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)

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
• Bring cash or an EFTPOS/credit card onboard 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.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

Accessibility

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Additional information

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

• 1-hour 45-minute to 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

• Expert skipper commentary

• Complimentary tea & coffee

• Wildlife spotting opportunities

• Access to outdoor viewing decks

• Indoor heated lounge area

• Multi-language audio guide app

Scenic flight transfers from Queenstown (if option selected)

• 35 minutes each way flying time

• Guaranteed window seats

• Expert pilot commentary

Exclusions #

• Other food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)

What to bring

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
• Pack your medications—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.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.
• Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.
• Pack your medications—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.
• Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• 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.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.
• For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Milford Sound Cruise

• 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.
• Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.
• For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which 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.
• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.
• There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.
• The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.
• The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which 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.

Additional information

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• 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 is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Milford Sound Cruise

• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.
• Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.
• 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 is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Restrooms are available on board.
• The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.
• Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Inclusions #

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• 90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu
• Live commentary on the cruise
• Wheelchair accessible

Milford Sound Cruise

• 1 hr 45min Milford Sound cruise
• Expert commentary
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Access to outdoor viewing decks
• Indoor heated lounge area
• Multi-language audio guide app

Exclusions #

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

• Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Milford Sound Cruise

• Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)