Sightseeing Cruises

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

4.8/5(536)

David C

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Exceptional cruise, lunch and farm show. A delightful cruise across the lake, smooth, warm and comfortable. The buffet lunch was exceptional, plentiful and very tasty. The sheep Roundup by Mia (super clever short haired Border Collie) in conjunction with her handler Josh was quite amazing.

Penny W

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Absolutely awesome experience - the cruise was stunning, the gourmet BBQ was THE BEST EVER, the views from the homestead picture-book breath-taking, and we loved Kim the border collie!🥰

Gabrielle R

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

This was a fantastic experience! We did the bbq option, which starts in the bbq. The tables are pre-set and you get what youre given in terms of your tables location, which was a bit sad as we were wanting one near a window. That was soon forgotten when the food was opened. It's a buffet, with SO many incredibly delicious options. You are spoilt for choice. After eating there is a short time for a farm show to watch a sheepdog herd. I wish this time was a little longer, because the boat returned quite soon. The boat trip itself was fantastic. Incredible views, views of the engine room and gears and an onboard museum room. Great for all ages and was pram friendly.

Karen B

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

What a great experience. The boat ride down the lake was spectacular , the boat was very well maintained with a lot of history and love put into the maintenance, also being able to walk down stairs to see the steam motors working. The lunch was the best we have had , every type of food and diet was catered for, was well prepared and plenty of different choices. Great and delicious desserts to finish. Then a short walk to the sheep show. First the rounding up of the sheep with the very well trained sheep dog, and a demonstration of shearing the sheep. Well done what a great day!

Helen C

Couple

Verified booking

Aug 2026

This was the fourth time we have made this trip to the magnificent Walter Peak Ststion on the majestic Earnslaw. It always exceeds expectations for the superb Standard of everything in every way.- service, scenery , food, just everything- it's hard to beat. For my husband, with a love for steam engines, that sniff of the coal being shovelled into the furnace and hearing the toot of the whistle are a real joy. Everything is so gracious and stylish but captures so much history at the same time all in an exquisite setting. Worth every cent. We'll be back.

Anthony B

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

My long time love for steam and a desire to ride aboard the TSS Earnslaw was a fabulous experience made perfect by the excellent gourmet food luncheon I enjoyed at Walter Peak Station! The service from both the boat crew and restaurant staff was fantastic followed by the exciting sheep dog farm show. I could not recommend this excursion on beautiful Lake Wakitapu in Queenstown more highly!

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.

536 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 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Karen B
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
What a great experience. The boat ride down the lake was spectacular , the boat was very well maintained with a lot of history and love put into the maintenance, also being able to walk down stairs to see the steam motors working. The lunch was the best we have had , every type of food and diet was catered for, was well prepared and plenty of different choices. Great and delicious desserts to finish. Then a short walk to the sheep show. First the rounding up of the sheep with the very well trained sheep dog, and a demonstration of shearing the sheep. Well done what a great day!
Brenda F
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
Relaxing ride. Thought it was a bbq lunch in rustic Omgggg it was a bbq banquet. Such tasty food...even the cheeses were stunning. Way tastier than Gondola buffet...was was nice but this was next level. Beautiful outlook too
D B
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Enjoyed the whole experience. Perfect weather. Friendly staff. Loved looking around the boat. Gorgeous lunch and time had at Walter Peak.. just loved the whole thing
Benjamin G
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Most excellent MUST DO in Queenstown! Fantastic maritime history with the best food you will ever eat. Great way to cruise the lake and very warm!
Gabrielle R
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This was a fantastic experience! We did the bbq option, which starts in the bbq. The tables are pre-set and you get what youre given in terms of your tables location, which was a bit sad as we were wanting one near a window. That was soon forgotten when the food was opened. It's a buffet, with SO many incredibly delicious options. You are spoilt for choice. After eating there is a short time for a farm show to watch a sheepdog herd. I wish this time was a little longer, because the boat returned quite soon. The boat trip itself was fantastic. Incredible views, views of the engine room and gears and an onboard museum room. Great for all ages and was pram friendly.

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.