Sightseeing Cruises

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

Name: From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown with Walter Peak Farm Tour
Start: 2026-10-05T13:00:00
End: 2026-10-05T16:30:00
Location: Queenstown

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

4.8/5(253)

Tsz L

Family

Verified booking

2 days ago

The TSS Earnslaw is historical and my kid likes to see the steam engine which is special. The scenary of the lake was amazing. The farm tour was great, the tour guide did good explanation on the animals, the animals are lovely. The pastries and cakes for the afternoon tea were delicious. Overall it was an enjoyable trip.

Rita N

Solo

Verified booking

Yesterday

It was great to see the areas around Queentown from the lake. The boat ride itself was smooth and comfortable. We were lucky to see snow halfway down the mountains on a very clear day in September--it had rained quite a lot the night before the tour. We also did the farm tour and it was fun to see the animals.

Ciaran B

Group

Verified booking

2 days ago

Great tea and scones and other food. So relaxed on the cruise and the farm tour was amazing. We got to feed the animals and Josh really explained a lot to us

Jeannea G

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

What I enjoyed most is the experience of cruising Lake Wakatipu on the historic 1912 TSS Earnslaw to the beautiful Walter Peak Farm! Riding the TSS Earnslaw feels like going back in time, going around the boat having coffee and pastries and seeing all the memorabilias in the gallery. The farm tour was enjoyable too, seeing the cute animals and shearing session. Plus we had good afternoon tea and all the delicious treats to enjoy.

Clare H

Family

Verified booking

Aug 2026

Great experience, well organized. The food was lovely and the views amazing. Don't take a travel pram if you're doing the farm tour as it's rocky and has stairs.

France M

Group

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The Walter Peak Farm Tour is a well-rounded and memorable experience that combines scenic travel, authentic farm life, and good food in one package. The journey itself is already a highlight, as you cross Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, offering stunning alpine views that set the tone for the day. Once at Walter Peak, the setting feels peaceful and genuinely rural, giving you a break from the busier side of Queenstown. The farm show is engaging and informative, especially the sheep shearing and dog herding demonstrations. Even if you’re not particularly interested in farming, the skill and precision involved make it enjoyable to watch. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often adding humor and personal insights that keep the experience lively. The BBQ lunch at the Homestead is another standout. There’s a wide selection of high-quality food, from meats to salads and desserts, catering to different tastes. The atmosphere is relaxed, and dining with a lake and mountain backdrop adds to the overall charm. While it may feel slightly touristy at times, the experience is well-organized and worth it, especially for first-time visitors to New Zealand. It offers a nice balance of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a solid half-day activity.

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.

253 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 17 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Tsz L
Family
Verified booking
2 days ago
The TSS Earnslaw is historical and my kid likes to see the steam engine which is special. The scenary of the lake was amazing. The farm tour was great, the tour guide did good explanation on the animals, the animals are lovely. The pastries and cakes for the afternoon tea were delicious. Overall it was an enjoyable trip.
Rita N
Solo
Verified booking
Yesterday
It was great to see the areas around Queentown from the lake. The boat ride itself was smooth and comfortable. We were lucky to see snow halfway down the mountains on a very clear day in September--it had rained quite a lot the night before the tour. We also did the farm tour and it was fun to see the animals.
Ciaran B
Group
Verified booking
2 days ago
Great tea and scones and other food. So relaxed on the cruise and the farm tour was amazing. We got to feed the animals and Josh really explained a lot to us
Narreddy R
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
It was amazing. I don't know which one I enjoyed more, the cruise or the farm. Both were outstanding and were worth it.
Chew S
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The beautiful screnery, peaceful lake, majestic mountains and the historic steamship has memorable journey

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.