TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises - Lake Wakatipu

Enjoy Queenstown's stunning alpine beauty aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw

Les and Olive Hutchins, pioneers in tourism and conservation, began our family company in Fiordland in the 1950’s. Today, we offer adventures on Stewart Island, cruises on Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and tours of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. In Queenstown, we offer activities at Walter Peak and gourmet dining at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant on our historic steamer TSS Earnslaw.

Over sixty years later, our mission remains the same: to share the region’s natural heritage and breathtaking beauty with tourists – just as our founders planned.

Cruises on the TSS Earnslaw leave on a daily basis. You may select between a cruise and a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse excursion, guided cycling ride, BBQ lunch, or evening dinner.

We're passionate about sharing this stunning part of New Zealand with the world.

Which is why we've developed a range of experiences for you to choose from

Real NZ - TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises

Price: Adults: $70 pp – Children $30
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Departs: Daily – Various times

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.

Real NZ- Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours

Price: Adults: $95 pp – Children $35
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.

Real NZ - Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

Price: Adults: $129 pp – Children $65
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 and opportunity to browse the gift store 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.

Real NZ - Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

Price:Adults: $149 pp – Children $65
Duration: approx 4 hours
Departs: 4:00pm 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.

Real NZ - Walter Peak Horse Treks

Price:$159 pp – Children $95
Duration: 3 hour 30 mins
Departs: 12:00 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.

Tours to Milford & Doubtful Sound

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.