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)

Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship and enjoy a fresh garden-to-table experience at Walter Peak.

• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, soaking in sweeping alpine views and hearing stories of the lake’s rich history.
• Explore Walter Peak’s kitchen and native gardens, tasting fresh seasonal produce and learning how local plants shape New Zealand’s landscape and cuisine.
• Plant a native seedling on the reforested peninsula and play your part in Walter Peak’s ongoing conservation and land restoration efforts.
• Enjoy a garden-to-table light lunch, crafted from homegrown and locally sourced ingredients—the perfect way to relax in the serene lakeside setting.

Inclusions #

• Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu

• Guided tour of the kitchen gardens with produce tasting

• Native flora & conservation walk

• Opportunity to plant a native tree or shrub

• Garden-to-table light lunch, featuring homegrown & locally sourced ingredients

• Expert host commentary throughout the experience

Exclusions #

• Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)

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.

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)

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.

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.

Inclusions #

• Up to a 2-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