Processing your payment

Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
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 feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu with Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown.

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

4.7/5

(123)

Sarah Leighton

Sarah

Jan 2026
Verified booking
5/5
We had to take the spirit of QT over because the Earnslaw had mechanical issues. But it was very comfortable and they made the change easy and managed the last minute issue well. I really enjoyed getting a cup of tea in a real cup (not takeaway) for our cruise over. We were stoked to see we'd get the Earnslaw back. Such a cool experience seeing the inner workings of the boat as we sailed!
Merry Tsao

Merry

Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We saw beautiful views on the boat and the history of the boat made it more interesting. The farm visit was very well organised, the high tea was more than I expected from the last time I visited more than 25 years ago. The fam visit and show was very well run with interesting facts and entertaining.
Adam Biswell

Adam

Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
From age five to 76, there was something magical for everyone in our group. Watching the inner workings of the TSS Earnslaw, touring the farm, feeding the animals, and skimming stones on the lake made for a day full of simple joys and shared memories. A truly wonderful family experience.
    • 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.

  • 4.7
    123 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.

    92
    27
    2
    2
    0
    Guests from Australia, United States, Singapore and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Bradley Thomas Coonan

    Bradley

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The boat ride and tour around the farm was the best for kids! Our 3 year old loved it including us! The morning tea was excellent. Thank you
    Sarah Leighton

    Sarah

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We had to take the spirit of QT over because the Earnslaw had mechanical issues. But it was very comfortable and they made the change easy and managed the last minute issue well. I really enjoyed getting a cup of tea in a real cup (not takeaway) for our cruise over. We were stoked to see we'd get the Earnslaw back. Such a cool experience seeing the inner workings of the boat as we sailed!
    Deborah England

    Deborah

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Staff were friendly and helpful. The animals were so cute and it was fun feeding them. Joe was very knowledgeable about the animals and farm workings. The sheep shearing and mustering displays were very entertaining. There was plenty of food provided for the afternoon tea.
    Jessica Ruhle

    Jessica

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Easy check-in process and a wonderful day out. Loved the time on the boat and the time on the farm. Great food and lovely staff.
    Barry Graham

    Barry

    Jan 2026
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Wonderful smooth trip,friendly staff. The farm trip was great and the morning tea was a pleasant surprise. Great job by all!
  • 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.

Similar experiences you'd love

Free cancellation
Cruise ship sailing through Milford Sound with mountain views.
Sightseeing Cruises
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch
4.8(1,839)
from
NZ$145
Milford Sound Cruise with Optional Lunch. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1839 ratings.From NZ$145
Free cancellation
Steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Sightseeing Cruises
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise
4.7(580)
from
NZ$115
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 580 ratings.From NZ$115
Free cancellation
Group posing for a photo with a tour bus and snow-capped mountains in Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Day Trips
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers
4.6(572)
from
NZ$245
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Day Trip with Cruise, Walks & Return Transfers. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 572 ratings.From NZ$245
Free cancellation
Family walking through flower garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.
Sightseeing Cruises
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience
4.8(317)
from
NZ$159
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 317 ratings.From NZ$159
Free cancellation
People preparing to board a small plane for a scenic flight to Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Day Trips
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flyover & Cruise
4.7(300)
from
NZ$749
From Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flyover & Cruise. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 300 ratings.From NZ$749
Download app section background

We've served 47 million+ guests and we are here for you

47 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime