Sightseeing Cruises

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

Tourists feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

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

Barbeque platter with meats and sides at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

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

(195)

Sherril

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

I have been before so wanted to take my friend and show off about the experience. It was a lovely day and everything well organised. The lunch was spectacular and enjoyed the rounding up of the sheep. The cruise was disappointing as the sound system needs upgrading. Impossible to hear the commentary.

Timothy

Apr 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The cruise across Lake Wakatipu was magnificent. Lunch was plentiful and just beautifully presented. Unfortunately, even as a tourist, it's hard to understand other tourists' behaviour. The tour is a "must do" when in Queenstown - especially for the first time. I must admit it was a little confusing how lunch was organised and which entry to go to etc. The other small issue was that the PA on the boat was impossible to understand. I have seen similar feedback - after the experience, but I thought that having the waiter at the table explain the next steps was important and worked well - it was just making sure you were in the right place to get that explanation that may be an issue for some. Overall - it was a great experience and I'm pleased to have done it - best lunch in Queenstown!

Hanny

Mar 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The four hour activity was excellent cruising across to Walers Peak in a coal driven steam boat. Watching the coal be delivered on the TSS Earnslaw prior boarding added to the experience as did viewing the engine room & reading the information boards. Chris provided a relaxful atmosphere as he sang & played the guitar on our journey. Chris was fantastic & enhanced our experience with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The gourmet BBQ was sensational, succulent meats, delicious sides & amazing desserts, all plentiful. Staff well presented, friendly & helpful. Immaculate venue with beautiful gardens. Farmer Cory and his sheepdog did a wonderful information show. Highlight of our NZ holiday and a Must Do for every traveller.

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.

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Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 12 countries have loved this experience
David
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Food was unbelievable. Boat trip great, unfortunate the Earnslaw was out for maintenance.
Wendy
Sep, 2025Verified booking
3/5
We were disappointed that the Earnslaw was out of action as that was one of the reasons we wanted to do the tour. Instead we travelled on a wee ferry. Apart from that it was great... food was amazing as was the venue
Sherril
Sep, 2025Verified booking
4/5
I have been before so wanted to take my friend and show off about the experience. It was a lovely day and everything well organised. The lunch was spectacular and enjoyed the rounding up of the sheep. The cruise was disappointing as the sound system needs upgrading. Impossible to hear the commentary.
Fiona
Aug, 2025Verified booking
4/5
weather was fabulous, ticketing experience was fine. amazing variety of food at gourmet bbq, except the beef was tough. staff at farm we lovely.
Debra
Sep, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Amazing experience. Nice size group. Delicious food. Immacualate service!!!

Cruise Lake Wakatipu in comfort

Your adventure begins as you step aboard the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown. As the vessel begins its journey across Lake Wakatipu, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Queenstown’s towering mountain ranges, including the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. As you cruise, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and feel the gentle spray of the lake’s clear waters.

A BBQ feast to behold

Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll disembark and make your way to the beautiful Colonel’s Homestead, a restored 1902 building offering unparalleled lakeside views. Here, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering buffet-style BBQ, where chefs fire up the grill and prepare succulent meats, freshly baked bread, crisp salads, and local cheeses. The highlight of the meal is the irresistible wood-fired meats that fill the air with tantalizing aromas. After your feast, immerse yourself in the farm experience with an entertaining sheep-herding demonstration, showcasing the skilled farm dogs in action. You’ll have the chance to meet the farm animals, including sheep, cattle, and alpacas, and explore the picturesque lakeside gardens. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this historic farm’s rich past and its stunning alpine setting, making it a perfect day out in 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

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.

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 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.