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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner Tickets & Cruise

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Top things to do in Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw cruising on Lake Wakatipu with Walter Peak in the background.

TSS Earnslaw Cruises and Walter Peak Tickets

from

NZ$79

Jet boat with tourists on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, with Remarkables mountain range in background.

Queenstown Jet Boating

from

NZ$149

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner: Quick overview

  • The complete evening experience: Includes TSS Earnslaw return cruise, Colonel’s Homestead gourmet BBQ dinner, and high-country farm demonstration.
  • Timing choices: Select between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM departures daily depending on seasonal schedules.
  • Sunset lake transit: 45-minute evening lake crossing across Lake Whakatipu with golden-hour mountain views.
  • Expanded dinner menu: Features wood-fired roasts plus fresh ocean catches, green-lipped mussels, seasonal salads, and artisanal desserts.
  • High-country farm show: Live sheepdog herding and traditional hand-blade sheep shearing following dinner.
  • High demand: Popular evening option for couples and special occasions; book 3–5 days in advance during peak months.

Which Walter Peak Dinner departure is best for you?

Departure slotScheduleWhat it feels likeBest for

5pm departure

Departs 5pm, returns ~8:30pm

Golden hour light crossing the lake, twilight dining at the homestead

Families and guests wanting an earlier dinner before evening leisure

7pm departure

Departs 7pm, returns ~10:30pm (Peak season)

Romantic twilight sailing with extended summer daylight across the water

Couples and diners seeking an intimate late-evening dining atmosphere

What to expect at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw steamboat deck with lake view during cruise.
1/5

Twilight steamship cruise

Board the 1912 TSS Earnslaw at Steamer Wharf as evening light hits the Remarkables. Peer into the open engine gallery to watch coal stokers fuel the furnaces.

Expanded gourmet dinner

Disembark at Colonel’s Homestead for slow-cooked carvery roasts alongside fresh ocean catches, marinated green-lipped mussels, artisanal salads, and signature sticky date pudding.

Evening farm show

Gather at the outdoor rural amphitheater to watch working sheepdogs herd stock on whistle command, followed by a live hand-blade shearing demonstration.

Illuminated grounds

Walk along lakeside garden paths and paddock fences to hand-feed Highland cows, Romney sheep, deer, and alpacas.

Piano singalong return

Relax on the evening voyage back to Queenstown as an onboard pianist leads traditional group singalongs in the main saloon.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

  • Booking window: Evening dinner sailings are high-demand year-round and frequently sell out 3–5 days in advance during summer, holidays, and peak travel periods.
  • Departure timing: Cruises depart strictly on schedule from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes prior to boarding. The 7pmslot runs primarily during peak summer and shoulder months.
  • What’s included: Every ticket includes the round-trip scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu, the expanded gourmet BBQ dinner buffet at Colonel’s Homestead, and the farm dog and sheep shearing demonstration.
  • Winter vessel substitution: During annual vessel maintenance (typically May to July), lake transit operates via the modern passenger catamaran Spirit of Queenstown.
  • Dietary options: Vegetarian, plant-based, and gluten-free diners are accommodated with labeled grain salads, roasted squashes, and naturally gluten-free carvery meats and desserts. Dedicated vegan options can be prepared with advance notice.
  • Payments & bar program: Tea, coffee, and water are included with dinner. Central Otago Pinot Noir, local craft beers, and beverages can be purchased separately at the bar via cashless payment.
  • Intensity & suitability guide
    • Visual environment: Golden hour light, ambient evening lighting inside Colonel's Homestead, and dim cabin lighting during the return cruise.
    • Audio dynamics: Deep steam whistle blasts, engine room thrumming, barking farm dogs, and saloon piano singalongs.
    • Terrain & movement: Flat ship decks with narrow stairs to engine holds; packed gravel and dirt paths across homestead grounds.
    • Pacing: Fixed boat departure schedule paired with a self-paced dinner and structured farm show.
    • Age suitability: Highly suited for couples, adults, and families seeking an atmospheric evening outing.
    • Sensory factors: Nostalgic coal smoke and warm engine room air; cool mountain lake breezes on open decks.

Plan your Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

  • Departures: Daily at 5pm year-round, with additional 7pm sailings in peak summer.
  • Total duration: 3.5 to 4 hours.
  • Best time to visit: The 5pm slot offers ideal sunset views across Lake Whakatipu during the crossing.
TSS Earnslaw docked at Queenstown Wharf with mountains in the background.
  • Address: Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown CBD | Find on maps
  • Directions: Short walk from central Queenstown hotels. Paid street and garage parking are available in Queenstown town center.
  • TSS Earnslaw: Gangway access to the main saloon is available, though narrow stairs lead down to lower engine galleries.
  • Spirit of Queenstown (Winter Catamaran): Full wheelchair ramp accessibility across the main deck.
  • Farm grounds: Pathways consist of packed dirt and gravel; sturdy, flat footwear is recommended.
  • Buffet menu: Wood-fired Merino lamb, pork belly with crackling, Southland beef, fresh ocean catches, green-lipped mussels, seasonal salads, and sticky date pudding.
  • Beverages: Tea, coffee, and water are included. Central Otago wines, regional craft beers, and soft drinks are sold at the bar.

Tips & guidelines

  • Arrive at Steamer Wharf 15–20 minutes before departure for smooth gangway boarding.
  • Bring a warm jacket or outer layer, as temperatures drop on the open decks during evening crossings.
  • At the dinner buffet, start with charcuterie, ocean catches, and fresh salads while initial lines at the central carvery station clear.
  • Head to the upper observation deck during sunset on the outward lake crossing for optimal mountain photo opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Your ticket covers the round-trip Lake Whakatipu cruise, the gourmet BBQ dinner buffet at Colonel’s Homestead, and the high-country farm show.