Sightseeing Cruises

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

4.8/5(560)

Susan A

Couple

Verified booking

4 days ago

Beautiful day on the TSS Earnslaw and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner at Walter's Peak. Awesome staff. Majestic views. Enjoyed the sing a long on the boat back to Queenstown. Thanks for an awesome experience.

David C

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

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.

Janice C

Group

Verified booking

Last week

the cruise was wonderful, got time to tim to take in the full beauty that nature has to offer, the boat was super interesting, been able to see something that was built so long ago and working was a privilege. The restaurant lunch was amazing n so was the building.

Selwyn C

Group

Verified booking

Last week

A fabulous day! We were disapointed we didn't book early enough for the TSS Earnslaw but the Spirit of Queenstown was excellent and we got to view the Earnslaw cruising which was wonderful. The BBQ exceeded expectation.

Penny W

Couple

Verified booking

Sep 2026

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

Aug 2026

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.

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.

560 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
Janice C
Group
Verified booking
Last week
the cruise was wonderful, got time to tim to take in the full beauty that nature has to offer, the boat was super interesting, been able to see something that was built so long ago and working was a privilege. The restaurant lunch was amazing n so was the building.
Selwyn C
Group
Verified booking
Last week
A fabulous day! We were disapointed we didn't book early enough for the TSS Earnslaw but the Spirit of Queenstown was excellent and we got to view the Earnslaw cruising which was wonderful. The BBQ exceeded expectation.
Susan A
Couple
Verified booking
4 days ago
Beautiful day on the TSS Earnslaw and thoroughly enjoyed the dinner at Walter's Peak. Awesome staff. Majestic views. Enjoyed the sing a long on the boat back to Queenstown. Thanks for an awesome experience.
Yifan L
Family
Verified booking
6 days ago
Great experience with app to managing booking. Quick response for enquiry. Amazing service on cruise. All staff is attentive and helpful.
David M
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The trip to and from, the shearing show and the smorgasbord dinner at Walter Peak Farm, was 5 star. Thank you very much

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.