Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown with Walter Peak Farm Tour

Steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Woman smiling on a boat deck with windblown hair, Queenstown.

Tourists planting at Walter Peak High Country Farm with mountain backdrop.

Tourists feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Duration

3 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Operator: TSS Earnslaw Pop Pop Boats - c/o Real Journeys

4.6/5

(103)

Shea

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This is a great experience being on an old school coal fueled steam powered ship launched in 1912. There are multiple tour options once you reach Walter peak farm. The ship is vintage with a small museum on the forward end and you can take a look at the engine room to see how coal powers the ship. Very much worth a ticket.

Susan

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The steamship is just cool! It is so interesting to actually ride on something that looks like it should be in a museum. We also really enjoyed the farm tour. The grounds are beautiful. Joe was a lot of fun! He did a great job shearing the sheep. Oh, and Echo!!!! She is a super star!

Lorna

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This was a wonderful experience! The Spirit of Queenstown was steady and the views on the way to the farm are incredible. The farm tour was fabulous...it was lovely to come so up and close to the animals in such beautiful surroundings. Watching the sheep dog do her work was so impressive. We visited in Spring, so we got to bottle feed the lambs too, which our daughter loved. The afternoon tea was yummy, and they catered for allergies etc. I cannot fault it...this is a must-do when in Queenstown.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu and enjoy a guided farm tour at Walter Peak—perfect for families, animal lovers, and curious travellers of all ages.

Meet sheep, alpacas, Highland cattle, and farm dogs, then watch a sheepdog demo in the amphitheatre led by an expert rural host.

Stroll the farmyard, feed friendly animals, and enjoy freshly baked scones, cakes, and slices during a lakeside afternoon tea.

Choose from 2 vessels: the TSS Earnslaw with live piano and an open engine room, or the Spirit of Queenstown with panoramic decks and accessible design.

Fun fact: Walter Peak Farm has been a working farm since the 1800s, offering a unique look at high-country farming traditions!

Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm

English-speaking guide

Farm show demonstration in the amphitheatre

Farmyard visit to meet the animals

Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)

Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown (based on selected option)

Live commentary on the cruise

Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

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

4.6
103 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, Singapore and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Cendra
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of joining the Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steam Cruise combined with the farm tour, and it was truly one of the highlights of our Queenstown trip. Cruise Experience The journey aboard the historic steamship was breathtaking. Gliding across the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu with panoramic mountain views all around felt like stepping back in time while enjoying the beauty of modern Queenstown. The atmosphere was peaceful yet full of character, and the 100-year-old vessel itself is a marvel to experience. Farm Tour Highlights Once we arrived at the farm, the tour was both fun and educational. We loved the chance to meet and greet the friendly farm animals, and the sheep shearing demonstration was fascinating to watch. The shepherd dog show was another standout—seeing the dogs’ skill and precision in action navigating a flock of sheeps was impressive and memorable. Tea Time Treats The afternoon tea was a delightful surprise. The freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam were simply delicious, and paired perfectly with a warm drink after the farm activities. It added a cozy, homely touch to the whole experience. Overall Value The entire journey took just over three hours, but every moment was packed with enjoyment. From the scenic cruise to the interactive farm tour and the tasty tea break, it was excellent value for money. We both felt it was worth every cent and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Queenstown. Final Thoughts This experience combines history, nature, and authentic Kiwi hospitality in one seamless package. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or solo, the Earnslaw Steam Cruise and Farm Tour is a must-do. We left with wonderful memories and smiles on our faces—an unforgettable day in Queenstown.
Tiffany
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Well organised from start to end. Awesome experience on a coal powered steamship. Farm experience was thoughtfully structured with our guide Josh explaining everything in a clear and engaging way.
Elizabeth
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Delicious and well organized afternoon tea, great farm show. Beautiful well cared for gardens and excellent commentary. Would recommend.
Hayley
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
It was the best boat ride I've been on - I do not like boats but this was smooth and comfortable and fast
Stephen
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
A great cruise across the lake. We enjoyed the afternoon tea and our visitors enjoyed the farm tour.

This scenic lake-to-farm adventure blends a relaxing cruise, a hands-on farm encounter, and a charming afternoon tea—all in one unforgettable half-day trip.

Getting started

Make your way to Steamer Wharf in Queenstown and present your ticket at the RealNZ terminal. Be ready to board 20 minutes before departure. Staff will scan your ticket, and you’ll be directed to your vessel—either the heritage TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown.

What to expect

Lake Wakatipu: Cruise across the deep-blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the towering Remarkables and lush alpine scenery.

TSS Earnslaw: Step aboard a 1912 steamship icon. Wander through the open engine room, hear the rhythmic churn of steam pistons, and admire the ship's vintage charm. Stop by the café for a drink or hum along to the live piano on your scenic return.

Spirit of Queenstown: If you’re looking for a more modern cruise experience, the Spirit of Queenstown fits the bill. Enjoy a smooth ride on a modern catamaran with panoramic windows and commentary on Queenstown’s landmarks. Relax on open decks and soak in the uninterrupted views.

Walter Peak Farm: Disembark at the homestead for a guided farm tour. Meet and feed friendly Highland cattle, sheep, alpacas, and deer. Watch working dogs in action during a live sheepdog demonstration.

Afternoon tea: Wind down with freshly baked scones, cakes, and tea served in the homestead gardens. Sit back, relax, and breathe in that crisp alpine air before cruising back to Queenstown.

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 (phone or card) to pay for meals and souvenirs not covered by the ticket. Both the vessels and Walter Peak are cashless.

Accessibility

The Spirit of Queenstown is designed with accessibility in mind, making it easier to board with prams or mobility aids. 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, so it may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.

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.

Please note that the TSS Earnslaw is scheduled to undergo annual maintenance from May 19 to September 9, 2025.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your cruise to avoid any delays.

Boarding point

Please check your final voucher for the boarding point details and specific instructions.