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 hrs 30 mins

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

4.8/5(224)

Janet P

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

We enjoyed being able to see the engine from up close. There were a variety of places to sit and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed listening to the piano player. We enjoyed drinking the mulled wine as it was a chilly winter's day. The afternoon tea at Walters Peak was very nice too.

Tehani A

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

we are so grateful to have done the Walter-Peak farm. We took the Spirit of Queenstown, we were offered blankets because it was very cold. We enjoyed the tour on the lake. There, Jo was our guide and we visited the farm. adorable animals were there. then came Tea time where tea and treats were served. then came the shearing of a sheep and the repatriation of the animals to the enclosure. It was incredible and unforgettable. We will come back for the next one. Thanks for all.

Keren S

Family

Verified booking

May 2026

The cruise was a real highlight of our trip to Queenstown. The lake and farmhouse were spectacular. It was a lovely day out. I would also like to point out how wonderful the staff were managing the cruise. We had mixed the dates up and a lovely young woman took it upon herself to understand our situation and find a solution. Unfortunately I missed her name but she is a real credit to your organization!

Ho W

Couple

Verified booking

May 2026

Smelling the historic blend of coal and engine oil, hearing the soulful steam whistle, and feeling the crisp wind made for an incredible journey against stunning lake backviews. The farm tour was just as great watching the hilariously confused sheep getting shorn, seeing the brilliant sheepdogs at work, and wrapping it up with afternoon tea by the water. Absolutely worth every penny.

Ariane C

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

The Earnslaw cruise was amazing, almost as awesome as the Walter Farm tour which we got as a part of this package! Our guide was super knowledgeable and really told us many things about the farm animals, while allowing us to feed them, which was super cute :)! We will 100% be back next time with family, I think this was arguably one of the best parts of our visits to Queenstown. Loved the highland cows and alpacas especially!!

Julie M

Group

Verified booking

Apr 2026

What a beautiful day we had on our Walter Peak farm tour. Starting with the ride over on the Earnslaw. It was all so well organised from the boarding until disembarkment. The farm itself is pristine, with an amazing manicured landscape, well looked after animals & delicious food. 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.

224 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 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Serena B
Family
Verified booking
Yesterday
The Earnslaw was fabulous! I would recommend sitting upstairs at this time of year as downstairs is a bit colder. The ambiance upstarts with the guitar player was beautiful. I would also recommend their mulled wine, amazing! It unfortunately was raining when we did the farm tour, but we're still able to walk around as umbrellas were provided. The afternoon tea was another highlight. They do this very well serving club club sandwiches and sweet treats and scones with ham and cream, just like a high tea, but it is not brought to your table you go and get what you want. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip, we were three generations travelling together and we ALL loved it.
Tehani A
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
we are so grateful to have done the Walter-Peak farm. We took the Spirit of Queenstown, we were offered blankets because it was very cold. We enjoyed the tour on the lake. There, Jo was our guide and we visited the farm. adorable animals were there. then came Tea time where tea and treats were served. then came the shearing of a sheep and the repatriation of the animals to the enclosure. It was incredible and unforgettable. We will come back for the next one. Thanks for all.
Janet P
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
We enjoyed being able to see the engine from up close. There were a variety of places to sit and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed listening to the piano player. We enjoyed drinking the mulled wine as it was a chilly winter's day. The afternoon tea at Walters Peak was very nice too.
Marcus T
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The smooth cruise and the clear narration. Farm tour is very NZ and like it
Keren S
Family
Verified booking
May 2026
The cruise was a real highlight of our trip to Queenstown. The lake and farmhouse were spectacular. It was a lovely day out. I would also like to point out how wonderful the staff were managing the cruise. We had mixed the dates up and a lovely young woman took it upon herself to understand our situation and find a solution. Unfortunately I missed her name but she is a real credit to your organization!

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.