Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Tourists walking along a path at Walter Peak High Country Farm with scenic views.

Woman leaning out steamship window with arms outstretched on a lake near Queenstown.

Family walking through flower garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Tourist watering plant at Walter Peak High Country Farm with mountains in background.

Duration

1 hr 30 min - 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.

Guided tour

Meals included

Indulge in a sumptuous meal as a part of your experience

4.7/5

(422)

Lorna

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This was a wonderful experience! The Spirit of Queenstown was steady and the views on the way to the farm are incredible. The farm tour was fabulous...it was lovely to come so up and close to the animals in such beautiful surroundings. Watching the sheep dog do her work was so impressive. We visited in Spring, so we got to bottle feed the lambs too, which our daughter loved. The afternoon tea was yummy, and they catered for allergies etc. I cannot fault it...this is a must-do when in Queenstown.

Trevor

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Had a great day at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Amazing buffet lunch followed by the sheep station show of shearing sheep and sheep dog demonstration of herding the sheep. The homestead is a beautiful well preserved building where we had lunch. Thoroughly recommend this trip. Unfthis time the Earnslaw was still being renovated and we had to go by catarmaran " Spirit of Queenstown ", which was good but looking forward to the Earnslaw next time.

Nancye

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Great experience on this steamer ship. We were boarded/disembarked very wuickly. We took the BBQ lunch option which was delicious! The homestead farm is very quaint. If you order drinks (which are not included) or you ourchase something frim the giftshop you will need to use a card as it is cashless. The sheeofig showvwas so much fun! You are abgood girl Kim rounding up those pesky sheep!

Take a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran across Lake Wakatipu, with views of Queenstown's alpine peaks.

Combine your 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, riding through Walter Peak's rolling farmland, led by an experienced guide.

Fun fact: Lake Wakatipu’s unique Z-shape causes its water level to rise and fall rhythmically every 25 minutes—local legend calls it the heartbeat of a giant.

Cruise on 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)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.7
422 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 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Nancye
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Great experience on this steamer ship. We were boarded/disembarked very wuickly. We took the BBQ lunch option which was delicious! The homestead farm is very quaint. If you order drinks (which are not included) or you ourchase something frim the giftshop you will need to use a card as it is cashless. The sheeofig showvwas so much fun! You are abgood girl Kim rounding up those pesky sheep!
Trevor
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Probably the most spectacular lake trip that you could take in the world. Magnificent mountain scenery , a spectacular BBQ and sheep display. And superb service from start to finish. This cruise on the Earnslaw is not to be missed on any NZ itinerary. Cheers and thank you for the unique experience. Trevor Kenneally, Australia
Rafhael
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
“It’s totally worth the money! Stunning views with plenty of great photo spots. Special shout-out to the pianist/singer on board — such a lovely and kind lady. The staff at the café were very friendly, and the history/information room on the lower front deck is a must-visit!”
Nicole
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The scenery was spectacular! The crew were friendly and the Captains commentary was friendly and very knowledgeable. Being able to view the operations of the steam engine room was a highlight, and the piano being played in the saloon deck was a nostalgic touch.
Sandra
Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
A nice relaxing boat trip, followed by a farm tour. A lovely well organised afternoon tea. A great shearing demonstration as well as Echo the sheepdog showing off her skills. A great day

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship or sleek catamaran, then tailor your journey with a farm tour, lakeside BBQ, or horseback ride.

Getting started

Head to the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown to board your vessel—either the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Your ticket will be scanned before boarding; no ID checks required. Security is minimal but bags may be checked.

What to expect

Lake Wakatipu: New Zealand’s third-largest lake, shaped like a lightning bolt, framed by the Remarkables mountain range. Known for its mysterious ‘tidal rise’ every 25 minutes.

Cruise across the lake: Sail past forested hills, alpine peaks, and quiet bays. The TSS Earnslaw features a working steam engine and piano lounge. The Spirit of Queenstown offers an open-air top deck with panoramic views.

Extras

Walter Peak Farm: Step ashore for a hands-on tour of a working high country farm. Feed sheep, meet Highland cattle, and see sheepdogs in action.

BBQ at the Homestead: Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch or dinner at a lakefront restaurant with local meats, fresh salads, and decadent desserts.

Horse trek: Join a guided ride through scenic paddocks and rolling hills, suitable for all levels. Helmets and instruction provided.

After your visit, cruise back across the lake with fresh views of Queenstown and the surrounding peaks.

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

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 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 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

Board your cruise at Steamer Wharf.

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

Get directions to the boarding point