TSS Earnslaw Lunch Cruise: Lake Wakatipu & Walter Peak

Scenic Lake Wakatipu cruise with gourmet BBQ and historic Walter Peak farm experience.

• Starting point: Queenstown lakefront
• Everything you get: Lake Wakatipu cruise, engine room exploration, gourmet BBQ lunch, Colonel’s Homestead dining, historic homestead and lakeside views, farm garden stroll, photo opportunities of mountain and lake scenery.
• Sights covered: Lake Wakatipu, Walter Peak Station, Colonel’s Homestead, surrounding mountains, and lakeside views.
• Why choose this: Combine historic steamship experience with gourmet dining and scenic farm exploration on a full-day adventure.
• Upgrade: Choosing between the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for your Lake Wakatipu cruise.

Inclusions

• Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

• Gourmet BBQ experience 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)

What to bring

• Bring your covered shoes/boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
• Pack your meds – better to be prepared, just in case they’re not available onsite.
• Bring a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

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Accessibility

• The Spirit of Queenstown is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier to board with prams or mobility aids. The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• 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.

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Additional information

• 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.
• The TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown undergo yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship and enjoy a unique eco experience at Walter Peak.

• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, soaking in stunning views and fascinating tales of the lake's history.
• Stroll through Walter Peak's native gardens and learn about local plants and their importance in New Zealand’s conservation efforts.
• Get involved in nature by planting a native seedling on the reforested peninsula, contributing to the farm's eco-friendly initiatives.
• Enjoy a delicious high tea featuring homegrown produce, the perfect treat to savor as you soak in the serene lakeside atmosphere.

Inclusions

• Native flora & fauna tour

• Tree/shrub planting

• Nature guide

• Light lunch

• 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)

Door-to-door Queenstown to Milford Sound tour, expertly choreographed.

• Everything you get: Return coach with panoramic windows, engaging commentary, 1h45m cruise, curated stops at Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel, and The Chasm, short nature walks where safe, and seamless cruise–coach coordination.
• Why choose this: Best for travelers who want Milford’s highlights without alpine driving or parking stress.
• Upgrades: Standard coach keeps value high; premium upgrade adds boutique boat and small-group seating for extra space and attention.

Inclusions

• Full-day tour of Milford Sound with return transfers from Queenstown

• Guided nature walks and scenic stops en route

• Expert driver guide commentary

• 1-hour 45-minute fjord cruise

• Boutique small boat cruise of maximum 15 people (if option selected)

Exclusions

• Other food and beverages (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and outdoor activities.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and any personal medications you may need.
• Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage and suitcases are not permitted on the coach or cruise.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and boarding/disembarking from vehicles and boats.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; the itinerary may be adjusted for safety or comfort.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Infant seats are available on request; please inform the operator in advance if required.
• Meals are not included unless specified in your ticket variant; you may bring your own snacks or purchase food at designated stops.
• Restroom breaks are provided during the journey, but facilities may be limited in remote areas.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure. Late arrivals may not be accommodated.
• The duration of the tour is approximately 12–13 hours, including transfers.

Shorter travel, calmer crowds, the Te Anau advantage.

• Everything you get: Return coach from Te Anau with expert driver-guide, early cruise slots to beat peak crowds, scenic stops at key viewpoints, live commentary, and a relaxed 8 to 9-hour schedule that pairs well with glowworm cave visits.
• Why choose this: Best for families and planners who want less time on the road and more time in Milford Sound. Starting closer means a smoother, calmer day with fewer travel hassles.
• Upgrades: Opt for an intimate small-group tour and a small-boat boutique cruise for a more personal experience.

Inclusions

• Full-day guided tour of Milford Sound from Te Anau

• 2-hour Milford Sound scenic cruise

• English-speaking driver/guide

• Return transfers from Te Anau with stops for short walks

• Live commentary on board

Exclusions

• Lunch & refreshments (available to purchase onsite)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change quickly.
• Bring a rain jacket or waterproof outerwear, as the area is known for frequent rainfall.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Carry a refillable water bottle and snacks, as options may be limited during the tour.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views.

What’s not allowed

• Smoking is not permitted on the coach or cruise vessel.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are strictly prohibited during the tour.
• Large luggage and suitcases are not allowed; bring only a small day bag.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility due to steps and uneven surfaces.

Additional information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions; cruises may proceed in rain or shine.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.
• Restroom facilities are available on the coach and cruise vessel.
• The itinerary and stops may vary depending on weather and road conditions.
• Infants aged 0–4 may travel free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Meals are not included; please bring your own food or purchase at available stops.
• The experience includes return transfers between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

Go further, worry less with Queenstown/Te Anau transfers and/or lunch included.

• Everything you get: Up to 3 hours exploring the outer fjord, with onboard nature specialists sharing insights, indoor seating and café for comfort, wheelchair access, multiple waterfall passes, and free tea/coffee to keep you refreshed.
• Why choose this: Best for travelers who value convenience and comfort. Skip the stress of self-driving and let transfers handle the logistics.
• Upgrades: Choose pickup from Queenstown (approx. 4 hrs each way) or Te Anau (approx. 2 hrs each way), plus option to add a picnic lunch.

Inclusions

• Up to a 3-hour extended cruise of Milford Sound

• Expert naturalist commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee onboard

• Access to a licensed bar onboard

• Wildlife spotting guide

• Indoor and outdoor viewing decks

• Full-day tour to Milford Sound with round-trip transfers from Queenstown or Te Anau (based on option selected)

• Picnic lunch (check menu here) (if option selected)

Exclusions

• Other food & alcoholic beverages (available to purchase onboard)

• Parking at terminal

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID matching the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
• Dress warmly and in layers, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
• Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable, non-slip footwear.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

What’s not allowed

• Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.
• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.
• Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Large luggage and bulky items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility may find access challenging.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• The cruise operates in all weather conditions; cruises may be subject to change or cancellation in extreme weather.
• Milford Sound is a natural environment so wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• Commentary is provided during the cruise to enhance your experience.
• Infants aged 0–3 can join free of charge but must be included in your booking.
• Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, but is not assigned.