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

(193)

Ariane C

Couple

Verified booking

5 days ago

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!!

Robert S

Family

Verified booking

4 days ago

Highly recommend the early tour. The weather was perfect, the coffee on board was perfect and the boat itself was such an incredible experience. We added the Walter peak farm tour and that just topped of the morning. Such a beautiful way to start the day.

David M

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

Great to be on the old steamer enjoying the sights around the lake. Josh gave us a great tour of the farm followed up by an excellent afternoon tea. Well worth the money.

Lyndal S

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Having an authentic steamboat ride was a treat. The smooth trip across the lake was lovely and the blowing of the horn on arrival back was really cool to hear. The afternoon tea food was very nice however could have been arranged differently to avoid a mad rush of people all at once. We loved the farm tour with Josh. He was super informative and very nice. He really knows everything about the animals and the farm and it was a pleasure having him as our tour guide.

Kristen L

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

This cruise and the farm tour were awesome! Nice lake cruise in the steamboat - a fun experience to see how this steamboat from the late 1800's operates. The farm tour was exceptional - meeting and feeding the pigs, goats, alpacas, and highland cattle. We shared a nice mid-morning tea with a fine array of finger sandwiches and sweet treats. Then on to watch the sheep shearing and, best of all, the demo of the herding dog. Overall a wonderful morning!

Shuyi S

Family

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Perfect experience for old people and toddler. Chill and relax. Beautiful view and good time arrangement. Suggestion: would be better to notify the difference of the ferry as I booked a long time ago and forgot which ferry we should take. We were told being queued for the wrong ferry and had to change the line when only a few times before boarding.

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.

193 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
Ariane C
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
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!!
Robert S
Family
Verified booking
4 days ago
Highly recommend the early tour. The weather was perfect, the coffee on board was perfect and the boat itself was such an incredible experience. We added the Walter peak farm tour and that just topped of the morning. Such a beautiful way to start the day.
David M
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
Great to be on the old steamer enjoying the sights around the lake. Josh gave us a great tour of the farm followed up by an excellent afternoon tea. Well worth the money.
Lyndal S
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Having an authentic steamboat ride was a treat. The smooth trip across the lake was lovely and the blowing of the horn on arrival back was really cool to hear. The afternoon tea food was very nice however could have been arranged differently to avoid a mad rush of people all at once. We loved the farm tour with Josh. He was super informative and very nice. He really knows everything about the animals and the farm and it was a pleasure having him as our tour guide.
Julie M
Solo
Verified booking
Last week
The view is simply spectacular. There are no words. The tea service was amazing, and the farm tour was so fun! I loved watching Mia gather the sheep.

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.