RealNZ
RealNZ
4.5
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
6:15 AM - 8:30 PM
Full view

About
Cruise on Queenstown's iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/ drinks from the Promenade Cafe. Operates daily, all year (except during annual maintenance).
Queenstown, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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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.
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4.5
5,884 reviews
Excellent
4,245
Very good
1,195
Average
274
Poor
104
Terrible
66
Haley0372
Gladstone, Australia30 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This buffet lunch and experience was like no other! Having travelled many times to Queenstown and Walter Peak, we were gently talked into by the booking agent in attending the buffet lunch….thank goodness she did, as make no mistake, every element was perfect. We were so impressed with the organisation, friendly staff and the food was definitely NOT the usual buffet food….it was more fine dining with designer salads, hot food and an assortment of protein that was presented beautifully.
Now to the deserts, which need a further 5 star review….
Not being much a desert person normally, I was then blown away by the well presented individually crafted deserts that suited everyone’s palette.
Well done to the team who executed this experience perfectly, I would HIGHLY recommend this experience to anyone travelling to Queenstown!!
Now to the deserts, which need a further 5 star review….
Not being much a desert person normally, I was then blown away by the well presented individually crafted deserts that suited everyone’s palette.
Well done to the team who executed this experience perfectly, I would HIGHLY recommend this experience to anyone travelling to Queenstown!!
Written 17 July 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.
Oh wow, this review makes us SO happy! We better go and thank that retail agent for convincing you to visit us haha. If you're ever back in Queenstown we would absolutely love to see you again.
Written 20 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather M
Wellington, New Zealand84 contributions
Aug 2022
We did the two night cruise which was fantastic. Two nights gives you a bit of time to explore different parts of the fiord and see more wildlife. The cruise was very well organised by RealNZ. All the staff were excellent and we got very interested commentary from Divesh. He also gave us an interesting evening talk both evenings, with his personal experiences adding interest. My granddaughter said we should only give the cruise 4 stars. Why? Because there was too much food! It was certainly a bit overwhelming to have so many excellent choices in the buffet! I asked about vegetarians for my daughter's family when I booked, but should have asked for vegan. But I didn't need to worry - they had vegan options. Of course you should specify what you need to be sure to get what you want. The scenery is spectacular. Breathtaking. An experience of a lifetime. RealNZ have done a great job of making it possible for us to experience this place.
Written 23 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.
There's no such thing as too much food! 😉
Thank you for this detailed review of your Doubtful Sound 2-Night experience. It means a lot to us to hear your thoughts and feedback. We hope to see you again soon.
Written 28 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Global49599992172
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Such a nice experience. The singer on the earnslaw was amazing and interacted with the crowd. The views and the landscape at Walter Peak were gorgeous and the kai was delicious my whanau had such a great time we even enjoyed the show with the sheep and dogs. Thank you.
Written 7 September 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.
Thank you for your lovely review of the TSS Earnslaw tour to Walter Peak! We're delighted to hear that you had such a nice experience. It sounds like the singer on the Earnslaw added a special touch to your journey. Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more wonderful experiences in the future!
Written 20 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
daisynelsonwhite
Girvan, UK13 contributions
Mar 2023
My partner and I took the Doubtful Sound excursion a week ago. We were unable to book the overnight because it was fully booked. We were picked up right at our own bus stop on Frankton Road outside of Queenstown. This was most convenient. The day consisted of a two-hour bus ride to Te Anau and then a quick transfer to Manapouri. From there, we took a boat to Fiordland National Park and from there a bus across spectacular wilderness to another boat our on Doubtful Sound. There, we saw albatross and seals and went all the way to the Tasman Sea.
A true highlight of the journey was Nathan, our bus driver on the two-hour trip from Queenstown to Te Anau and then back at the end of our day. Nathan is fabulous! Extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand history and local lore. Made our bus ride fun and very interesting.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff who made our day very special.
A true highlight of the journey was Nathan, our bus driver on the two-hour trip from Queenstown to Te Anau and then back at the end of our day. Nathan is fabulous! Extremely knowledgeable about New Zealand history and local lore. Made our bus ride fun and very interesting.
Thanks to all the wonderful staff who made our day very special.
Written 27 March 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.
Anna
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Mar 2023
This is a must for your Queenstown to do list. We sailed on the 5 pm boat and it took about 45 mins to get across to the Walter Peak Farm. It was very interesting to watch the crew scooping coal into the steam ship; amazing historic ship. We had a warm welcome when we arrived at the farm. There were 200 people on our boat yet they are very well prepared to seamlessly get us all to the buffet. The food options were many and all delicious and fresh. More than enough room and time for second helpings. The dessert bar was amazing. After dinner you could attend the sheep shearing demonstration which was informative and entertaining. You had time before sailing back to explore the farm and all the different farm animals. A beautiful private property amongst the majestic mountain range. We sailed back to the illuminated city of Queenstown around 9 pm.
Written 31 March 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.
Don Pettit
Wellington, New Zealand32 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We’ve done this experience three times and each time we have thoroughly loved it. The boat is a gentle, lovely sail on an incredibly beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains and vistas. The lunch is top quality, with amazing barbecue and a broad selection of food and lovely wines. The farm show is entertaining and educational, giving you a glimpse of the rural life. A great way to have some fun in Queenstown! Three times is not too many!
Written 20 December 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.
Thank you for your fantastic review of the TSS Earnslaw Steamship and BBQ Dinner at Walter Peak! We're delighted you enjoyed the experience just as much the third time around and found the scenery as beautiful as much as we do.
Written 20 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aimee
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
My partner and I had a wonderful day with Nathan, our driver and guide. Nathan gave a wonderful commentary, he made us laugh (I think only us kiwis mostly understood some subtle jokes) and I feel that he made our coach such a good vibe. Great to be able to have a few stops to stretch, take photos, and head to the bog.
Stunning views, and I just think doing it this way is much more relaxing, and you see a lot more.
Thank you, Nathan! I hope you see this!
From Matt and Aimee xxx
Stunning views, and I just think doing it this way is much more relaxing, and you see a lot more.
Thank you, Nathan! I hope you see this!
From Matt and Aimee xxx
Written 7 January 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.
Nathan loves his dad jokes! We'll be sure to pass on this lovely review.
Thank you for exploring Milford Sound with RealNZ, Matt and Aimee. We're glad you enjoyed the tour.
Written 15 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda W
Kerikeri, New Zealand31 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Loved our time in Queenstown. One of the highlights was our trip onboard TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Station for a BBQ lunch and Farm show. We picked a sunny day and a popular trip. The views fabulous and setting absolutely stunning. BBQ lunch was everything you needed. Plenty food and a good variety, all perfectly prepared and cooked. After lunch we attended the informative Farm show consisting of sheep shearing and gathering. The presenter knowledgeable and fun. On the way back to Queenstown we sat outside at the back of the boat, the perfect seat to take in views and fresh air. As we neared the dock we ventured upstairs where a pianist was playing and singing. One of the people on the tour even managed to play the piano and sing. A great day out. Don,t forget your camera, its stunning !
Written 18 May 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.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your time in Queenstown was so enjoyable and that the trip onboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak was a highlight. It sounds like you had a perfect day with fabulous views and a stunning setting. We're glad you enjoyed the BBQ lunch and found the food plentiful and well-prepared. Enjoying the pianist on the way back to Queenstown sounds like a perfect end to the day. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Written 29 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darlene W
Yulee, FL21 contributions
Apr 2023
This is an interesting boat ride across the lake to an elaborate tourist farmhouse where a huge buffet is served, followed by sheep shearing demonstration. The steamship is 100 years old and powered with one ton of coal per hour. Besides the lovely scenery, you get to see the engine workings of the vessel.
Written 30 April 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.
We're so glad you enjoyed your experience on the TSS Earnslaw! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
Written 9 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew
Reading, UK2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Very comfortable coach for a long journey. All really well organised and the star of the show was our driver Jake. Not only did he drive for over nine hours he was full of interesting information, funny and super helpful
Written 1 March 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.
Kate E
Cheviot, New Zealand
Hi, I am coming with a big family group. I'm on crutches, is it possible to get on and off the ship?
Written 5 January 2021
Yes very easily. They put a gangway that is easy access to the ship.
Written 5 January 2021
Hi, I just realised that I have booked a cruise only (23rd July) in the middle of the day, right at lunch time. Looking at all the reviews it seems like the lunch is exceptional, so my questions are: 1. Would l be able to book the lunch now, or 2. can you make up your mind on the day and book on board? 3. Can you easily fit in the cruise with lunch AND a gondola ride on the same day? We are only in Queenstown for one full day. Many thanks
Written 7 July 2019
Hi Patricia, I agree with the previous answer from Cthomas36.
enjoy your trip
Written 4 August 2019
Where is the nearest car park to park my campervan while we take the TSS cruise and farm trip around noon?
Written 16 March 2019
Yes, you should have no problem parking fairly close, but I would allow plenty of time just in case: if you're going on an evening cruise, the car parking spaces by the lake tend to fill up with people going to restaurants and pubs.
Written 20 March 2019
I am traveling on my bicycle and plan on arriving in Walter Peak from The Anau through the mountains. Can I buy a ticket from Walter Peak to Queenstown and take my bicycle on the boat? How much would it be?
Written 24 April 2018
I believe you could do this. They keep the bikes in the lower deck. Contact them direct for details. We paid approx $NZ70 return trip only. One way would be less. Good luck. Sounds exciting 🐑🐑🚴🏻♂️🚴🏻♂️
Written 25 April 2018
I am wanting to know if I have to book and the price for a six year old please
Written 13 February 2017
Hi Evon F
We definitely recommend booking, with certain times of the year being quite busy on board. Generally you can book on the day however if you want to guarantee a space you should definitely plan ahead.
We have a 24 hour cancellation policy for our TSS Earnslaw cruise, so if you wanted to book ahead and then something changes in between now and when you travel, you can cancel with no charge up until 24 hours before departure.
It's currently $22 for a child on the TSS Earnslaw cruise.
Thanks
The team at Real Journeys
Written 13 February 2017
is there a piano player on the bbq lunch cruise or is he only the evening dinner cruise
Written 11 October 2015
Hi there,
Just to confirm that the piano player is scheduled on all the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruise departures. So, if you are booking the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch (or the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner), then you should experience the “tinkling of the ivories”.
It tends to be a variety of music from the pianist on the way over to Walter Peak High Country Farm, and then the sing-along if you wish to join in, on the return cruise to Queenstown Bay.
FYI
You don’t mention when you are travelling, but the TSS Earnslaw will be on survey/maintenance mid May 2016 – mid June 2016 and will not be operating.
There is a link on this TripAdvisor page which takes you to our website, where you can navigate to more information and images.
Hope that this helps.
Written 12 October 2015
Hi can you get scones with cream and jam on this ?
Thanks
Written 3 August 2015
The TSS Earnslaw has a café on board where a variety of refreshments and snacks are available to purchase during the return cruise. This option does NOT disembark at Walter Peak.
However if you are wanting afternoon tea, then you might want to choose the “Walter Peak Farm Tour” – which includes a TSS Earnslaw lake cruise, disembarking at Walter Peak for a farm tour and morning/afternoon tea which currently consists of:
- Cheese scones
- Fruit scones
With jam, butter and cream (served separately)
- Plus a selection of cookies and cakes.
- Tea, coffee and juice included.
There is a link on this TripAdvisor page which takes you to our website for the “TSS Earnslaw Cruise only” option. From there you can navigate to our other trips including the “Walter Peak Farm Tour” (which is also reviewed on TripAdvisor).
Hope that this helps.
Written 4 August 2015
What days of the week will cruiises on board be running in Feb 2016?
Written 22 June 2015
Hi,
For February 2016, the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises are scheduled to depart daily at 10am, 12noon, 2pm & 4pm all year (until her next survey/maintenance period mid May – Mid June 2016). 6pm and 8pm cruises are often scheduled at peak times – contact us for more information.
There is a link on this TripAdvisor page which takes you to our website for more information including options cruises with lunch/evening dining and farm tours if you wish to disembark at Walter Peak.
Hope that this helps.
Written 22 June 2015
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