Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience

Steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand.

Tourists feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Family walking through flower garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Couple enjoying a meal at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with lake view.

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.

4.7/5

(219)

Trevor

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Had a great day at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Amazing buffet lunch followed by the sheep station show of shearing sheep and sheep dog demonstration of herding the sheep. The homestead is a beautiful well preserved building where we had lunch. Thoroughly recommend this trip. Unfthis time the Earnslaw was still being renovated and we had to go by catarmaran " Spirit of Queenstown ", which was good but looking forward to the Earnslaw next time.

Nancye

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Great experience on this steamer ship. We were boarded/disembarked very wuickly. We took the BBQ lunch option which was delicious! The homestead farm is very quaint. If you order drinks (which are not included) or you ourchase something frim the giftshop you will need to use a card as it is cashless. The sheeofig showvwas so much fun! You are abgood girl Kim rounding up those pesky sheep!

Trevor

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Probably the most spectacular lake trip that you could take in the world. Magnificent mountain scenery , a spectacular BBQ and sheep display. And superb service from start to finish. This cruise on the Earnslaw is not to be missed on any NZ itinerary. Cheers and thank you for the unique experience. Trevor Kenneally, Australia

Ideal for foodies and nature lovers, the TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak BBQ offers a unique Queenstown lakeside dining adventure.

Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown and enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu with alpine and lakeside views along the way.

Relish a gourmet BBQ buffet at the charming Colonel’s Homestead, featuring wood-fired meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts.

Discover the life of a working farm with a lively sheep-herding show, farm dogs in action, and the chance to meet other friendly animals.

Fun fact: Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the last remaining coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere, lovingly preserved for all to enjoy.

Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

Gourmet BBQ experience here (based on time selected)

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise (as per option selected)

60-minute Spirit of Queenstown cruise (as per option selected)

Live commentary

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.

4.7
219 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 Kingdom, United States and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Nancye
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Great experience on this steamer ship. We were boarded/disembarked very wuickly. We took the BBQ lunch option which was delicious! The homestead farm is very quaint. If you order drinks (which are not included) or you ourchase something frim the giftshop you will need to use a card as it is cashless. The sheeofig showvwas so much fun! You are abgood girl Kim rounding up those pesky sheep!
Francine
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
What a great day! Lovely historic boat, beautiful farm and delicious food. The shearing demonstration was very well done too. So glad it was recommended to us.
Trevor
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Probably the most spectacular lake trip that you could take in the world. Magnificent mountain scenery , a spectacular BBQ and sheep display. And superb service from start to finish. This cruise on the Earnslaw is not to be missed on any NZ itinerary. Cheers and thank you for the unique experience. Trevor Kenneally, Australia
Nigel
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Amazing culinary experience accompanied with friendly and helpful staff
Tracey
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
It was amazing.From the boat cruise to the restaurant.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown with a gourmet BBQ lunch and farm show at Walter Peak Station.

Getting started

Board the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran at the Queenstown lakefront. Settle in as the vessel departs, offering scenic views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and surrounding mountains.

What to expect

Enjoy a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu with opportunities to explore the engine room and learn about the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings. Disembark at Walter Peak Station to dine in the restored Colonel’s Homestead, explore the gardens, watch the farm demonstration, and photograph the picturesque alpine and lakeside scenery.

Features

Lake Wakatipu cruise: Scenic journey aboard the TSS Earnslaw or catamaran with panoramic mountain views.

Engine room access: Explore the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings and learn from the captain.

Gourmet BBQ lunch: Buffet-style meal with wood-fired meats, fresh bread, cheeses, and salads.

Colonel’s Homestead: Dine in the 1902 homestead with lakeside views and colonial charm.

Farm experience: Sheep-herding demonstration, meet farm animals including sheep, cattle, and alpacas.

Gardens and photo spots: Stroll through Homestead Gardens and capture alpine and lake scenery.

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

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 restaurant for the BBQ dining is easily accessible, except for the short gravel path from the wharf, which may require assistance for some wheelchair users.

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 and Spirit of Queenstown undergo yearly maintenance, during which an alternative vessel will be in service.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

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

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 mins 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.