TSS Earnslaw Cruise: Scenic Lake Wakatipu Journey

Experience the charm of Queenstown’s vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu, admire the alpine scenery, and visit Walter Peak High Country Farm. Don’t miss the chance to explore the decks, view the engine room, and enjoy delicious snacks on board!

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Wakatipu - Cruise over to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.
What's Included
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) included
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a journey aboard Queenstown’s renowned vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a leisurely cruise and take in the breathtaking alpine views as you sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Wander the decks, observe the engine room, watch the stokers at work, or indulge in tasty snacks and drinks from the Promenade Café….

Location
TSS Earnslaw - RealNZ
Beach Street
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)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(335 Ratings)
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1 star
Jez_h
Mar 14, 2026
Really interesting to see... - Really interesting to see the inner workings of a steamship, and the views around Lake Wakatpi were great! Boat slightly crowded on the way out, but much quieter once those staying at Walter Peak had alighted.
Review provided by Viator
Benjamind2723
Mar 13, 2026
Cruised down the lake to Walter peak farm and once we dropped peopl off and picked more up we headed back - This was a beautiful ride across lake we opted for the cruise as we had just had dinner but the was an option for going to Walter peak farm at the end of the lake for a meal and a walk about the farm
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jay_m
Mar 9, 2026
Best Steam Ship Excursion - Best Steam Ship Excursion. 2+ Hours of fun. Great shore views and homes architect. Great ice cream on board. Ship runs on coal and interesting to see.
Review provided by Viator
Julie
Mar 8, 2026
Excellent - Excellent service - punctual
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith_l
Mar 8, 2026
We just did the return... - We just did the return trip across Lake Walatipu without visiting Walter Peak Farm. The trip allowed great views of the lake and surrounding mountains, but the best bit was the atmosphere of the old steamer. You could even go below and check out the workings of the steam engine. Great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Elizabeth_c
Mar 1, 2026
Enjoyable Cruise - Great cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw. Really enjoyed the mini museum on board and going below deck and watching the stokers shovel coal. The scenery was stunning. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Alh2025
Feb 28, 2026
A must do if in the area and include the buffet dinner - you will not be disappointed. - Great experience both on the ship and at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. The trip across the lake is magical and you can really get the steamship vibe - get on early for a decent seat. Once at the Country farm the buffet dinner is magnificent. The choice of both hot and cold food is staggering and the quality is first class - and there is plenty of it - a real feast. The waiting staff are excellent and the wine choices first class - cannot fault it. After dinner, the sheep shearing display was remarkably engaging and fascinating and the shearers patter is great but the star of the show of course is Kip the sheep dog who gives a brief but excellent display of sheep rounding. An excellent trip and a must do if in this part of New Zealand, A real highlight.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbara_b
Feb 27, 2026
recommend - cute little cruise 🚢 went solo after doing doubtful sound with this company a day before. the DS was very overpriced in my opinion but this experience was pretty adequate
Review provided by Viator
Jonathan_s
Mar 1, 2026
It’s pretty, yes. But the... - It’s pretty, yes. But the experience is one that you just to be over with. Too crowded, and unpleasant
Review provided by Viator
Rolandchelsea
Mar 6, 2026
Not Good Customer Service - Where do I start, maybe the booking up early 3/4 months before our trip would be good, or maybe the cancellation 9hrs before our trip was due to leave, this left no time to book another trip. Very poor customer service, cancelling so late and not honouring the booking on an earlier sailing. Private booking at such late notice doesn’t seem right but I suppose the might dollar is more important than customer satisfaction.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $67
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).