Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience

Steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand.

Barbeque platter with meats and sides at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Couple enjoying a meal at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with lake view.

Grilled meats and vegetables on a platter at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience.

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.

4.8/5

(415)

Janice B

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

The cruise was pleasant and the commentary was very good and interesting local information was given (not too much talking!). The BBQ lunch was great, amazing selection of food, friendly staff and the restaurant in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake and a stunning garden. This was followed by a farm show, a man shearing a sheep and a dog showing his skills at rounding up sheep on a hill. Thoroughly recommend this trip.

Lauri S

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

The meal was incredibly good--plentiful and tasty. We were glad we booked it. The farm show was also good--fun and entertaining. We thought the Earnslaw was also great--interesting to see the old coal fired engine still at work. Really, there's nothing I would have changed about the trip, except perhaps to have a little longer to enjoy our time at the farm.

Elaine M

Group

Verified booking

Last week

The cruise and farm experience was so well organized. We had a lovely day cruising to the farmstead and enjoyed a most delicious meal with lots of veggies, meats, cheeses and desserts. The sheep sheering and herding event gave us a look into the life on the farm. All in all, the perfect timeframe to experience a special piece of Queenstown.

Lisa M

Couple

Verified booking

Jan 2026

Lovely cruise the views were spectacular and enjoyed the buffet lunch. The farm show was good fun and Kip the dog was the star. There could have been better organisation on both the seating on the cruise as there were reserved tables which was not available at the time of booking. The buffet appeared to be a free for all!

Lisa S

Group

Verified booking

Feb 2026

Lovely afternoon! The steamboat cruise to Walter Peak was a great capture of history. Lunch wa s amazing and really enjoyed the sheep shearing and herding show. The staff were so friendly and professional. A wonderful family outing! Our Altitude driver, James recommended this tour. He was spot on!!!

Barbara D

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

Tge meal at Walter Peak Station. Very disappointed we were not on the TSS Earnslaw, check tickets when booking as you could book on the Spirit of Queenstown a modern catamaran. We watched the TSS Earnslaw from the catamaran. BBQ linch was very tasty an beautifully presented.

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 or the modern Spirit of Queenstown and enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu with 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.

Unwind after dinner with an entertaining farm dog show showcasing the skill and teamwork of working dogs.

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.

Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

Gourmet BBQ experience here (based on time selected)

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise (as per option selected)

60-minute Spirit of Queenstown cruise (as per option selected)

Live commentary

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.

415 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 19 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Lesley S
Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
Wow what a wonderful experience this was. We consider ourselves well seasoned travellers and booked this cruise on recommendation of friends as a must do in Queenstown despite reservations about this being another boring lake cruise. Boy were we wrong! For a start the scenery was spectacular and the boat, staff and facilities top class. We were unable to get tickets on the historic Earnslaw so rather than miss out chose the modern catamaran and were more than happy with that option. The bonus being we arrived at Walter Peak before the larger, slower ship and had first choice of prime window tables in the homestead for a lunch with magnificent views. And what a lunch it was with locally grown lamb, beef, pork, venison, fish and home grown vegetables and a choice of about 10 small dessert dishes. After lunch we made our way to the included farm show where we were entertained with a sheep shearing and sheep dog display which gave us a great overview of how working farms in New Zealand operate. If you are not adventure junkies and can only do one activity in Queenstown then this is the one for you. Great value for money.
Elaine M
Group
Verified booking
Last week
The cruise and farm experience was so well organized. We had a lovely day cruising to the farmstead and enjoyed a most delicious meal with lots of veggies, meats, cheeses and desserts. The sheep sheering and herding event gave us a look into the life on the farm. All in all, the perfect timeframe to experience a special piece of Queenstown.
Corinne K
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We had a magic day out on the water - the travel time was ideal - great lunch - wine was Devine (although pricy) fun farm show - maybe a tad more time to look around the property would have been nice as gardens are so stunning. But the 6 of us had a fab day!
Vickie C
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
Lovely staff. awesome views. amazing meal. Fantastic old boat. Extremely well organised cruise. Well worth the money and a lifetime experience. Thankyou so very much, would do it again when back in beautiful Queenstown. ❤️
Linda T
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The weather was perfect. The scenery stunning. The speed of the Earnslaw was just right to be able to enjoy the views and take photos. Our meal was delicious and not rushed set in a really beautiful venue.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown with a gourmet BBQ lunch and farm show at Walter Peak Station.

Getting started Board the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran at the Queenstown lakefront. Settle in as the vessel departs, offering scenic views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and surrounding mountains.

What to expect Enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu with opportunities to explore the engine room and learn about the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings. Disembark at Walter Peak Station to dine in the restored Colonel’s Homestead, explore the gardens, watch the farm demonstration, and photograph the picturesque alpine and lakeside scenery.

Features

Lake Wakatipu cruise: Scenic journey aboard the TSS Earnslaw or catamaran with panoramic mountain views.

Engine room access: Explore the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings and learn from the captain.

Gourmet BBQ lunch: Buffet-style meal with wood-fired meats, fresh bread, cheeses, and salads.

Colonel’s Homestead: Dine in the 1902 homestead with lakeside views and colonial charm.

Farm experience: Sheep-herding demonstration, meet farm animals including sheep, cattle, and alpacas.

Gardens and photo spots: Stroll through Homestead Gardens and capture alpine and lake scenery.

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

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 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 and Spirit of Queenstown undergo yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

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.

Boarding point

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