Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown
4.5

Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

By RealNZ
Recommended by 91% of travellers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Travelers wanting a magical experience in Queenstown need look no further than this comprehensive tour. Relive the elegance of a different era by cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw—one of the only remaining commercial coal-fired steamers operating in the Southern Hemisphere—and follow it by feasting on a lakeside BBQ banquet. The memorable evening concludes with a farm tour and sheepshearing demonstration.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 100 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
  • Experience life in a former era with a vintage steamer cruise and farm tour
  • Ride one of the only steamers still operating in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Ideal for travelers looking for a unique romantic experience
  • Don’t stress about dinner after the cruise—its included with this tour

  • BBQ buffet dinner
  • Live commentary on board
  • Cruise across lake on TSS Earnslaw. Please note a replacement vessel is used 4th - 29th June 2024
  • Farm Show
What's not included
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Your evening begins at the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown, where you board the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Cross the lake while learning about the region and its history from your guide’s live commentary. While on the water, soak in views of the Remarkables mountain range.  Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, settle in for a buffet feast replete with seafood and meat barbecued on an outdoor grill. Your meal includes a New Zealand cheeseboard, antipasti, desserts, and coffee and tea.  After dinner, you're treated to a sheepdog show and a sheep-shearing demonstration. Enjoy free time for a drink or two at the bar (own expense) before heading back on the steamer for the journey back to Queenstown.

Start:
  • 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
    Please 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.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2264RJ506

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum age is 18 years to consume alcohol
    • Note: The TSS Earnslaw is cash free and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services.
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • 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.

    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: 2264RJ506

    From
    $189.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • RealNZ
      5,884
      Queenstown, New Zealand
      Joined in May 2009
    • 782DebbieW782
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing day out to Doubtful Sound
      Had heard much about Doubtful Sound It was an amazing trip Bus rides Boar rides Finally, the cruise We had stunning weather and great guides!!
      Written 15 February 2025
    • I3845QRaliceb
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful!
      Incredible experience Sunny, no rain Crew was wonderful Beautiful boat with everything you could want Clean. Great showers great food
      Written 15 February 2025
    • kazcalthorpe
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely fantastic
      Very well organised; the staff were really informative and helpful. The food on board was great and there was a good range of drinks.
      Written 14 February 2025
    • ScoutWebster
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great afternoon activity and surprisingly good food!
      I was a little skeptical that this would be very "touristy," but I was pleasantly surprised. The cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamb oat was very nice, and the lunch/show at the farm was great. The food at the buffet was surprisingly very good!
      Written 13 February 2025
    • Wanderer45053008845
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour
      We really enjoyed this tour. The nature guide, Gabriel, especially made this tour special. Very knowledgeable and friendly.
      Written 12 February 2025
    • ptboPete
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      A unique experience
      A unique experience riding on an old steamship. It can be quite warm in the cabin on a hot day but lovely out on the open deck. The view of the lake and surrounding hills were impressive and the visit to Walter Peak and farm quite informative. Be aware though, that there are different types of excursions. I thought we had booked the farm experience which included the buffet meal and sheep shearing demo but had mistakenly chosen the Eco tour which included a tour of the gardens/orchard, tree planting and a delicious charcuterie lunch with all items being made on the farm or locally.
      Written 12 February 2025
    • peb747
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Doubtful Sound is beautiful and quite magical
      We made this trip 10 years when it was operated by people who really did care about the area, history and wildlife. In comparison, RealNZ who took over the operation are simply a tourist operator and sadly the trip reflected this eg photo of the RealNZ boat exhaust polluting Doubtful Sound throughout trip. But if you can ignore the obvious commercialisation and want to see the beauty of the Sound then the trip may well be worthwhile for you. Good luck.
      Written 10 February 2025
    • gilchristroberts
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic trip, a must do!
      Amazing overnight trip. Spectacular scenery and very knowledgeable guide, Gabriel, gave excellent commentary throughout the trip. Staff were all very accommodating and friendly and worked hard to make sure everyone had a brilliant time and that things ran smoothly. All meals and snacks were good (scones when we boarded, snacks before tea, cake before we left the next morning, plus dinner, evening cheese board and breakfast!). Comfortable cabin and clean facilities. Welcomed into the wheelhouse at any time to chat to the Skipper and watch what's going on. Kayaking guided by PJ was a lovely way to experience the environment, followed by a swim before dinner. Was lovely to be secluded and not see any other boats at our overnight mooring. The 'sound of silence' was a lovely experience. *Onboard the Wanderer.
      Written 9 February 2025
    • tumbleweedchris
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Surprise Favorite
      I booked the Earnslaw thinking it would be a nice trip after some busy days, but didn't expect it to be as nice as it was. The boat is really cool. You can feel the history walking around the decks. You can even watch them shovel coal into the fire in the engine room. Such a fun time on this historic boat. The sights are nice, but you don't need to glue yourself to a specific spot to see everything. I recommend exploring the ship more than trying to secure a specific seat. The views on the left side of the ship on the way out and right side on the way back were better in my opinion. The lunch was quite wonderful as well. We had a nice spot overlooking the lakes and mountains. The buffet was quite busy, but gets less hectic after the first wave of serving. There is a great selection of meat to choose from and some really solid desserts as well. After the buffet, you have enough time to watch the farm show that is included. The show features some sheep sheering and herding. It's a nice bonus. Overall, I would say riding the Earnslaw is a must while in Queenstown. I really enjoyed the lunch buffet and thought that made for the perfect excursion. Plan this after you do all the high adrenaline stuff as a nice way to unwind.
      Written 8 February 2025
    • V1516TBaj
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Doubtful sound day trip
      Pick up and drop off from Te Anu. Very efficient and convenient. Every transport journey had informative and humerus commentary. They scenery was stunning and we were blessed with excellent weather. Would thoroughly recommend and would do it again
      Written 6 February 2025
    • Donna Z
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fabulous luncheon
      Beautiful day on Lake Wakatipu. The buffet lunch was delicious. Watching the dogs work the sheep was interesting. Made for a lovely day.
      Written 5 February 2025
    • juliegS6930GR
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Queenstown boat trip
      Lovely boat trip on the lake commentary was very informative. We were very lucky with the weather beautiful day glorious views👌
      Written 4 February 2025
    • trishweb2018
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interesting journey and fabulous food
      The trip across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw was fantastic and the lunch at Walter Peak Station exceeded our expectations. Beautiful food and great service. The farm demo was informative and very professional. I have been recommending this experience to all my friends
      Written 1 February 2025
    • Cheryl M
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful Scenic Cruise
      This cruise was breath taking, well timed and the cruise amenities were excellent. I loved that everything was on time and well executed. I’m really so impressed with RealNZ’s professional and execution of excellent customer service. I was only disappointed that we were unable to see wildlife but understand this cannot be controlled.
      Written 31 January 2025
    • Passenger63543755494
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Yummy
      Super yummy lunch, kids loved the dog show after. Boat trip was very scenic with great commentary. A beautiful place and must do
      Written 30 January 2025
    See all 5,884 reviews
    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.

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    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles201 reviews
    Excellent
    159
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    25
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    11
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    4
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    2

    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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    kdsilva
    Brisbane, Australia25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked the TSS Earnslaw cruise combined with a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak sheep farm. Being a family of 2 adults and 2 kids I was a little apprehensive about the amount we were spending for this experience. But the whole experience was completely worth it and more.
    A nice cruise across the lake takes you to Walter Farm an absolutely beautiful homestead. The bbq buffet dinner is a gourmet dining experience. Don’t let the word buffet fool you - culinary masterpieces in abundance, beautifully cooked meat, great vegetarian options and desserts to die for! Very well organized experience all in all and 💯 worth it.

    One recommendation though is to ensure you arrive well in advance of the time it departs, so at least 20-30 mins. There’s two lines - you need to check in at the Real NZ counter and then line up again to enter the ship. For our cruise our fellow passengers were way earlier than us and when we entered the ship all the seats were taken. People especially big groups tend to leave their bags on all the seats to reserve while they tour the ship and take photos and videos. But we did find a lovely spot to stand behind the her and enjoyed a drink on the cruise. It costs the same as at Walter Peak.
    Written 26 December 2024
    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.

    MBD
    San Antonio, TX46 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Couples
    Dinner was very meaty -- beef, pork, lamb, venison! Yum! Lots of sides & desserts too.
    Be sure to fast all day prior to dinner & come hungry. Don't miss the sauces; they are off to the side of the meat serving line & possible to miss.

    The steam ship was fun. We sat at the stern, near the piano. Bob, the pianist, was very friendly and enjoys sharing about his music. He led a sing-a-long on the journey back to Queenstown. Most of the passengers were sufficiently fortified with "liquid courage", it was entertaining. Of course, the views of surrounding countryside were most spectacular.
    Take time to go below deck and look into the engine room. The coal-powered steam engine is a sight to see when underway.

    The sheep -sheering show was entertaining. The working dog stole the show with an impressive display of athleticism and aerobic stamina.

    Note: umbrellas are available for use (no charge) while on the farm -- pick up and drop off at the end of the gangway at the farm.
    There is a general announcement at the start of the cruise, but between the crowd, ship-operations noise, and NZ accent of the announcer, we found it hard to understand. Similarly, there wasn't much of an overview about how the dinner would flow either (hence, the missed sauces). So, be sure to ask one of the staff for guidance.
    Written 24 December 2024
    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.

    schatzieNoosa
    Brisbane, Australia420 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2025 • Couples
    What a close to perfect evening. Lovely cruise, amazing food and magic scenery until the sheep shearing show. Being a dog lover I felt saddened to see a dog denied water after sitting on a hot podium in full sun numerous times a day, having to run up and down steep hills to chase sheep, then sitting back on the podium panting, exhausted to be padded by hundreds of tourists and not a bowl of water in sight! When I politely asked the dog handler if there was a reason why the dog had no access to water he became very defensive. Asking me if I accused him of dehydrating the dog....if she was thirsty she could drink down the lake,about 200 metres away while still on the podium being padded by many tourists? Unbelievable!🤨
    Written 7 February 2025
    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.

    Nick
    Australia1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you visit for the BBQ lunch ensure you ask to be seated with the first group because if you’re seated in the last group you’ll discover there is very little food left and no staff to help.
    We went inside to find empty dishes/platters instead of mussel, salad, cheeses, pastas - only food cabinets with empty platters and when we did find staff they looked bewildered at our question. The restaurant knows in advance how many guests are visiting and need to actively refill until all guests are served. We all pay the same price however the guests in the first group enjoy a far better experience by being less rushed and offered all food options, the last group have less time to eat and less food options!
    Written 14 November 2024
    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.

    D B
    La Grange, IL119 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was not sure about booking a buffet dinner and should have listened to my instincts. The food was good, but of course not warm. I don’t care for jostling with other guests to get my meal. This was exceptionally disappointing, it was like a competition to fill our plates. There were children running around with no respect for their turn in line. The same was true for lining up for the boat. Adult guests ran (yes RAN) onto the boat and saved seats. To say this was supposed to be a romantic evening is such a stretch. The demo was interesting but again, children were running up on the stage as the dog was working the sheep in the field behind. The crowd talked throughout the presentation. We must have been very unlucky to be part of such a crowd.
    Written 3 February 2025
    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.

    SG-gourmet
    Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had booked Christmas dinner months ago. I had specified that I am pescatarian and had emailed just to be extra sure that they could cater to my dietary requirements. They had sent a sample menu that showed six cold seafood starters and a hot fish item. However, the spread they served didn’t include any fish in the hot items and only three cold seafood starters. I complained; I had to, because I felt cheated. I was informed that because it was “Christmas dinner”, they decided to scrap the seafood. I am sure the management had good rationale, but how about informing the pescatarian customer who had booked several months in advance? Had this operator been honest, they could have informed me a few days before Christmas what their exact spread was going to be. Instead, I had to discover their “fish-less” spread at the dinner table!!

    After I complained, to their credit the chef rustled up something for me. It was palatable. But, hey, this was supposedly a buffet (“bottomless” supply), whereas what I was served was a plate of something rustled up in a hurry.

    Finally, here’s the last straw. The waitress asked if they could offer me a complimentary drink “as an apology”. I graciously consented, but when I ordered a Pinot Noir, I was told that that particular wine wasn’t complimentary. I said “never mind, I’ll pay”. When it was payment time, I had handed over my credit card, and it was “tapped”. Another waitress then happened to come along and said that my drinks (son’s lemonade and my wine) were complimentary. But, too late … my card was already charged. Can’t say they didn’t try to “apologise”.

    Finally, to those customers who are used to Asian buffets: advice is to avoid this place like the plague. They don’t refill or replenish. PERIOD. Given my limited choices, I had to go back to the buffet quickly enough, only to find several empty counters. There were some scraps or shreds of smoked salmon, shells of mussels (no mussels inside), bits or scraps of cheese, the pasta bowl was empty. Upon asking if there’s going to be a replenishment, I was asked to wait. WAIT? For them to refill everything?

    Dear RealNZ -

    1. Please ask this outfit to lift their game. They clearly don’t know international best practices; so, do ask them to visit a few brunch or dinner buffets in Singapore, Hongkong, Bangkok, etc.
    2. Message to your management: PLEASE practise ethical standards in the future. Cheating is not good. It leaves a “ bad taste” in the mouth, literally. If you cannot meet dietary requirements, please SAY SO. Don’t cheat!!!
    Written 25 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.

    Margret M
    Oetigheim, Germany125 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    The TSS Earnslaw acts like a ferry to Walter Peak. The passengers are picked up in Queenstown and taken across Lake Wakatipu in 45 minutes, where they get off and go to the restaurant where they eat quickly. The food was very good, but everything had to go quickly at the buffet. It was really crowded.
    After that you have time to look around the area and the farm. The "farm" is not a real farm, everything is just made for tourists. The real farm is further inland.
    While you are there for 2.5 hours, the TSS Earnslaw picks up the next guests in Queenstown and takes them to the farm. When they have got off, the previous customers are allowed back on the ship and are brought back.
    This happens several times a day.
    We didn't like that.
    Google
    Written 25 January 2024
    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.

    Ray M
    Gladstone, Australia29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the marvellous historic steamer, TSS Earnslaw and an outstanding dinner.

    Kudos to the Chef, the roasts on offer were perfection, the beef and lamb exceptional, the best I have ever experienced.

    After the dinner you get to enjoy a show telling about the farm, and an amazing demonstration by a sheep dog working a small flock. During this demo it was dark, the dog, with minimal input from the handler, located the sheep up top of the steep terrain and brought them down and penned them.

    It was amusing to see the dog eager to get to work, trying to hurry up her master to get on with it. Seriously not sure who was really the boss!
    Written 10 November 2024
    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.

    Joanne B
    San Clemente, CA7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2024 • Couples
    We are generally independent travelers, but thought this 7 pm tour would be worth it as we had not experienced NZ sheep beyond driving past them or, occasionally, eating them! The sheep shearing and the dog demonstration were both impressive and satisfied our needs. The steamship ride and the BBQ buffet dinner, to us, were enjoyable bonuses. It was cool to see the inner workings of the ship, and on the way back from the farm we were treated to a beautiful night sky which we’d managed to miss during the rest of our trip due to cloudy skies. The dinner was delicious with more than enough choices for everyone. If you eat pork, the pork belly was wonderful. Also the sticky toffee pudding and the little tarts. Yum. (I think that you get to meet and pet the animals during the day trips. We would have liked that, but it was not possible for the 7 pm event.)
    Written 10 February 2024
    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.

    D and J
    Perth, Australia55 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Couples
    The T.S.S. Earnshaw is a wonderful vessel with excellent bar facilities and an open steam engine room that allows you to watch the stoker keeping the boilers hot. It took 45 minutes to cross Lake Wakatipu arriving at the sprawling Walter Peak Station homestead – a working sheep station. Awaiting us was a spectacular feast with a massive range of gourmet delights. After dinner we ventured to the nearby auditorium for a sheep shearing and herding demonstration by Quinn (shearer) and Kip (sheep dog). A very skilled pair who put on a great show. There was a sing-song on the return journey aboard the T.S.S. Earnshaw – with a grand piano located aft. Great fun! This is a chilled adventure for Queenstown – highly recommended!
    Written 22 December 2024
    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.

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