Real Journeys TSS Earnslaw Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises – Lake Wakatipu

Real Journeys – Queenstown

Our family business was founded in Fiordland in the 1950’s by tourism and conservation pioneers Les and Olive Hutchins. Today we offer experiences on Stewart Island, cruises on Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and in Queenstown our heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw with activities at Walter Peak and gourmet dining at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.

Over sixty years later, our aim is to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.

Cruises aboard the TSS Earnslaw depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to do a cruise, or a cruise, combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, guided cycle ride, barbecue lunch or evening dining.

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 Journeys – TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises

Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: Daily – Various times

Enjoy Queenstown’s stunning scenic beauty on a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board a vintage steamship launched in 1912. The leisurely 90 minute cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history.

You can visit the engine room and see its giant steam engines at work, view the collection of historical photos in our mini-museum, check out the bridge or even join a sing-along with the pianist. Or if you’d much rather, kick back and enjoy a wine or beer or some café-style food at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.

Real Journeys – Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours

Duration: 3 hour 30 mins
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: Daily – Various times (Includes a scenic cruise on board the vintage TSS Earnslaw to the farm)

Experience New Zealand’s farming life at Queenstown’s Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu.

The farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours and experience a taste of the High Country farming life. The first stop is watching the farm dogs rounding up sheep from the hill paddocks, and see the farmer shear a sheep. Our rural demonstrator will then take you for a walking tour of the farmyard where you can help feed the alpaca, sheep and deer, and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. After a stroll through the lakeside gardens enjoy a freshly baked afternoon tea. You will then board the TSS Earnslaw for your cruise back to Queenstown.

Real Journeys – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

Duration: 3hour 30 mins
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: Daily – Various times

Enjoy a vintage steamship lake cruise, gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and afterwards a farm demonstration and time to visit the gift shop.

Your lunch starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savour the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill.

Real Journeys – Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

Duration: approx 4 hours
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: 6:00pm August to May

Dinner with a difference – a vintage steamship lake cruise, gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and afterwards a farm demo and time to visit the gift shop.

Relax in the unique ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, the heart of the stately homestead at Walter Peak. Here, you’ll enjoy a Gourmet BBQ dinner which includes an expansive array of New Zealand and local produce, from succulent meats cooked on the grill, a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Then finish your meal with our irresistible desserts, New Zealand cheeses and freshly brewed tea & coffee.

Your night-time cruise home, you can enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Walter Peak Horse Treks

Duration: 3 hour 30 mins
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: Various times October to April

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 – Walter Peak Independant Cycling Trail

Duration: At your leisure
Price: Refer Real Journeys website for current prices
Departs: All year round (Except during the TSS Earnslaw maintenance period

Take your own bike and embark on a cycling adventure at your leisure from Walter Peak amidst spectacular quiet back country roads.

Disembarking at Walter Peak High Country Farm you’ll follow the magnificent shoreline of Lake Wakatipu before turning inland to explore vast tussock valleys. The countryside is stunning as you climb through a golden tussocked valley into the rainforest surrounding the Mavora Lakes, where you can tour several Lord of the Rings locations.

We’ll provide you with a map plus a food and beverage voucher that can be redeemed on board the TSS Earnslaw. Just be sure that you don’t miss the last cruise back – there’s no accommodation at Walter Peak!

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.

Phone: +64 3 249 6000 Freephone (within NZ only): 0800 656 501

Email: contact@realjourneys.co.nz Visit Our Website: www.realjourneys.co.nz/en/