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(454)

Khalida I

Couple

Verified booking

Yesterday

We had a wonderful time on the TSS Earnslaw - there were plenty of places around the boat to sit and stand and take in all the beautiful views. The BBQ lunch at the farm was absolutely delicious and well-organized - all the staff were very kind and helpful. The farm show was similarly wonderful, including the sheep shearing demonstration and an amazing demonstration of the herding dogs' abilities to herd the sheep! Would 100% recommend this experience to anyone visiting Queenstown - it was one of the highlights of our trip!

Courtney C

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Great evening cruise across the lake on a truly historic ship. The staff on board was very knowledgable and willing to chat with us about the mechanics of the ship. We did the cruise and the meal with a working sheepdog demonstration and it was fantastic. Great variety of food. Watching a working dog do their job is an unreal experience. Definitely put this on your list when in Queenstown!

Erin N

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The entire thing was awesome - the cruise on beautiful Lake Whakatipu on The Earnslaw Then we were greeted by the staff at Walter Peak and had a fantastic buffet meal in the beautiful old homestead After that we had the farm show that showcased the farm dogs It was an amazing experience and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Queenstown. It is worth every cent.

Robert S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

It was a unique experience and a step back in time to observe a live operating steam engine with coal being shoveled into the furnace for power. The views from the cruise were unobstructed and there was plenty of space on board to move around. The BBQ dinner exceeded my expectations in quality and quantity. Staff were welcoming and efficient.

Nicholas S

Family

Verified booking

Last week

The boat was a great family experience and comfortable - I would suggest reserving seats for families with young children as it can be chaotic trying to find a seat. The food was amazing and extremely generous. The staff were fantastic - hospitable, friendly and informed. We had a great time and would come back.

Brent W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

We loved the ride over, the beautiful scenery, the water, as we arrived, the staff came out to wave us in, sat down to a beautiful buffet, amazing food top-notch all the way, actually the best meal during our stay, we enjoyed watching and learning about sharing and hurting. We love Kim the dog. A must do experience.

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.

454 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 States, United Kingdom and over 20 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Erin N
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The entire thing was awesome - the cruise on beautiful Lake Whakatipu on The Earnslaw Then we were greeted by the staff at Walter Peak and had a fantastic buffet meal in the beautiful old homestead After that we had the farm show that showcased the farm dogs It was an amazing experience and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Queenstown. It is worth every cent.
Khalida I
Couple
Verified booking
Yesterday
We had a wonderful time on the TSS Earnslaw - there were plenty of places around the boat to sit and stand and take in all the beautiful views. The BBQ lunch at the farm was absolutely delicious and well-organized - all the staff were very kind and helpful. The farm show was similarly wonderful, including the sheep shearing demonstration and an amazing demonstration of the herding dogs' abilities to herd the sheep! Would 100% recommend this experience to anyone visiting Queenstown - it was one of the highlights of our trip!
Courtney C
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Great evening cruise across the lake on a truly historic ship. The staff on board was very knowledgable and willing to chat with us about the mechanics of the ship. We did the cruise and the meal with a working sheepdog demonstration and it was fantastic. Great variety of food. Watching a working dog do their job is an unreal experience. Definitely put this on your list when in Queenstown!
Robert S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
It was a unique experience and a step back in time to observe a live operating steam engine with coal being shoveled into the furnace for power. The views from the cruise were unobstructed and there was plenty of space on board to move around. The BBQ dinner exceeded my expectations in quality and quantity. Staff were welcoming and efficient.
Nicholas S
Family
Verified booking
Last week
The boat was a great family experience and comfortable - I would suggest reserving seats for families with young children as it can be chaotic trying to find a seat. The food was amazing and extremely generous. The staff were fantastic - hospitable, friendly and informed. We had a great time and would come back.

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.