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TSS Earnslaw Walter Peak Tours: Cruise, BBQ & farm adventures
Cruise Lake Wakatipu with optional add-ons like a farm tour, BBQ meal, or horse trek.
- Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a heritage steamship or modern catamaran, with live commentary and indoor and outdoor seating. You can add a visit to Walter Peak for a working farm tour, a BBQ meal at the Homestead, or a guided horse trek.
- Why choose this: This flexible experience lets you choose your vessel and tailor your day with farm visits, dining, or outdoor activities.
- Upgrades: Add a farm tour, BBQ dining, or horse trek at Walter Peak to extend your trip and explore more of the region.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu with optional add-ons like a farm tour, BBQ meal, or horse trek.
- Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a heritage steamship or modern catamaran, with live commentary and indoor and outdoor seating. You can add a visit to Walter Peak for a working farm tour, a BBQ meal at the Homestead, or a guided horse trek.
- Why choose this: This flexible experience lets you choose your vessel and tailor your day with farm visits, dining, or outdoor activities.
- Upgrades: Add a farm tour, BBQ dining, or horse trek at Walter Peak to extend your trip and explore more of the region.
Inclusions
- Cruise on 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)
- 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!
- 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 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 is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
- 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
353 ratings
265
70
11
6
1
Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 22 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
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
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!
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
Karl
Apr 2025Verified booking
Being underway on a Steamer, the smells from the boilers and gentle rocking of the ship
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.
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.
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 🤩
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
Joan
Apr 2025Verified booking
we were happy with the ticketing with headout. As an older couple not completely savvy with the internet an on line ticketing we found headout easy to use. the Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak farm was awesome and my husband love going in to the engine room wher you saw the crew putting the coal into the big furnaces. The Farm tour was mainly geared for families with chidren so now we wished we had had the BBQ Lunch which we have been told is a must do. Next time .... WE enjoyed very much the dog and sheep show and the tour leader on the farm tour was very informative and happy to answer questions. all in all a good trip which we indeed would recomend
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.
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.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu, explore a working farm, and enjoy afternoon tea in alpine surrounds.
- Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu, then explore Walter Peak Farm with a friendly guide. Feed sheep, alpacas, and Highland cattle, watch sheepdogs at work, and relax with freshly baked scones and cakes in a charming lakeside setting.
- Why choose this: You’ll get to enjoy a scenic cruise, feed friendly farm animals, and have fresh-baked afternoon tea—Queenstown charm at its best.
- Upgrades: Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw with open engine-room views or the Spirit of Queenstown with a spacious open-top deck with panoramic views.
Cruise Lake Wakatipu, explore a working farm, and enjoy afternoon tea in alpine surrounds.
- Everything you get: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu, then explore Walter Peak Farm with a friendly guide. Feed sheep, alpacas, and Highland cattle, watch sheepdogs at work, and relax with freshly baked scones and cakes in a charming lakeside setting.
- Why choose this: You’ll get to enjoy a scenic cruise, feed friendly farm animals, and have fresh-baked afternoon tea—Queenstown charm at its best.
- Upgrades: Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw with open engine-room views or the Spirit of Queenstown with a spacious open-top deck with panoramic views.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm
- English-speaking guide
- Farm show demonstration in the amphitheatre
- Farmyard visit to meet the animals
- Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)
- Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown (based on selected option)
- Live commentary on the cruise
Exclusions
- Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board)
- 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.
- Please note that the TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.
- 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
65 ratings
42
20
2
1
0
Guests from Australia, United States, India and over 12 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Joan
Apr 2025Verified booking
we were happy with the ticketing with headout. As an older couple not completely savvy with the internet an on line ticketing we found headout easy to use. the Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak farm was awesome and my husband love going in to the engine room wher you saw the crew putting the coal into the big furnaces. The Farm tour was mainly geared for families with chidren so now we wished we had had the BBQ Lunch which we have been told is a must do. Next time .... WE enjoyed very much the dog and sheep show and the tour leader on the farm tour was very informative and happy to answer questions. all in all a good trip which we indeed would recomend
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.
Claire
May 2025Verified booking
Was great especially for the kids, loved how they could feed the animals
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
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
Michael
Apr 2025Verified booking
Kirsty
Apr 2025Verified booking
Yesika
Apr 2025Verified booking
Christa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Shahroz
Apr 2025Verified booking
Bruce
Mar 2025Verified booking
Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship with horse trekking at Walter Peak.
- Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoying breathtaking views of the Remarkables and lush forested shores.
- Listen to engaging onboard commentary about the steamship's rich history and the stunning landscapes, including the Southern Alps.
- Ride through Walter Peak's scenic farmland on a guided horse trek, taking in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
- After your trek, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead, surrounded by vibrant gardens and friendly farm animals.
Explore Lake Wakatipu aboard a century-old steamship with horse trekking at Walter Peak.
- Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoying breathtaking views of the Remarkables and lush forested shores.
- Listen to engaging onboard commentary about the steamship's rich history and the stunning landscapes, including the Southern Alps.
- Ride through Walter Peak's scenic farmland on a guided horse trek, taking in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
- After your trek, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead, surrounded by vibrant gardens and friendly farm animals.
Inclusions
- 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
- 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.
- 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 95kg (209.43lb).
- 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.
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.