Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise on Lake Whakatipu

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.

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

People enjoying lunch at Walter Peak High Country Farm

Cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu with optional add-ons like a farm tour, gourmet BBQ dining, or a guided horse trek at Walter Peak.

Highlights

Take a scenic 90-minute cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, with views of Queenstown's alpine peaks.
Combine your TSS Earnslaw cruise with a guided tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll meet farm animals and enjoy freshly baked afternoon tea.
Choose to add a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at Walter Peak Farm to your cruise, where you'll dine with lakeside views in a peaceful high-country setting.
Add a small-group horse trek to your cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, riding through Walter Peak's rolling farmland, led by an experienced guide.
Fun fact: The TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912, is the only hand-fired steamship still in operation in the Southern Hemisphere.

Inclusions

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across 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 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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40 ratings

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Jennifer

5/5

Jan, 2025

Beautiful day Easy to pick up boarding passes. Easy boarding and very helpful staff Delicious Lunch and BBQ. AGAIN. VERY HELPFUL STAFF We had a person on a walker and they made it very easy for him Thankyou

Larry

5/5

Jan, 2025

Very knowledgeable skipper and Kate was a fantastic singer and piano player - my wife and both loved Kate - she is the best! The cruise was perfect!

Andrew

5/5

Jan, 2025

The farm visit and afternoon tea were way beyond what we expected. Likewise the cruise was fantastic and especially the pianist!

Judith

5/5

Jan, 2025

I LOVED that we got to experience a real life steam boat- from the era of the titanic! Wow! The open viewing areas and in depth explanations were fascinating

Girol

5/5

Jan, 2025

The overall experience was awesome but it was very disappointing not to receive a refund for a friend who fell ill two hours before the journey and could not join us - of course, a 24 hr notice was impossible and she didn't intend to go to a doctor - she just fell very unwell at the time. 4 of the 5 people so were booked did take the trip and enjoyed it very much.

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Your experience

Step aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw and embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. As you glide past the alpine scenery, including the towering Remarkables and Cecil Peak, you'll experience some of Queenstown’s most breathtaking views. The TSS Earnslaw, a piece of living history commissioned in 1912, has been carefully restored to retain its original charm. Onboard, explore the vessel’s engine room, check out historic photographs in the mini-museum, or relax at the Promenade Café and Bar as you take in the remarkable surroundings.

Walter Peak Farm Tour

For those curious about New Zealand’s farming heritage, the Walter Peak Farm Tour offers a close-up look at life on a working high-country farm. After your cruise, disembark and take a guided walking tour through the farm, where you'll meet friendly animals like Highland cows, alpacas, and sheep. A highlight of the visit is the sheepdog demonstration, showcasing the incredible skills of these working dogs. The tour wraps up with a freshly baked afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed. Perfect for families and animal lovers, this experience offers a hands-on glimpse into the rural way of life.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Opt for a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at the farm’s elegant Homestead Restaurant. After your cruise, you’ll be treated to a buffet-style meal featuring locally sourced produce, grilled meats, and delectable desserts—all with stunning lakeside views of Queenstown and the mountains. The meal is accompanied by a farm demonstration or time to explore the lakeside gardens. This option is ideal for food lovers and anyone seeking a more relaxed, indulgent experience in a serene high-country setting.

Walter Peak Horse Trekking Tour

For a more active adventure, choose the horse trekking tour through Walter Peak’s rolling farmland. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 40-45 minute ride led by an experienced guide, who will take you through picturesque trails with stunning lookout points over Lake Wakatipu. This small-group experience is tailored for first-time riders and families, offering an easy-going ride through Queenstown’s scenic landscapes. After your trek, enjoy morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead before your relaxing return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw.

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.

What’s not allowed

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).

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.
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.
The horse trekking tour is suitable for riders of all skill levels, including first-time riders.

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.