catherine
Mar 2025Verified booking
Beautiful weather knowable ship captain
Peter
Feb 2025Verified booking
Easy entry to the boat, welcoming crew, very close to nature with the boat, phantastic surf with a group of delphines
Harsh
May 2025Verified booking
Izzah
May 2025Verified booking
Cybran
May 2025Verified booking
Clavel
May 2025Verified booking
Yash
Apr 2025Verified booking
Yezhong
Apr 2025Verified booking
Marie
Apr 2025Verified booking
Wade
Apr 2025Verified booking
Unni
Apr 2025Verified booking
leon
Apr 2025Verified booking
Petra
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jessica
Apr 2025Verified booking
Daniel
Apr 2025Verified booking
Phillip
Apr 2025Verified booking
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
- Best for: families and visitors based in Te Anau looking for a no-frills, convenient visit to Milford Sound.
- Book this if you: want a hassle-free day trip that includes a cruise and round-trip transfers from Te Anau.
- What's unique: Enjoy short walks on the journey to and from Milford Sound, at spots like The Chasm, and Knobs Flat.
- Sights seen: Darran Mountains, Lake Gunn, Hollyford River and Falls Creek, Mitre Peak, Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and more.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Milford Sound from Te Anau
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Round-trip transfers with stops for short walks
- Complimentary tea & coffee on-board
- Tip: Pack motion sickness tablets for the winding Milford Road. Even if you don't usually get car sick, the serpentine route can catch you off guard.
- The experience may be subject to change due to extreme weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.4
109 ratings
63
35
4
3
4
Guests from Australia, Germany, United Kingdom and over 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Fiona
Mar 2025Verified booking
Chou our driver was great, very informative and funny. The weather was perfect, thank you for arranging that. The trip on the water was spectacular, more than we expected. The guide on the ship was excellent. Booking was easy, the directions were great.
Phavit
Apr 2025Verified booking
The transfer was really good, also the driver was really nice and kinds to everyone. The coach was comfortable and the cruise was excellence.
Angela
Mar 2025Verified booking
Everything! The bus ride to the cruise was great. The commentary was informative and gave so much information along the way. The transfer to the boat was seamless and the ride back restful. The cruise commentary was appreciated and all staff friendly. Thanks everyone.
Ivan
May 2025Verified booking
Spectacular in its completeness, Brian a genius of driving and explanation.
View original review in Spanish
Ian
Apr 2025Verified booking
The driver was awesome and very entertaining
Jacob
Mar 2025Verified booking
RealNZ was easy to travel with! We would definitely use them again in the future.
Dr.
Mar 2025Verified booking
The bus driver was great. He gave a huge amount of interesting information.
Mitchell
Feb 2025Verified booking
Great tour and driver Awesome experience
Penelope
May 2025Verified booking
LAURENT
May 2025Verified booking
JEAN-JOSEPH
Apr 2025Verified booking
Richard
Apr 2025Verified booking
Dominique
Apr 2025Verified booking
George
Apr 2025Verified booking
Olaf
Mar 2025Verified booking
Robert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Nico
Mar 2025Verified booking
Bryce
Mar 2025Verified booking
Francelle
Mar 2025Verified booking
Norbert
Mar 2025Verified booking
Anne-Marie
Mar 2025Verified booking
Meggin
Mar 2025Verified booking
Nour
Mar 2025Verified booking
Barbara
Mar 2025Verified booking
John
Feb 2025Verified booking
- Why not kick off your Doubtful Sound adventure from Manapouri? Begin your full-day trip starting with a cruise on Lake Manapouri's pristine waters.
- Allow your nature guide to enthrall you with vivid commentary as you journey over Wilmot Pass by coach, marveling at Fiordland Rainforest's beauty.
- Take in the comfort of a spacious catamaran as you enjoy a 3-hr cruise on Doubtful Sound's waters, savoring tea or coffee amidst nature's splendor.
- Encounter fur seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins, while multilingual interpretation sheets enrich your understanding of the region.
- Why not kick off your Doubtful Sound adventure from Manapouri? Begin your full-day trip starting with a cruise on Lake Manapouri's pristine waters.
- Allow your nature guide to enthrall you with vivid commentary as you journey over Wilmot Pass by coach, marveling at Fiordland Rainforest's beauty.
- Take in the comfort of a spacious catamaran as you enjoy a 3-hr cruise on Doubtful Sound's waters, savoring tea or coffee amidst nature's splendor.
- Encounter fur seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins, while multilingual interpretation sheets enrich your understanding of the region.
Inclusions
- Full-day Doubtful Sound Wilderness tour
- Cruise across Lake Manapouri
- Coach trip over Wilmot Pass
- Knowledgable nature guide
- Informative commentary
- Interpretation hand-out sheets in 5 languages: English, German, French, Spanish & Japanese
- Complimentary tea & coffee
Exclusions
- Meals & drinks
- Tip: Arrive early to take a pre-cruise stroll on Lake Manapouri's shore, a hidden gem itself.
- Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility.
- It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a warm sweater or fleece jacket.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.6
139 ratings
84
54
1
0
0
Guests from Germany, Australia, Switzerland and over 9 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Anne
Apr 2025Verified booking
Our ticketing experience was perfect with no problems. Our trip out was out standing. Great crew on both boats and I think Tabitha was our guide. Very interesting and so knowledgeable and that's a credit to her. Apart from being quite windy and rather cold out experience was very memorable. My favourite part was seeing the Dolphins and where we stopped and the boat was turned off. Very tranquil.
Alasdair
Mar 2025Verified booking
The whole experience from booking to end was smooth and efficient. The trip more than lived up to our expectations and was very good value. Doubtful Sound was absolutely stunning and we were lucky to have a beautiful sunny day after heavy rain so the waterfalls were really impressive. The boat trip across Lake Manapouri and the coach trip over the pass really add to the whole experience. Good commentary from everyone throughout the trip without bombarding you with too much information. I would highly recommend this trip.
Robert
Apr 2025Verified booking
Bryan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Quin
Apr 2025Verified booking
Markus
Apr 2025Verified booking
Cornelis
Apr 2025Verified booking
Megan
Mar 2025Verified booking
Lisa
Mar 2025Verified booking
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Yuri
Mar 2025Verified booking
John
Mar 2025Verified booking
Wendy
Mar 2025Verified booking
Geoffrey
Mar 2025Verified booking
Luca
Mar 2025Verified booking
Andreas
Feb 2025Verified booking
HANS-MARTIN
Feb 2025Verified booking
Axel
Feb 2025Verified booking
Matthew
Feb 2025Verified booking
Bernhard
Feb 2025Verified booking
Elisabeth
Feb 2025Verified booking
Joerg
Jan 2025Verified booking
Headout Guest
Dec 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Dec 2024Verified booking
Headout Guest
Dec 2024Verified booking