Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise

Tourists feeding sheep at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Woman leaning out steamship window with arms outstretched, cruising Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.

Family enjoying sheep shearing demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Tourists watering plants at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand, with scenic mountain backdrop.

Duration

1 hr 30 min - 3 hr 30 min

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

4.7/5

(365)

Hayley

Jun 2025

Verified booking

The boat ride, the view, the farm tour and the food was all amazing. Checking in was so simple. No dramas. Just an amazing carefree afternoon. Hope to go again sometime but on the tss earnslaw boat once it's repaired. That would take the experience so much more.

Timothy

Apr 2025

Verified booking

The cruise across Lake Wakatipu was magnificent. Lunch was plentiful and just beautifully presented. Unfortunately, even as a tourist, it's hard to understand other tourists' behaviour. The tour is a "must do" when in Queenstown - especially for the first time. I must admit it was a little confusing how lunch was organised and which entry to go to etc. The other small issue was that the PA on the boat was impossible to understand. I have seen similar feedback - after the experience, but I thought that having the waiter at the table explain the next steps was important and worked well - it was just making sure you were in the right place to get that explanation that may be an issue for some. Overall - it was a great experience and I'm pleased to have done it - best lunch in Queenstown!

Joan

Apr 2025

Verified booking

we were happy with the ticketing with headout. As an older couple not completely savvy with the internet an on line ticketing we found headout easy to use. the Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak farm was awesome and my husband love going in to the engine room wher you saw the crew putting the coal into the big furnaces. The Farm tour was mainly geared for families with chidren so now we wished we had had the BBQ Lunch which we have been told is a must do. Next time .... WE enjoyed very much the dog and sheep show and the tour leader on the farm tour was very informative and happy to answer questions. all in all a good trip which we indeed would recomend

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.

How do we collect reviews?
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365 ratings
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 22 countries have loved this experience
Stuart
May, 2025Verified booking
5/5
As an avid traveler this is one of the best excursions we've done the whole thing was great value for money professionally done and I would recommend it to anyone
Donna
Apr, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The whole trip was a great experience, well worth doing. On the way over to the farm the Earnslaw skipper gives you a good factual commentary about the area and the workings of the steamer. Walter Peak was a picturesque destination. The gourmet bbq lunch was great. Really enjoyed the farm show, especially informative for tourist's. Gift shop was definitely worth a look. Something for everyone.
David
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
Food was unbelievable. Boat trip great, unfortunate the Earnslaw was out for maintenance.
Jan
Jul, 2025Verified booking
4/5
It was great to take my elderly father on the trip to Walter Peak station On the catamaran intercom was difficult to hear, when the history was been been told, the only dissappointment of the trip
Hayley
Jun, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The boat ride, the view, the farm tour and the food was all amazing. Checking in was so simple. No dramas. Just an amazing carefree afternoon. Hope to go again sometime but on the tss earnslaw boat once it's repaired. That would take the experience so much more.

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