South Island

Home / TourPage 18

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises to Walter Peak Farm, Queenstown

Enjoy Queenstown’s Stunning Alpine Beauty Aboard the TSS Earnslaw
Experience a 45-minute scenic cruise over Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship that serves as a floating museum.

Step back in time as you explore this coal-fired vessel, with its fascinating engine room where dedicated stokers keep the “Lady of the Lake” gliding smoothly across the water.

At Walter Peak High Country Farm, enjoy a farm demonstration that’s fun for all ages.

Relax with a delicious BBQ buffet of local specialties, featuring fresh salads, veggies, and locally-sourced meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie or barbecue, followed by a selection of breads, cheeses, and desserts.

The Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak offers stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine scenery, inviting you to wander award-winning gardens or meet the animals that call this station home.

With multiple departures daily, the TSS Earnslaw offers more than just a cruise—you can choose from guided farm tours, horse trekking excursions, guided cycling, and BBQ lunch or dinner options at Walter Peak.

We’re passionate about sharing the beauty of New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Choose your ideal adventure with our range of Queenstown lake cruises and Walter Peak Farm tours.

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises

TSS Earnslaw cruising on lake wakatipu, Queenstown

Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours 

father and son looking at a highland cattle at mitre peak station, queenstown

Price:  Adults: $99 pp – Children $49
Duration:
1 hour 30 mins

Departs: 12:oo pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Take in the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown on a voyage across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamer launched in 1912.

The leisurely 90-minute voyage around the lake takes in some of Queenstown’s most beautiful alpine scenery while providing ample opportunity to discover a bit of Queenstown’s living history.

You may tour the engine room and observe the massive steam engines in action, peruse our mini-collection museum’s of historical photographs, inspect the bridge, or even join in on a sing-along with the pianist.

Alternatively, you may relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, as well as café-style fare, at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.

Price:  Adults: $145 pp – Children $65
Duration:
3 hour 30 mins

Departs: Daily – 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm

At Queenstown’s Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western banks of Lake Wakatipu, visitors may experience New Zealand’s farming lifestyle.

The farm is an ideal location to spend a few relaxed hours and get a taste of High Country farming life.

The first visit is to observe farm dogs gathering up sheep in hill paddocks and to witness a farmer shear a sheep. 

Our rural demonstration will next lead you on a walking tour of the farmyard, where you can assist in feeding the alpaca, sheep, and deer, as well as get up up and personal with the Scottish Highland Cattle.

Enjoy a freshly baked afternoon tea following a stroll through the lakefront gardens. After that, you’ll board the TSS Earnslaw for the return trip to Queenstown.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

guests enjoying barbecue lunch at walter Peak farm, queenstown

Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

photograph of BBQ lunch at walter paek farm, Queenstown

Price:  Adults: $175 pp – Children $99
Duration:
3 hour 30 mins

Departs: Daily 12:00 pm  

Enjoy a classic steamer lake trip, a delicious BBQ lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, plus a farm demonstration following the meal.

Lunch begins with a journey across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Once there, you may relax on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and inhale the delectable scents emanating from our chef’s grilling of the freshest local ingredients.

Includes:

  • Gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant
  • Enjoy lakeside dining at Walter Peak High Country Farm, away from the bustle of Queenstown
  • Includes the return scenic cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
  • Be entertained by the farm demonstration, see the farm dogs at work 

Price: Adults: $219 pp – Children $169
Duration:
approx 4 hours

Departs:  6:00pm August to May

Supper with a twist — a classic steamship lake cruise followed by a delicious BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, followed by a farm demonstration and opportunity to browse the gift store.

Relax in the unique atmosphere of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, located in the heart of Walter Peak’s majestic homestead.

Here, you’ll experience a Gourmet BBQ supper including an abundance of New Zealand and local cuisine, from exquisite grilled meats to a variety of delectable veggies and salads. 

Then indulge in our delectable desserts, New Zealand cheeses, and freshly made tea and coffee to round out your meal.

On your return night voyage, you may enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist or take in the fresh night air on the moonlight decks as the lights of Queenstown approach.

Walter Peak Horse Treks

Tourists riding horses on hores trek at walter Peak farm, queenstown

Tours to Milford & Doubtful Sound

ship cruising on Milford sound waterfall in distance

Price:$179 pp – Children $139
Duration:
3 hour 30 mins

Departs: 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm

Enjoy Queenstown’s stunning scenery on a lake cruise on board the TSS Earnslaw, then a relaxing horse trek at Walter Peak and return to the farm for morning/afternoon tea.

This 40 minute trek takes you across beautiful rolling terraces to a lookout with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The riding is easy, picturesque and suitable for even first-time riders.

There’s time to explore the glorious gardens and farmyard before heading back to Queenstown.

Real Journeys also provide a coach and cruise tours to Milford Sound, Combine a cruise (day or overnight) on Milford Sound with a drive through spectacular alpine roads in our luxury coaches.
  MORE INFORMATION.

Coach tours to Doubtful Sound.  Let us take you to Manapouri to join your Doubtful Sound cruise (day or overnight) onboard one of our coaches. MORE INFORMATION.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship.

FAQs: Your TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Experience

  • How long is the TSS Earnslaw cruise and farm tour?

    • The cruise to and from Walter Peak High Country Farm takes approximately 45 minutes each way. With activities at the farm, the full experience lasts around half a day.
  • Is the TSS Earnslaw cruise suitable for families with children?

    • Yes, the TSS Earnslaw cruise and Walter Peak Farm tour are family-friendly. The farm offers engaging activities for all ages, including animal encounters and farm demonstrations.
  • What meals are included in the BBQ buffet at Walter Peak Farm?

    • The BBQ buffet includes a variety of fresh salads, vegetables, and locally-sourced meats, as well as bread, cheese, and dessert options. Options may vary seasonally.
  • What should I bring on the TSS Earnslaw cruise and farm tour?

    • Bring comfortable clothing and a jacket, as it can be cooler on the lake. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!
  • Can I explore the TSS Earnslaw during the cruise?

    • Yes, guests are welcome to explore the TSS Earnslaw, including the engine room, which is open for viewing during the cruise.
  • Are there vegetarian options available at the BBQ buffet?

    • Yes, vegetarian options are available. The booking form allows you to specify dietary preferences.

       

       Return to Queenstown Page