TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure
4.5
About
This Walter Peak farm tour and vintage-ship cruise is ideal for travelers who would like to spend a few hours outside of Queenstown without traveling too far. Combine a variety of magical experiences in one trip: take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a classic steamer, stop for tea, and explore a working farmyard, where you can watch a sheep-shearing demonstration.
from per adult
$145.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 3h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- A unique experience just outside of Queenstown
- Maritime history buffs will love the lake cruise on a vintage steamer
- Take a guided walking tour of the farmyard with our rural host, view a live demonstration of the farming lifestyle and enjoy a delicious morning or afternoon tea.
- Spend a low-key morning or afternoon outdoors
- Cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown to Walter Peak
- Farm tour at Walter Peak Homestead
- Afternoon tea
- Live commentary on board
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Your scenic cruise by vintage ship begins at the steamer wharf in Queenstown, where you board the TSS Earnslaw—one of the only passenger-carrying steamships in the southern hemisphere—for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu. An onboard pianist plays old tunes during the journey. Check out the ship's original steam engines or the historical displays. Upon arrival at the Walter Peak High Country Farm, enjoy tea and homemade snacks or baked goods. Wander through the lakeside gardens and head to the farmyard for a tour. See resident sheep, cattle, deer, and goats, as well as a sheep-dog demonstration. Get back on the boat for the journey back to Queenstown, and get dropped off at the wharf.
- Start:
- 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264RJ501- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure?
- TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure price starts from $147.87. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure on Tripadvisor
- What is the TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure cancellation policy?
- TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 3h 30m. Discover and book TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264RJ501
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start at88 Beach Street88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New ZealandPlease arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)See address & details
- 1Lake WakatipuStop: 3 hoursTravel across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- L5802RNdonnaj0 contributionsLove,love,loveThis was a great experience. Such a wonderful way to spend an evening and enjoy the beautiful farm at Walter’s peak. Highly recommend to everyone to do this.Written 17 March 2024
- GrahamH40 contributionsWonderful experience in a special part of the planetFrom the crossing of Lake Manapouri, the bus across Wilmot Pass to the actual cruise - it was an amazing experience. The staff were helpful and friendly, the food was great and the boat was excellent. Doubtful Sound is a breathtakingly beautiful, untouched part of the world. And then there were the dolphins - what a marvellous creature, sheer delight.Written 17 March 2024
- danielhM2585QR0 contributionsGreat ExperienceI had such a fun time on this tour! Scenic ferry ride over to the island, followed by an amazing horse ride with spectacular views. Tour guides were very personable and gave excellent anecdotes about the local area. Followed by a tasty afternoon tea! Couldn’t recommend enough!Written 16 March 2024
- richardaM9193KY0 contributionsAmazing Doubtful Sound tourWe were told Doubtful Sound was better than Milford Sound as less busy. We opted for the 6.45am tour by Real NZ and it was an experience to remember. We saw sunrise over Lake Manapouri, seemless transfers between coach and ferries and it wasn't busy. We also saw dolphins and seals on the Sound plus an amazing moment of peace and calm as they cut the engines and generator to experience the true tranquility of the Sound....apart from the helicopter that flew over! Great tour by Real NZ.Written 14 March 2024
- Paul W0 contributionsNo words can describe the experience.... except Bloody Amazing!A fantastic adventure and experience from the moment of setting foot on the boat for the ride across the sound , to the coach ride over the majestic and magnificent mountains with Tony the bus diver, (great job mate👍) and then the best part of all, The Wanderer and her Crew and Skipper. They are the most friendly, warm and knowledgeable bunch of people you could ever want to look after you on a trip. Nothing was to hard. The mountains, clouds, scenery, waterfalls are so beautiful and spectacular, words do not do them justice, you need to see and "feel" them and that is also the part of the commentary...it was simply amazing.... you learn so much. You need to get on the Wanderer.... don't say it just do it!!!Written 14 March 2024
- 425kerryh0 contributionsA day on the TTS EarnslawWe had a fabulous day. The TTS Earnslaw was a great experience. The views were amazing. Lunch was delicious and well-organized table by table. The staff were great. The sheep shearing demonstration was very informative and we loved the border collie rounding up the sheep. An excellent day.Written 13 March 2024
- bronte0000 contributionsGreat Steamship and Dog Show, but Poor lunchThe steamship ride was lovely. The restaurant itself was an outstanding venue. However, I found the food very poor. The vegetables and salads were all dripping in oil, the lamb quite fatty, and nothing I liked on the dessert menu. Its just me, but I prefer my veggies and salad fresh and not soggy. Not worth the money.The sheepdog show was great though.Written 11 March 2024
- phyllisd6910 contributionsLake CruiseIt was a perfect time on the lake. Comfortable ride, nice wine and snack selection, and a fantastic view of the lake and surrounding mountains.Written 11 March 2024
- AndyAquila0 contributionsA nice trip round the lakeThis old steam ship is worth the trip in its own right, and the lake is very beautiful. We were unaware there was the option of a barbecue lunch, so didn't get off at Walter Peake as we could have done. Nevertheless, it was a good trip with lovely views. being able to see the steam engine at work was great.Written 11 March 2024
- 281deannab0 contributionsA Must When In Queenstown!We booked this adventure on our first night in Queenstown. I must say often times buffet style dinners can be a bit institutional, but Walter Peak Farm did an outstanding job on the food. All of the meats were cooked to perfection and they kept the buffet bars well stocked. The salads, sides and desserts were great too! The gardens were still beautiful even with it being early Fall. We headed out to the amphitheater for the sheep shearing show and Phillip the shearer and his amazing sheep herding dog we’re so much fun to watch, This guy is right where he needs to be, he is doing such a great job and seems to absolutely love what he does! Give him a sponsorship!! Great job by all the staff with their friendly and efficient service, The trip across the the lake in the old steamship was fantastic as well. My husband especially enjoyed watching the engine room at work. This tour was definitely worth it and a great way to see the views!Written 11 March 2024
- jmeunier150 contributionsMust do in NZAmazing experience! We practically had the sound to ourselves! Loved the boat, the informative commentary, Kayaking, Swimming, and the food was wonderful! We even were lucky enough to have a pod of dolphins swim right next to our boat! Highly recommend this experience!Written 10 March 2024
- Borre W0 contributionsBest of NZ’s BestIf you have only time for one thing to do or see on South Island. Take this trip. Take the small boat the Wanderer which takes 36 passengers. From begin to end the overnight voyage through the Fiords was breathtakingly beautiful. Great good in generous amounts. Friendliest ever staff. They made the trip extra special. Highly recommended. Would take this trip again.Written 10 March 2024
- haydend960 contributionsMust do! Amazing BBQ!Such a great experience. The food was absolutely amazing!! All the BBQ meats were cooked perfectly. Few salad options and roast vegetables. The TSS Earnslaw itself is not very sustainable into the future as it goes through a lot of coal. There is also minimal instructions, the staff just seem to heard all the people to where you need to be. The food wasn't quite ready when we arrived so we just had to sit at the table until it was ready, which we could've been using the time to explore as once the dinner is finished, you go to the sheep shearing show and then back on the boat. So little time to explore the farm itself. It is definitely a mass production though.Written 9 March 2024
- Bmoe0 contributionsA superb combination of Stamboat, Lunch and Farm Show.We were unsure about this trip as it’s not cheap but it’s quality and we loved it. The steamboat had lots of seating and we kept moving around. You can visit the engine room which is fascinating . You can seeing the coal being shoveled into the furnaces. We did the lunch trip starting at 11am from Queenstown. The venue for lunch is superb. We were off the boat quite quickly and got a front row table for two on the patio. It was sunny they had umbrellas up . They even had sun cream just in case you forgotten to apply it, nice touch. The front row only has tables for two There are bigger tables on the next row back. Superb views all round. There is also an inside area if the weather isn’t good. They must have listened to other reviews as we were asked to go for food in small numbers. No elbowing and pushing very relaxed and plenty of delicious food. I don’t eat meat and a fish dish would have been good but there was plenty of salads ,vegetables and cheeses . The meat choices were Chicken , Lamb , Beef , Pork and Pork sausages. Everything was very fresh , high quality and cooked very well . The desserts were delicious crumble , chocolate tarts, sticky toffee pudding etc . With ice cream and whipped cream. Plus they had a cabinet filled with jars of sweets like jelly beans, sour snakes, milk bottles etc . People were going for second helpings. Drinks were extra . After lunch the lovely Paul came over from the farm to invite us to see his sheep shearing demonstration. This was fun lots of facts . Then his dog Kim showed us how she could get the sheep up and down the hill. It was a very enjoyable 30 mins . There was also time to look in the shop. again quality merchandise . Then back on the boat for a scenic 45 min trip back to Queenstown. It was about a four hour trip in total. So glad we did this trip it was wonderful.Written 9 March 2024
- Kevin44550 contributionsFabulous overnight cruise - the highlight of our trip!This was a truly amazing cruise. We enjoyed the boat across Lake Manapouri and the coach across Wilmot Pass. The boat on Doubtful Sound was brilliant. Fantastic scenery. We were spoilt watching pods of dolphins. Lots of good food. The tender boat trip was great. And kayaking looked good if that's your thing! We slept well and woke up to a beautiful morning. We loved the 'sound of silence' when all the engines were switched off. If you have the time and money definitely book this trip!Written 9 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
More to explore in Queenstown
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
138 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
16
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
6
Molly M
Sacramento, CA3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Beautiful trip on the Earnslaw; lots of people but didn’t feel too crowded, easy to move around. Sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations were excellent but should include an announcement for people to be quiet during, could barely hear the employee. Feeding the animals was really fun and “teatime” was delicious. Gift shop is great, broad selection of sale items. Biggest thing was that there was no wool-spinning explanation or demonstration, as was promised in the description. Asked specifically about it in the gift shop and the salesperson basically shrugged. Waiting on a partial refund due to that.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melanie s
Nelson, New Zealand108 contributions
Brilliant trip, recommended by a family member and we booked the 2pm sailing from Queenstown. Oh my, what a total treat. Everything was perfect, from the Earnslaw itself (polished brass, very polite staff, the chance to watch the boiler being stoked plus good coffee and snacks) to the farm experience. The weather could have been better but we didn't care it was absolutely perfect for us all.
The opportunity to meet and feed the farm animals, learn about their personalities, watch the dogs at work, chat with the guide then yummy high tea ! Sadly not enough time to browse in the shop there, full of tempting goodies... But maybe my husband thought that was a good thing!
Do go.
The opportunity to meet and feed the farm animals, learn about their personalities, watch the dogs at work, chat with the guide then yummy high tea ! Sadly not enough time to browse in the shop there, full of tempting goodies... But maybe my husband thought that was a good thing!
Do go.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwigal2015
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand106 contributions
Great experience overall. Great trip across the lake, interesting and informative visit to the animals, followed by a beautiful afternoon tea. This was followed by a demonstration on sheep dogs rounding up sheep. This excursion gets the thumbs up from us all!
The only bad point was I walked into stinging nettle that was going across a designated walking path - it stung quite a bit and when I mentioned it I felt it was dismissed. Other than that small factor a great day out!
The only bad point was I walked into stinging nettle that was going across a designated walking path - it stung quite a bit and when I mentioned it I felt it was dismissed. Other than that small factor a great day out!
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abby28
Forresters Beach, Australia9 contributions
Nov 2022
Had the afternoon on the Earnslaw over to Walter Peak farm with the farm tour/afternoon tea. The experience on the Earnslaw is spectacular, from the piano player, to the viewing area of the workers fueling the ship, everything about this experience was so special and a must do! We jumped off at Walter Peak and had a tour of the farm with Tim who was incredibly informative about all of the animals and the workings of the farm. The animals were so cute!!! We had afternoon tea and were given a seperate plate as vegans (I can't remember the ladies name but she was so kind and considerate of us, making sure we were looked after and offered us plant based milk for coffee/tea. Thank you so much for caring for us!) Following this we watched the dogs round up some sheep while Tim commentated. The whole experience was so much fun. Thank you so much to all the staff who are a part in this trip for making it such a fun and memorable experience.
Written 22 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie M
Gold Coast, Australia7 contributions
Despite the rainy, cold weather, the afternoon trip on Lake Wakatipu was scenic & enjoyable. Snow fell on the mountains in the afternoon. Hot mulled wine was enjoyed on the boat ride (not included in ticket price). The tour of the farm was hampered a little by rain however Tim our guide at the farm was upbeat & welcoming. The afternoon tea served in the Homestead was delicious & plentiful. Mia the Collie put on a great show herding the sheep down the steep hill to the pen.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelLoverNZx
Auckland Central, New Zealand263 contributions
The Earnslaw boat trip to Walter Peak Station was great with the amazing views and history. Able to see the engine room in action is an added bonus. The buffet lunch at the Honestead is delicious with a huge variety of food. The farm tour with show is interesting to watch even coming from a farming background!
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
senorita08
Perth, Australia166 contributions
There aren’t too many family friendly things to do in Queenstown, so we booked the cruise & farm tour to do as a family with a young child. And it was even better than expected, with beautiful scenery across Lake Wakitipu, a friendly and informative farm tour, including feeding the friendly animals. And a huge and delicious afternoon tea with cakes, scones, sandwiches and more!
Written 3 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jade c
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
Oct 2022
Probably great for people with children. Journey on the boat had someone playing piano and seemingly anyone in the crowd singing.. including children.. once on the "farm": difficult to determine how it's a "working farm", we did not see any sheep shearing or herding dogs in action or anything of interest whatsoever, if you've ever seen cows, goats and sheep and basic farm animals in your life, this probably isn't the experience for you. "Afternoon Tea" consisted of black tea, coffee, water, and some sweet scones. Really should be marketed as a petting zoo experience for kids. Nothing wrong with it, just ... take your kids.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules
Auckland, New Zealand232 contributions
I love this trip! This was my third time and I would go again. The TSS Earnslaw is a beautiful vintage steamboat with an excellent cafe and bar. Visit the engine room and see them shoveling the coal. Walter Peak farm is in an idyllic situation, a magical place where time seems to stand still. The animal feeding is great fun (especially Dougal) and the sheepdog demonstration is very impressive. The dogs can be patted and stroked, and love the attention. The afternoon tea was very upmarket with beautiful little cakes, savoury and sweet scones and mini sandwiches. You can eat as much as you like! The staff at the farm are outstanding. Our guide Peter was so knowledgeable and interesting and clearly loves his job and his super intelligent dogs.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anonym
5 contributions
Dec 2022
Very wholesome experience that I'd highly recommend to anyone. You can get insights into how the steamship ship works while it is heading to the farm, enjoy the fantastic view or listen to Bob's beautiful piano play (his appreciation after I told him that it was really nice made my day). Tim gave as a tour of the farm and we could meet + feed all the animals. If you're not as quick on your feet, make sure to tell Tim in advance. The afternoon tea was absolutely lovely with a buffet of cupcakes, cake, tartes and scones alongside cream, jam, coffee, tea, sweat tea etc. There was even a gluten free cake option! Everything was delicious and we enjoyed a little demonstration by Tim before we had some extra time to pet the animals and were headed back to Queenstown.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mihuang
Taipei, Taiwan13 contributions
Hi, Is there a trip combining both Milford Sound and the Farm tour? Thinking of doing both but don't want to spend time going to Lake Wakatipu twice.
stevierit
Easton, PA8 contributions
Hi, I was wondering about the boat ride across the lake...I get very motion sick, and I wanted to know if how rough the lake is and whether I can expect some trouble. I plan to ride in late spring (early December). Thank you!
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
No I can't imagine you would get sick as the lake is smooth and Glassy. It may get a bit choppy if weather was really bad but I have never seen that in the many times I have been to Queenstown. I goon big cruise liners and I take the 1000 mg ginger tablets before I get on and 3 times a day till any queasy tummy feelings subside. I think you will be fit it is a great day out in nice weather.
min06
Queensland, Australia44 contributions
Hi, I’m just wondering what other breeds of animals besides sheep we’d get to see on the farm tour please?
Thank you.
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
I took my 5 year old Grandson. We saw sheep dogs working, sheep shearing, very large placid beautiful bulls, cows, horses, goats, deer, sheep. alpacas and baby animals and we got to feed and pat them all. We had a fabulous day. They supply plenty of animal feed in the price you pay for your.ticket. And the afternoon tea is delicious and plenty of it, all fresh and a great variety.
CaitBronwen
Brisbane, Australia41 contributions
How early do you need to arrive for a 2pm departure?
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
As there is so much to see do and enjoy near where the Steam ship departs. You are better getting there early as possible to enjoy lunch somewhere and a relaxing walk around the lakefront. I went 2 hours prior and it still was not enough time to enjoy the Lakefront, wharf etc
79lauren
Savannah, GA18 contributions
Does the farm sell high quality yarn made there? My son will be visiting this farm in April, and I thought it would be fun if he could buy yarn so I can make a sweater for him made from sheet he's met!
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
Sorry I am not sure if they sell yarn, but I imagine they do . They have a lovely gift and souvenir shop with lots of lovely things. They sell knitted items
Did anyone actually try their hand at shearing a sheep?
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
No they do a demonstration. It is a skilled trade and not something you could do easily or if experienced
Yanti A
Sydney, Australia23 contributions
How many hours for this trip? Thank you
Happy Wanderer
Ocean Shores, Australia65 contributions
We did the afternoon Tea trip and we spent the entire afternoon there 3 -4 hrs
Feryhd48
Jakarta, Indonesia4 contributions
Hello, we would like to book for this tour cruise and farm tour with lunch package. Shoulw we know how much is it perpax? And for kids under 5 still free? How the lunch package for the kids, any lunch charge or how? Please advice. Thank you
Kindly Regards,
Fery Susanto
Jakarta, Indonesia
Lyn C
27 contributions
Hi, I think now that the boat is out of the water to get cleaned so it might not be possible this month.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.