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

(155)

Pamela

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Enjoyed watching and learning about the animals and learning of all the training involved for the sheep dog, and the devotion of the trainer. I was also pleased that on the track there was an alternate route that avoided stairs which enabled my mother to complete the walk. High tea had a lot of variety. Place clean & well organised. Ship added a touch of nostalgia to my day. Weather was perfect. All in all, it was a perfect day.

Sarah

Jan 2026

Verified booking

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!

Bethany

Jan 2026

Verified booking

We loved the Earnslaw Cruise! It was super family friendly, and a must-do when visiting Queenstown. We really enjoyed the farm tour over at Walter Peak and it was interesting to watch the workers on the boat. A huge bonus that there was a great selection of local wines and beers on the boat and my daughter loves the ice cream on the way home. Highly recommend.

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.

155 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
Katie
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Great cruise, good to have drinks and food being served. The cruise was quicker than the steam boat which enabled us to enjoy a little bit more extra time at Walter Peak. Fantastic experience for the family - excellent farm tour and high tea at Walter Peak
Melissa
Feb 2026
Verified booking
A great family activity - we really enjoyed the boat and the scones at the farm! Kim the short haired border collie was a particular highlight, what a gal (and her handler, Elena, too of course).
Marian
Feb 2026
Verified booking
The cruise and views were beautiful. It was great to be able to get a nice coffee on the cruise and a great lunch. Family and child friendly activity :)
Charlotte
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Out of this world. The food was really high quality and amazing. I just loved it! It was a very wonderful and fun time! The animal show was amazing.
Matthew
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Awesome day Great team Awesome animals. Can't fault anything about the day. Food was excellent and the stunning weather, made it even better.

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.