Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruising Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand.

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruising Lake Wakatipu towards Walter Peak, New Zealand.

People enjoying the cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamboat on Lake Wakatipu with Queenstown mountains in the background.

View of the barbeque preparations during TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a BBQ feast, farm show, and lakeside views – a must-do Queenstown experience.

Highlights

Ideal for foodies and nature lovers, the TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak BBQ offers a unique Queenstown lakeside dining adventure.
Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu with breathtaking alpine and lakeside views along the way.
Relish a gourmet BBQ buffet at the charming Colonel’s Homestead, featuring wood-fired meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts.
Discover the life of a working farm with a lively sheep-herding show, farm dogs in action, and the chance to meet other friendly animals.
Fun fact: Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the last remaining coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere, lovingly preserved for all to enjoy.

Inclusions

Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show
Gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner buffet menu here (based on time selected)
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)

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

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4.6

52 ratings

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Joyce

5/5

Feb, 2025

The farm is beautiful and the food was wonderful. We were not able to taste some of the shellfish options due to us being diverted to the meat station. Unfortunately other guests loaded their plates but maybe in the future count on this? We cannot control humanity.... The servers were so pleasant. The skipper professionally handled the medical emergency. Thank you for a terrific evening!

Madelon

5/5

Feb, 2025

Absolutely awesome day. The booking online was effortless. Prompt reply. Follow up emails informing us of times location great. The Earnslaw was fantastic as was the BBQ lunch. Great value for money

Lesley

4/5

Feb, 2025

The cruise along the lake was lovely. The bbq food was very good, & we enjoyed the sheep shearing demo. We felt it was all a bit rushed tho, by the time they'd got everyone seated in the restaurant & to the farm show, there was no time left to look around the other parts of the farm or to enjoy the scenery. The boat felt quite packed especially if you wanted to be outside on the front deck area.

Jamie

5/5

Feb, 2025

We had such a great experience right from when we got on the boat to when we returned. The views from Walter Peak were stunning and the gourmet bbq was divine. Highly recommended this to anyone

Horace

3/5

Feb, 2025

The food was great but the person at the boat telling about the boats history and the surroundings was difficult to understand due to 1) engine noise 2) his dialect. Better run a tape spoken in BBC English The sheep sheering show afterwards was soso We were at agrodome and that was far more entertaing how the presentation was done

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Your experience

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on a living legend

Your adventure begins as you step aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship with a rich history dating back to 1912. As the iconic vessel begins its journey across Lake Wakatipu, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Queenstown’s towering mountain ranges, including the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. As you cruise, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and feel the gentle spray of the lake’s clear waters.

A BBQ feast to behold

Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll disembark and make your way to the beautiful Colonel’s Homestead, a restored 1902 building offering unparalleled lakeside views. Here, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering buffet-style BBQ, where chefs fire up the grill and prepare succulent meats, freshly baked bread, crisp salads, and local cheeses. The highlight of the meal is the irresistible wood-fired meats that fill the air with tantalizing aromas. After your feast, immerse yourself in the farm experience with an entertaining sheep-herding demonstration, showcasing the skilled farm dogs in action. You’ll have the chance to meet the farm animals, including sheep, cattle, and alpacas, and explore the picturesque lakeside gardens. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this historic farm’s rich past and its stunning alpine setting, making it a perfect day out in Queenstown.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your covered shoes/boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.
Pack your meds – 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.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.
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

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 undergoes yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.
Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.