Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience

TSS Earnslaw steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu with mountain backdrop, Queenstown.

People planting trees by Lake Wakatipu during the TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Queenstown.

Guide explaining farming technique in greenhouse at Walter Peak.

Tea and scones setup at Walter Peak High Country Farm with lake view in background.

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

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Farm. Explore native gardens, plant a tree, and enjoy high tea featuring local ingredients.

4.5/5

(11)

Carolyn

Dec 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The steam boat ride over was very pleasant but the farm itself was more like a grand estate. The group was small with only 5 of us and Sam our guide and host made us feel welcome and showed us how passionate he is about the property. The food we were served exceeded all expectations in terms of quality, quantity, presentation and diversity. The chefs certainly put their heart into it. The weather was sunny and pleasant just to top off a very lovely afternoon.

Richard

Jan 2026

Verified booking

5/5

I booked Farm to Table..the ship is beautiful and a smooth journey.S.J the young lady gardener and guide met me at the dock and was excellent..friendly and informative.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, taking in sweeping views of Queenstown’s alpine landscape.

Wander through Walter Peak’s kitchen and native gardens, sampling fresh ingredients and discovering plants like tussock grass and manuka that shape New Zealand’s ecosystems.

Plant a native seedling on the reforested peninsula and leave a positive impact on the region’s biodiversity.

Enjoy a garden-to-table light lunch, featuring seasonal produce and homemade treats crafted from ingredients grown on-site.

Fun fact: The Colonel’s Homestead, originally built in 1902, was lovingly rebuilt in 1977 after a fire—preserving its lakeside heritage at Walter Peak.

Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu

Guided tour of the kitchen gardens with produce tasting

Native flora & conservation walk

Opportunity to plant a native tree or shrub

Garden-to-table light lunch, featuring homegrown & locally sourced ingredients

Expert host commentary throughout the experience

Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.5
11 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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What our guests say
Carolyn
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The steam boat ride over was very pleasant but the farm itself was more like a grand estate. The group was small with only 5 of us and Sam our guide and host made us feel welcome and showed us how passionate he is about the property. The food we were served exceeded all expectations in terms of quality, quantity, presentation and diversity. The chefs certainly put their heart into it. The weather was sunny and pleasant just to top off a very lovely afternoon.
Jane
Mar 2025
Verified booking
5/5
A unique experience. The ambience, information and hospitality onboard the Earnslaw and ashore at Walter Peak was the highlight of our Queenstown trip. Planting a native tree and dedicating it to my dearly loved father in law gave the visit a special connection. Food was amazing. Worth every dollar.
Nicola
Feb 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Very easy to book on line. Very organised throughout the day, cruise lovely. Eco tour with Stephan was fantastic, lot's of interesting information about the plants, native trees and garden's of Walter Peak. Highlight was the amazing afternoon tea which was enough for two.
Stephen
Feb 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The whole experience was great ,the noise of the engine to the brilliant staff, thanks for the memories.
Catherine
Feb 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Interesting how they grow vegetables and delicious afternoon tea. Liked music on the Earnslaw.

All aboard the TSS Earnslaw Step aboard the beloved TSS Earnslaw, a century-old steamship carrying generations across the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. As you glide toward Walter Peak, take in the iconic alpine vistas—Cecil Peak, the Remarkables, and the deep blues of the lake. Explore the beautifully restored vessel, including the working steam engine room and onboard museum, or relax with a snack from the Promenade Café as the scenery unfolds around you. Garden to Table at Walter Peak Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll be welcomed into a stunning lakeside setting where nature, produce, and conservation come together. Join your guide for a relaxed walk through the lush kitchen gardens and native planting areas, sampling fresh herbs and seasonal produce as you go. Learn how the farm grows, harvests, and prepares ingredients for its garden-to-table dining. Next, play your part in Walter Peak’s land restoration project by planting a native seedling—a hands-on contribution to the farm’s growing biodiversity. Your experience concludes with a garden-to-table light lunch, featuring homemade, freshly prepared dishes crafted from ingredients grown right on the property. Enjoy your meal in the peaceful lakeside surrounds before boarding the TSS Earnslaw for your journey 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 for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.

The Garden to Table experience 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.

The TSS Earnslaw undergoes yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at TSS Earnslaw Visitor Centre.

Address: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the boarding point