Sightseeing Cruises

From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Duration

1 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs 30 mins

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

4.8/5(912)

Janet P

Couple

Verified booking

6 days ago

We enjoyed being able to see the engine from up close. There were a variety of places to sit and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed listening to the piano player. We enjoyed drinking the mulled wine as it was a chilly winter's day. The afternoon tea at Walters Peak was very nice too.

Serena B

Family

Verified booking

5 days ago

The Earnslaw was fabulous! I would recommend sitting upstairs at this time of year as downstairs is a bit colder. The ambiance upstarts with the guitar player was beautiful. I would also recommend their mulled wine, amazing! It unfortunately was raining when we did the farm tour, but we're still able to walk around as umbrellas were provided. The afternoon tea was another highlight. They do this very well serving club club sandwiches and sweet treats and scones with ham and cream, just like a high tea, but it is not brought to your table you go and get what you want. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip, we were three generations travelling together and we ALL loved it.

Kyra F

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We just completed the TSS Earnslaw experience and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The scenery was breathtaking, the historic steamship was beautifully maintained, and the whole experience was well organized. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable. It was the perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Queenstown—an unforgettable experience!

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

Walter Peak Garden to Table experience (if option selected)

Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu

Guided tour of the kitchen gardens with produce tasting

Native flora & conservation walk

Opportunity to plant a native tree or shrub

Garden-to-table light lunch, featuring homegrown & locally sourced ingredients

Expert host commentary throughout the experience

Spirit of Queenstown cruise (if option selected)

1-hour 30-min Spirit of Queenstown cruise

Live commentary by expert skipper

Access to open top deck

Wheelchair accessible

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.

912 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.
766
120
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4
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Guests from Australia, United States, United Kingdom and over 27 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Serena B
Family
Verified booking
5 days ago
The Earnslaw was fabulous! I would recommend sitting upstairs at this time of year as downstairs is a bit colder. The ambiance upstarts with the guitar player was beautiful. I would also recommend their mulled wine, amazing! It unfortunately was raining when we did the farm tour, but we're still able to walk around as umbrellas were provided. The afternoon tea was another highlight. They do this very well serving club club sandwiches and sweet treats and scones with ham and cream, just like a high tea, but it is not brought to your table you go and get what you want. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip, we were three generations travelling together and we ALL loved it.
Kyra F
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We just completed the TSS Earnslaw experience and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. The scenery was breathtaking, the historic steamship was beautifully maintained, and the whole experience was well organized. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making the trip even more enjoyable. It was the perfect way to experience the beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Queenstown—an unforgettable experience!
Janet P
Couple
Verified booking
6 days ago
We enjoyed being able to see the engine from up close. There were a variety of places to sit and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed listening to the piano player. We enjoyed drinking the mulled wine as it was a chilly winter's day. The afternoon tea at Walters Peak was very nice too.
Brian E
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Amazing sights, pretty good commentary. Except at the start when we were told we'd be heading off shortly, then it was about 15 minutes before we actually did. A quick announcement to keep us informed would've done the trick.
Victoria B
Family
Verified booking
2 days ago
This is my second time taking my family on this experience. Not only is the boat great, the farm is wonderful, the high tea is delicious, and the staff are all so lovely too. Highly recommend

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