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 historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Revel in the breathtaking mountain vistas as you traverse Lake Wakatipu towards Walter Peak High Country Farm. Wander around the decks, observe the engine room, witness the stokers at work, or buy yummy snacks/refreshments from the Promenade Café.

Kindly ensure to check in 20 minutes prior to the intended sailing time.

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
(270 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Clive_d
Sep 12, 2025
Wonderful experience on this beautiful sailboat - Fabulous fabulous fabulous. Wish I’d had the dining experience then, however I’ve just booked it for March 2926!!!
Review provided by Viator
Explorer826475
Aug 9, 2025
Magical - My wife and I have taken this trip across to Walter Peak station 4 times now, with different friends/relations, when vacationing in NZ over the last 15 years. It is still a magical experience, and a highlight of all those on trips. We highly recommend it for people of all ages when visiting Queenstown.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
344dianeb
Aug 1, 2025
Awesome experience on lake Wakitipu. - A great half day spent cruising out to Walter Peak enjoying most delicious BBQ lunch and the farm show. Neats melted in your mouth and the desserts yum. Visited the farm shop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jrnyjunkie
Jun 1, 2025
Great piece of history. - We had the pleasure of lovely weather for our steamship cruise to and from Walter Peak High Country Farm. The trip was a lot of fun and it was interesting to be able to look down and see the operation of this historic vessel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sean_c
May 14, 2025
A very enjoyable... - A very enjoyable experience. Get to know the history of this steamship and enjoy coffee and light pastry on board (cash not accepted only cards). Very peaceful ride (45 mins one way). Recommended to get there 30 minutes before your departure.
Review provided by Viator
Q2890halizm
May 12, 2025
Perfect Celebration - A family group of 10, we took the evening dinner cruise to Walter Peak, celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. It was perfect. Loved every minute. Value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_g
May 7, 2025
UNREAL! A Must Do and I cannot recommend enough! - We arrived in Queenstown around 2:00pm and we thought a sunset boat ride on the TSS Earnslaw would be the perfect way to set the tone for our week in Queenstown....AND WOW WE WERE RIGHT!!! I wish we took this tour twice it was SO STUNNING and so relaxing and the views are ABSOLUTELY UNREAL!!!!! I will be dreaming about this experience for years and years to come until we return to New Zealand!
Review provided by Viator
Reginafa5572ad
May 7, 2025
Beautiful and serene - The views are amazing. A great experience for young and old. Great access to most areas on the boat including the engine room to take wonderful photos.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navilluso55
Apr 23, 2025
Steam powered lake boat that brings you back in time to an earlier age. - A great day on the lake with a fantastic lunch at the far end of the lake. The old stream engine driven boat was a step back in time and fascinating to see in operation, children were delighted..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wendylouisiannab
Apr 25, 2025
Not terrible catch tourist - The boat ride is nice. The setting is splendid, but a real waste of reception at the entrance is deplorable. However, we came across a very friendly and smiling waiter. However, the buffet does not have much choice and is flavorless, chicken tastes fresh, meat tasteless, raw casi mussels. Very few choices for the whole buffet. Disappointing experience for far too much price. The setting is so pretty, but it stops there the buffet deserves no praise. Another tourist catch after 45 min buffet already closed and therefore no second passage possible long live the name buffet. It disgusts me. The skyline buffet is much better and at least worth a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $66
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).