Sightseeing Cruises

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

Name: From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown with Walter Peak Farm Tour
Start: 2026-08-12T11:00:00
End: 2026-08-12T14:30:00
Location: Queenstown

Operator: TSS Earnslaw Pop Pop Boats - c/o Real Journeys

4.8/5(233)

France M

Group

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The Walter Peak Farm Tour is a well-rounded and memorable experience that combines scenic travel, authentic farm life, and good food in one package. The journey itself is already a highlight, as you cross Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, offering stunning alpine views that set the tone for the day. Once at Walter Peak, the setting feels peaceful and genuinely rural, giving you a break from the busier side of Queenstown. The farm show is engaging and informative, especially the sheep shearing and dog herding demonstrations. Even if you’re not particularly interested in farming, the skill and precision involved make it enjoyable to watch. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often adding humor and personal insights that keep the experience lively. The BBQ lunch at the Homestead is another standout. There’s a wide selection of high-quality food, from meats to salads and desserts, catering to different tastes. The atmosphere is relaxed, and dining with a lake and mountain backdrop adds to the overall charm. While it may feel slightly touristy at times, the experience is well-organized and worth it, especially for first-time visitors to New Zealand. It offers a nice balance of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a solid half-day activity.

Serena B

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

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

Jun 2026

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.

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.

233 reviews
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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 16 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
France M
Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The Walter Peak Farm Tour is a well-rounded and memorable experience that combines scenic travel, authentic farm life, and good food in one package. The journey itself is already a highlight, as you cross Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, offering stunning alpine views that set the tone for the day. Once at Walter Peak, the setting feels peaceful and genuinely rural, giving you a break from the busier side of Queenstown. The farm show is engaging and informative, especially the sheep shearing and dog herding demonstrations. Even if you’re not particularly interested in farming, the skill and precision involved make it enjoyable to watch. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often adding humor and personal insights that keep the experience lively. The BBQ lunch at the Homestead is another standout. There’s a wide selection of high-quality food, from meats to salads and desserts, catering to different tastes. The atmosphere is relaxed, and dining with a lake and mountain backdrop adds to the overall charm. While it may feel slightly touristy at times, the experience is well-organized and worth it, especially for first-time visitors to New Zealand. It offers a nice balance of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a solid half-day activity.
Serena B
Family
Verified booking
Jul 2026
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.
Fiona N
Family
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The mountain views were spectacular! A smooth ride and the pianist on board was delightful, creating a lovely welcoming atmosphere. We (family of 5) thoroughly enjoyed the farm tour & afternoon tea provided. Highly recommend it!
Victoria B
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This is my second time taking my family on this experience. Not only is the boat great, the farm is wonderful, the high tea is delicious, and the staff are all so lovely too. Highly recommend
Rohan L
Family
Verified booking
Last week
Great to see all the animals and Joe kept the kids entertained. Loved watching Flur rounding up 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.