Sightseeing Cruises

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

Steamboat cruising on Lake Wakatipu, 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.

Grilled meats and vegetables on a platter at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience.

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.

4.8/5

(336)

Leanne

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The trip was a very special treat for the family to add on to the summer holidays. Everything went according to plan from easy online booking with Head Out & great email communication at every step with friendly acknowledgments and reminders of the upcoming event. The cruise was amazing on the TSS Earnslaw- great service checking in and boarding. Facilities were fantastic- a really lovely experience with live music to keep us entertained. Scenery on the lake was stunning. All staff friendly welcoming & attentive. BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station was memorable- amazing selection of delicious well prepared food & staff were fabulous at their jobs adding to the experience . Highly recommend this tour - everything was outstanding

Carol

Dec 2025

Verified booking

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

Deanna

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The catamaran ride to the farm and back offered the most stunning views of the mountains around the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Walter Peak farm offered a sumptious, generous BBQ lunch, served by the friendliest staff. I would never let bad weather stop me from doing such an outing. A real treat! The farm is geared for ALL ages and all weather conditions. The sheep 'show' was most informative. The whole outing was most professionally run.

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.

Unwind after dinner with an entertaining farm dog show showcasing the skill and teamwork of working dogs.

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.

336 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
Deanna
Jan 2026
Verified booking
The catamaran ride to the farm and back offered the most stunning views of the mountains around the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Walter Peak farm offered a sumptious, generous BBQ lunch, served by the friendliest staff. I would never let bad weather stop me from doing such an outing. A real treat! The farm is geared for ALL ages and all weather conditions. The sheep 'show' was most informative. The whole outing was most professionally run.
Murray
Jan 2026
Verified booking
A modern-day trip back in time, it was especially nice to be able watch the stokers in action and stand on the viewing platform over the engine. Excellent gourmet BBQ lunch, catering for all dietary choices. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The shearing exhibition was informative and the venue made it easy to watch.
Miriam
Jan 2026
Verified booking
All fantastic. The smooth spin on the steamboat (from someone who suffers from travel sickness!) BBQ food was delicious and so well organised - no dash for the tables! Sheep shearing demo very informative. Highly recommend the day trip.
Tanja
Jan 2026
Verified booking
The amazing peace,being ale to connect to nature and looking at the photos in the gallery of the years gone by. L8ved the guys at the Farm Tour. Sheepdog Kim was just beautiful. Thank you!
Stephen
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Amazing experience on board a genuine steamship and truly wonderful buffet. Would definitely recommend this cruise. Thanks for a wonderful experience

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.