Combos

Combo (Save 5%) : Milford Sound & TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise Experience

4.9/5(1,953)

Ruisi W

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

TSS Earnslaw Cruises and Walter Peak delivered an experience that was both relaxing and unforgettable. Sharing it with my husband and our 2-year-old made it even more meaningful. The cruise itself felt like stepping back in time, with the charm of the historic steamship perfectly complemented by the breathtaking scenery of Lake Wakatipu. What impressed us most was how family-friendly the entire day was. Our toddler was entertained throughout, whether watching the lake, exploring the boat, or taking in the sights at Walter Peak. The farm visit was a highlight, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s rural heritage in a way that was enjoyable and accessible for all ages. Every detail felt thoughtfully planned, creating an experience that was seamless, authentic and memorable. We would happily recommend it to families looking for a unique day out.

Robelin N

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

The cruise was exceptional, and the crew on board was very welcoming and cheerful. They really made sure we enjoyed every moment of the 2-hour cruise. If I can offer one piece of advice, do this in the winter! After the tour, we stopped by the really nice souvenir shop😌... And as we were leaving Milford, we were surprised by the snow🥰... It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT

David P

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The Earnslaw is something special to do while in Queenstown. I have been on this cruise a few times now and each time is special. It doesn't matter if you go during the day or at sunset, like this time. The views are always breathtaking. Put this on your "must do" list when you visit here.

Kym-marie B

Solo

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

What an absolutely beautiful vessel with a fabulous crew and good options for snacks and drinks. Well worth the time to cruise the lake from end to end although next time I would include the lunch visit

Kerri-ann S

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

I was on the TSS Earnslaw with my 18 year old daughter and her friend. I was worried they might be bored, but much to my surprise they had a fabulous time - as did I. The commentary was great and interesting. The food available on board was great - I do highly recommend the hot chocolate! And the singer/guitar player they had the day we were on the cruise was great - got all of us singing along - fabulous vibe! A great introduction to Queenstown.

Mandy R

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The captain was informative without being too much commentary, as well as funny. The crew were so friendly and helpful. Great scenery, just breath taking moments.

Save with this combo and enjoy two iconic New Zealand cruises, Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu, with scenic views and expert insights.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw with live commentary, alpine views, and full accessibility, ideal for a relaxed heritage experience.

Explore Milford Sound’s dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife on a 1-hour 45-minute cruise with decks, lounge access, and complimentary tea and coffee.

Expert commentary and a multilingual audio guide app across both cruises ensure a seamless, informative, and immersive journey.

Fun fact: Lake Wakatipu’s water level rises and falls every 25 minutes; locals call it the “heartbeat of a giant.”

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

Live commentary on the cruise

Wheelchair accessible

Milford Sound Cruise

1 hr 45min Milford Sound cruise

Expert commentary

Complimentary tea & coffee

Access to outdoor viewing decks

Indoor heated lounge area

Multi-language audio guide app

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Milford Sound Cruise

Food and drinks (available for purchase onboard)

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

1,953 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 37 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ruisi W
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
TSS Earnslaw Cruises and Walter Peak delivered an experience that was both relaxing and unforgettable. Sharing it with my husband and our 2-year-old made it even more meaningful. The cruise itself felt like stepping back in time, with the charm of the historic steamship perfectly complemented by the breathtaking scenery of Lake Wakatipu. What impressed us most was how family-friendly the entire day was. Our toddler was entertained throughout, whether watching the lake, exploring the boat, or taking in the sights at Walter Peak. The farm visit was a highlight, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s rural heritage in a way that was enjoyable and accessible for all ages. Every detail felt thoughtfully planned, creating an experience that was seamless, authentic and memorable. We would happily recommend it to families looking for a unique day out.
David P
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The Earnslaw is something special to do while in Queenstown. I have been on this cruise a few times now and each time is special. It doesn't matter if you go during the day or at sunset, like this time. The views are always breathtaking. Put this on your "must do" list when you visit here.
Patricia L
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The wonderful scenery and commentary. The staff were amazing ; so friendly helpful and caring. Great selection of food and drinks on board .
Kym-marie B
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
What an absolutely beautiful vessel with a fabulous crew and good options for snacks and drinks. Well worth the time to cruise the lake from end to end although next time I would include the lunch visit
Gregory M
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
Everything. Wonderful history and a beautiful day on the lake. Staff were amazing with information and all very friendly.

Save 5% with this combo and experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic cruises, Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound, each with expert commentary.

Getting started Begin your adventure at Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf for your Lake Wakatipu cruise; arrive 20 minutes early for ticket scanning and minimal bag checks. For Milford Sound, head to the designated pier, present your ticket, and join a brief safety briefing before boarding.

What to expect TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise Cruise New Zealand’s third-largest lake, renowned for its lightning-bolt shape and the Remarkables mountain backdrop. Choose between the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for a journey across forested hills and alpine peaks.

Features:

TSS Earnslaw cruise: Sail across Lake Wakatipu on a 90-minute journey aboard the iconic steamship with live commentary throughout.

Scenic lake views: Take in alpine landscapes and serene waters as you cruise, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Accessible experience: Wheelchair friendly facilities ensure a comfortable and inclusive cruise for all guests.

Milford Sound Cruise Sail through glacier-carved fjords, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush rainforests in one of New Zealand’s most celebrated natural wonders. The cruise reveals the dramatic landscape shaped over millions of years.

Features:

Stirling and Bowen Falls: Marvel at waterfalls plunging from towering heights, a testament to the region’s rainfall and geology.

Mitre Peak: Capture views of this sharply rising peak, a signature icon of Milford Sound.

Wildlife spotting: Watch for native seals, dolphins, and, if you’re lucky, rare Fiordland crested penguins along the shoreline.

Onboard comfort: Relax with access to outdoor viewing decks, an indoor heated lounge, and complimentary tea and coffee.

By booking this combo, you enjoy seamless planning, expert-led insights, and a cost-saving way to experience two legendary South Island waterways in one trip.

What to bring

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

Pack your medications—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.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

Milford Sound Cruise

Bring covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing or jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera.

Carry warm, weather-appropriate clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change quickly on the water.

Pack your medications—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.

Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Milford Sound Cruise

Outside food and beverages are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on the vessel.

Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.

Dangerous or hazardous items are not permitted on the cruise.

For the horse trekking experience, guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft), and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb) are not permitted.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.

The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which 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.

Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.

There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

Milford Sound Cruise

Wheelchairs and prams/strollers can be brought on board as long as they fold to fit through the entrance of the boat.

There may be steps and uneven surfaces on board; guests with limited mobility should take caution.

The TSS Earnslaw, with its heritage design, may present some challenges for those with limited mobility or prams.

The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, which 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.

Additional information

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

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 is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Restrooms are available on board.

The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Milford Sound Cruise

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time for check-in.

Cruises operate in most weather conditions; cancellations are rare and only occur in extreme circumstances.

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 is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.

Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Restrooms are available on board.

The cruise duration and route may vary depending on weather and operational requirements.

Infants and children may require a booked ticket; check your ticket details before arrival.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.