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

(262)

Carol

Dec 2025

Verified booking

5/5

We did the cruise plus gourmet BBQ lunch and farm show and enjoyed it very much. The ship itself was lovely and it was interesting to see the workings of the steam engine. The views along the very smooth trip were absolutely stunning. The lunch was so good, especially the lamb and beef, so tender and moist. The sweets were equally delicious, blueberry cheesecake and mint choc mousse, so yummy. The farm show was short but good. The young handler explained everything about the farm, sheep and dogs very well and her demonstrations were good too. It was great seeing her dog Mist round up the sheep on a very steep paddock. All in all a fabulous afternoon

Daniel

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The cruise and BBQ dinner was a truly wonderful experience. Dinner was exceptional with plenty to go around, the Venison and Pork were our favourites and desert was plentiful. We had great service at the restaurant with a million dollar view. The sheep dog show was also excellent. The return cruise from Queenstown was truly spectacular, a beautiful old steamboat. The staff on board were professional and friendly. Definitely recommend this cruise when in Queenstown.

Francisca

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

It was our last day in Queenstown and we were very grateful that someone suggested this attraction. It truly was fantastic. Huge thank you to the staff that made this trip so lovely - the musicion on the boat (to and from the venue), staff on board, the wonderful waiters at the restaurant, the first rate chefs right through to the farming dog (Mia) and her knowledge and ability to carry out every instruction gi ven by her owner. Thank you!!!!

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
262 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
Carol
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We did the cruise plus gourmet BBQ lunch and farm show and enjoyed it very much. The ship itself was lovely and it was interesting to see the workings of the steam engine. The views along the very smooth trip were absolutely stunning. The lunch was so good, especially the lamb and beef, so tender and moist. The sweets were equally delicious, blueberry cheesecake and mint choc mousse, so yummy. The farm show was short but good. The young handler explained everything about the farm, sheep and dogs very well and her demonstrations were good too. It was great seeing her dog Mist round up the sheep on a very steep paddock. All in all a fabulous afternoon
Niko
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The food is simply amazing!! Worth every penny. The cruise itself is very relaxing. Would do this again if possible. The farm show is a good way to relax after a big buffet.
Richard
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Loved the TSS Earnslaw, the trip, the BBQ and the show - Echo did a great job! Would recommend to any friends or family, or even people we don't know🙂
Julie
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The boat is lovely and well maintained. The lunch was incredible in every way!! Loved the sheep shearer and his dog. All was excellent!
Nicole
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Wonderful evening. Being a passenger on this historic ship was an honour. The cruise very senior and the food outstanding.

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.