Sightseeing Cruises

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

Family enjoying sheep shearing demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Barbeque platter with meats and vegetables at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with scenic view of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with scenic lake and mountain views in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Duration

3 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

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
Stuart
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
As an avid traveler this is one of the best excursions we've done the whole thing was great value for money professionally done and I would recommend it to anyone
Donna
Apr, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The whole trip was a great experience, well worth doing. On the way over to the farm the Earnslaw skipper gives you a good factual commentary about the area and the workings of the steamer. Walter Peak was a picturesque destination. The gourmet bbq lunch was great. Really enjoyed the farm show, especially informative for tourist's. Gift shop was definitely worth a look. Something for everyone.
Kim
Apr, 2025Verified booking
5/5
What an amazing experience from start to finish! The boat ride, Walter Peak, the beautiful views and the food were phenomenal. Highly recommend!
Sandra
Apr, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The whole package. The lunch was great, with plenty of variety for all. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The farm show was cute, as I was a farm girl 50 odd years ago.
Cathy
Apr, 2025Verified booking
5/5
It was a lovely experience sailing on the grand old lady of the lake the TSS Earnslaw. The views were magnificent of Queenstown, the mountain ranges and Walter Peak. Our meal was fabulous, Walter Peak Station homestead is beautiful and the staff were all lovely. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

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.