Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruising Lake Wakatipu towards Walter Peak, New Zealand.

People enjoying the cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamboat on Lake Wakatipu with Queenstown mountains in the background.

TSS Earnslaw steamship cruising Lake Whakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand.

People enjoying lunch at Walter Peak High Country Farm

Duration

1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs 30 mins

Free cancellation

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

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu with optional add-ons like a farm tour, gourmet BBQ dining, or a guided horse trek at Walter Peak.

Take a scenic 90-minute cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, with views of Queenstown's alpine peaks.

Combine your TSS Earnslaw cruise with a guided tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll meet farm animals and enjoy freshly baked afternoon tea.

Choose to add a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at Walter Peak Farm to your cruise, where you'll dine with lakeside views in a peaceful high-country setting.

Add a small-group horse trek to your cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, riding through Walter Peak's rolling farmland, led by an experienced guide.

Fun fact: The TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912, is the only hand-fired steamship still in operation in the Southern Hemisphere.

90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

Live commentary on the cruise

Walter Peak Farm Tour (if option selected)

Guided tour of Walter Peak Farm

English-speaking guide

Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

Freshly baked afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Meal (if option selected)

Gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner buffet here (based on time selected) (based on time selected)

Walter Peak Farm sheepdog show

Walter Peak Horse Trekking Tour (if option selected)

45-minute horse trekking tour

Nature guide

Small group of up to 6 people

Freshly baked morning or afternoon tea (homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches, and slices)

Safety helmet and wet weather clothing

Other food and drinks (available to purchase on board TSS Earnslaw)

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 States, United Kingdom and over 21 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
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.
Julie
Mar, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Excellent scenic comfortable steamer ship journey and experience. Professional crew. Well stocked bar and great coffee! Terrific views and great fun! Take the trip on a fine sunny day!
Ronny
Mar, 2025Verified booking
4/5
The ticketing experience was very easy. We decided to book our tickets the day of our travel and selected our preferred time and the delivery was instant. When we arrived at the terminal the collection of the tickets was simple, and we even had a courtesy call. The tour was terrific. The trip across the lake was great and we appreciated the history of the steamship and its technology. Being able to see into the workings of the steamship was great. W only did the tour, which had its advantages. The steam ship was busy when we departed Queenstown, andwe selected seats that were available inside. O the return trip we had the choice of any seat and chose to go on the fore deck initially, then move around to other areas of the ship to enjoy each area. My only complaint is the price. I believe $50 per person for a single ticket is appropriate value for money.
Hanny
Mar, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The four hour activity was excellent cruising across to Walers Peak in a coal driven steam boat. Watching the coal be delivered on the TSS Earnslaw prior boarding added to the experience as did viewing the engine room & reading the information boards. Chris provided a relaxful atmosphere as he sang & played the guitar on our journey. Chris was fantastic & enhanced our experience with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The gourmet BBQ was sensational, succulent meats, delicious sides & amazing desserts, all plentiful. Staff well presented, friendly & helpful. Immaculate venue with beautiful gardens. Farmer Cory and his sheepdog did a wonderful information show. Highlight of our NZ holiday and a Must Do for every traveller.

Step aboard the century-old TSS Earnslaw and embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. As you glide past the alpine scenery, including the towering Remarkables and Cecil Peak, you'll experience some of Queenstown’s most breathtaking views. The TSS Earnslaw, a piece of living history commissioned in 1912, has been carefully restored to retain its original charm. Onboard, explore the vessel’s engine room, check out historic photographs in the mini-museum, or relax at the Promenade Café and Bar as you take in the remarkable surroundings.

Walter Peak Farm Tour

For those curious about New Zealand’s farming heritage, the Walter Peak Farm Tour offers a close-up look at life on a working high-country farm. After your cruise, disembark and take a guided walking tour through the farm, where you'll meet friendly animals like Highland cows, alpacas, and sheep. A highlight of the visit is the sheepdog demonstration, showcasing the incredible skills of these working dogs. The tour wraps up with a freshly baked afternoon tea in the charming old woolshed. Perfect for families and animal lovers, this experience offers a hands-on glimpse into the rural way of life.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Opt for a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at the farm’s elegant Homestead Restaurant. After your cruise, you’ll be treated to a buffet-style meal featuring locally sourced produce, grilled meats, and delectable desserts—all with stunning lakeside views of Queenstown and the mountains. The meal is accompanied by a farm demonstration or time to explore the lakeside gardens. This option is ideal for food lovers and anyone seeking a more relaxed, indulgent experience in a serene high-country setting.

Walter Peak Horse Trekking Tour

For a more active adventure, choose the horse trekking tour through Walter Peak’s rolling farmland. You’ll enjoy a leisurely 40-45 minute ride led by an experienced guide, who will take you through picturesque trails with stunning lookout points over Lake Wakatipu. This small-group experience is tailored for first-time riders and families, offering an easy-going ride through Queenstown’s scenic landscapes. After your trek, enjoy morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead before your relaxing return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw.

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.

What’s not allowed

Safety is a priority so the horse trekking experience is restricted for guests under the age of 7 years, under the height of 1.2m (3.94ft) and over the weight of 100kg (220.46lb).

Accessibility

TSS Earnslaw is wheelchair accessible. If you need wheelchair assistance, kindly make a note when booking.

The Farm Tour involves walking on gravel paths, so it may be challenging for wheelchair users. Those with impaired mobility should consider their comfort level before participating.

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.

The horse trekking tour is suitable for riders of all skill levels, including first-time riders.

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 undergoes 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

Board your cruise at Steamer Wharf.

Address: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand.

Get directions to the boarding point