Sightseeing Cruises

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

Name: From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Walter Peak Farm Tour
Start: 2026-11-01T13:00:00
End: 2026-11-01T16:30:00
Location: Queenstown

4.8/5(281)

Harold B

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

This was a highlight -- one of many -- from our month-long Australia and New Zealand trip. The TSS Earnshaw is a throwback -- a 100+ year-old coal-fired steam vessel that is impeccably kept. Though we enjoyed the Walter Park Farm and Homestead, to which the Earnslaw transported used us, the sail, itself, was every bit as memorable. GOOD SHOW, EARNSLAW AND CREW! THANK YOU.

Samantha J

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Everything! Easy check in, inside was nice and warm and you had the option to buy food and drink. Wasn't extremely crowded which was nice, could move around with ease and look at the working of the boat. Everyone was kind and had a smile. The lady on the piano was kind, willing to have a chat and played wonderfully. Would definitely recommend

Wendy F

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

I took my two little granddaughters on the Walter Peak cruise and farm experience. They loved it! Really enjoyed the lovely food, being on the boat and seeing the scenery . The staff were so nice to us and helpful and friendly What a special place and including the sheep shearing and display with Echo the header dog. Highly recommend 😊

Teina R

Family

Verified booking

Yesterday

Absolutely stunning views from every angle whether you're out on the deck or sitting inside at the onboard cafe. Easy to move around to read, hear or see the TSS history including the engine room. This cruise is a must do if you are ever in Queenstown. Cafe food/coffee was lovely. Staff are very friendly. I highly recommend!

Diana S

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

I loved the old steam ship. You were able to see the engine room and walk all around the ship. Also old school piano player engaged with everyone and even called some people out of the audience that wanted to sing with her. Absolutely lovely. Borrás were stunning

Charlie H

Family

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

My daughter loved exploring the Earnslaw. I was worried it would feel too busy but I found it the right amount of people. My favourite part was the highland coos

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.

281 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
Wendy F
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I took my two little granddaughters on the Walter Peak cruise and farm experience. They loved it! Really enjoyed the lovely food, being on the boat and seeing the scenery . The staff were so nice to us and helpful and friendly What a special place and including the sheep shearing and display with Echo the header dog. Highly recommend 😊
Diana S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
I loved the old steam ship. You were able to see the engine room and walk all around the ship. Also old school piano player engaged with everyone and even called some people out of the audience that wanted to sing with her. Absolutely lovely. Borrás were stunning
Charlie H
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
My daughter loved exploring the Earnslaw. I was worried it would feel too busy but I found it the right amount of people. My favourite part was the highland coos
Kemala D
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The TSS Earnslaw is a beautiful lady. She's excellent maintained. Launched same year as TITANIC still running very well We enjoyed the smooth cruise on the calm water on Wakatipu lake. Amazing to be able see the crew working in the engine room. Enjoyed the pictures down below deck. All the staff were very friendly. At the bar snacks were nice with some variety. Beautiful view going to Walter Peak Farm. The journey back was smooth as well. I highly recommed the cruise with TSS Earnslaw.
Harold B
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
This was a highlight -- one of many -- from our month-long Australia and New Zealand trip. The TSS Earnshaw is a throwback -- a 100+ year-old coal-fired steam vessel that is impeccably kept. Though we enjoyed the Walter Park Farm and Homestead, to which the Earnslaw transported used us, the sail, itself, was every bit as memorable. GOOD SHOW, EARNSLAW AND CREW! THANK YOU.

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.