TSS Earnslaw
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic 1912 coal-fired steamship, visiting Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Great views, cooler weather
TSS Earnslaw
Best Time
Great views, cooler weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic 1912 coal-fired steamship, visiting Walter Peak High Country Farm.
"Sailing on this boat is a beautiful experience, especially the return at night, seeing so many stars."
🎯 Book BBQ Buffet in Advance
The BBQ buffet is highly recommended for value and taste! Book ahead as it's popular.
🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
It gets breezy on Lake Wakatipu. Bring a jacket or warm layers, even on sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The TSS Earnslaw Steamship
A historic 1912 coal-fired steamship offering a unique journey across Lake Wakatipu.
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Experience a traditional farm with sheep shearing, animal feeding, and stunning alpine views.
Scenic Lake Cruise
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown's mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Engine Room Exploration
Witness the powerful, manually-fed coal engines of this vintage steamship in action.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for Lake Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book BBQ Buffet in Advance
The BBQ buffet is highly recommended for value and taste! Book ahead as it's popular.
🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
It gets breezy on Lake Wakatipu. Bring a jacket or warm layers, even on sunny days.
👀 Peek at the Engine Room
Don't miss the chance to see the historic coal-fired engines working hard!
⭐ Evening Cruises Shine
The return trip at night offers spectacular views of the Queenstown lights and starry skies.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book BBQ Buffet in Advance
The BBQ buffet is highly recommended for value and taste! Book ahead as it's popular.
🧥 Layer Up for the Lake
It gets breezy on Lake Wakatipu. Bring a jacket or warm layers, even on sunny days.
👀 Peek at the Engine Room
Don't miss the chance to see the historic coal-fired engines working hard!
⭐ Evening Cruises Shine
The return trip at night offers spectacular views of the Queenstown lights and starry skies.
🐑 Farm Show is a Hit
The sheep shearing and farm animal demonstrations at Walter Peak are entertaining for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the TSS Earnslaw for its unique historical charm and the breathtaking scenery of Lake Wakatipu. The BBQ buffet at Walter Peak High Country Farm receives high marks for quality and value, and the farm's sheep shearing show is a memorable highlight. Some find the scenic cruise-only option a bit pricey for the limited experience.
"I booked the experience with barbecue. It’s a very good option with excellent value for money. Sailing on this boat is a beautiful experience, especially the return at night, seeing so many stars in the clear Queenstown sky. The restaurant buffet was plentiful. Drinks are paid separately, but they have very good options. The show is also worth mentioning"
Fran Franco
"Superb experience. Check in was super easy, quick, and the staff in the office were friendly. The boat ride across was phenomenal with some great mulled wine on board and some insightful commentary by our skipper. The food was unreal. Great variety in dishes without being too overwhelming. The chicken, beef, and mussels were around some of my favorite pieces of my dinner. But, of course, the star of the show was the sticky toffee pudding. I also loveddd the ice cream and brownies. The farm show at the end with Ashley, Mist, and Lil Joe was so amazing to watch. While Lil Joe was definitely the star of the show Ashley did an amazing job teaching us more about Walter Peak and sheep shearing in a very engaging and entertaining way. Overall, an amazing way to spend our three year anniversary!!"
Tabitha DeGraw
"A birthday present and a memorable fulfilling experience and adventure 😀
The tickets were purchased online so much easier and less stress booking on the day.
You are given cards to hold on to show staff when you enter onto the steamer and hold on to present to staff on the farm .
Which was the package that was chosen for me
The time we booked for the boat was the late afternoon so the weather a little bit cooler
The steamer has a bar and snacks to order upstairs down stairs plenty of room to sit or stand like I did outside enjoying the view.
Good commentating by the captain .
A real look at the men working the engine room from above or go down on the platform for a closer look .
The return trip at night was a spectacular view with the lighting from the shore.
Highly recommended the experience 😀"
Dennis Niu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The TSS Earnslaw departs from the Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown. It's easily accessible on foot from most accommodations in the town center. If you're coming from further afield, local buses or taxis can get you to the wharf area.
Limited paid parking is available in Queenstown town center, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly. It's generally recommended to walk or take public transport if staying nearby.
Yes, taxis and rideshare services can drop you off directly at the Steamer Wharf, making it a convenient option if you're not staying within walking distance.
From Queenstown Airport (ZQN), you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rideshare service to your accommodation or directly to the Steamer Wharf. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Queenstown has a local bus service that can take you to the town center, from where the Steamer Wharf is a short walk. Check local bus schedules for routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the package chosen, with options ranging from a scenic cruise only to cruises including a BBQ buffet and farm tour. Expect prices to be around NZD $100+ for the full experience. Booking online can sometimes offer better rates.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official RealNZ website or authorized tour operators like GetYourGuide. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular times.
The TSS Earnslaw typically operates daily, with multiple departures throughout the day. Specific timings can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official schedule when booking.
Yes, child fares are usually available for the TSS Earnslaw cruises. The exact pricing and age ranges for child tickets can be found on the booking website.
While it's possible to purchase tickets on the day, it's not recommended as cruises, especially those with the buffet, can sell out. Booking online in advance is the safest bet.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cruise duration varies by package. The scenic cruise without a farm stop is typically around 1.5 hours. The full experience with the Walter Peak High Country Farm visit is usually about 3.5 hours.
You can enjoy the scenic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, learn about the ship's history, visit the engine room, and enjoy onboard commentary. If you opt for the farm tour, you'll experience sheep shearing, animal feeding, and explore Walter Peak High Country Farm.
The TSS Earnslaw is a historic vessel, and accessibility can be limited. While staff are helpful, some areas like the lower engine room deck might be challenging. It's advisable to contact the operator in advance to discuss specific needs.
The commentary provided by the skipper or crew is generally insightful, sharing historical facts about the ship and the surrounding region. It adds a lot to the experience.
Absolutely! A key highlight is visiting the engine room to see the historic coal-fired steam engines in operation. You can get quite close to the action. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most popular option is the BBQ buffet at Walter Peak High Country Farm, featuring a variety of meats, salads, and desserts. There's also a cafe onboard for snacks and drinks if you choose a shorter cruise.
Yes, the BBQ buffet typically includes good vegetarian options and fresh salads. It's always a good idea to mention any dietary requirements when booking.
Drinks are usually not included with the BBQ buffet and need to be purchased separately from the onboard bar. They offer a good selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Reviews generally praise the food, especially the BBQ buffet, highlighting the quality and variety. The sticky toffee pudding and ice cream are often mentioned as favorites.
Yes, there is a bar and cafe onboard where you can purchase snacks, hot drinks, and alcoholic beverages if you're on a cruise that doesn't include the buffet.
📸 📸 Photography
The decks offer fantastic panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. The engine room provides unique industrial shots, and Walter Peak Farm offers scenic landscapes and animal interactions.
Yes, you can get very close to the engines and take photos. Be mindful of the heat and steam, and always follow safety instructions from the crew.
Afternoon cruises offer beautiful natural light for landscape shots. Evening cruises provide a different ambiance with the lights of Queenstown reflecting on the water, and potentially starry skies.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be respectful of other passengers and crew, and avoid using flash in sensitive areas or when it might disturb others.
Yes, you can capture great shots of the steamship from various angles on deck, especially as it cruises across the lake or docks at Walter Peak.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The farm visit to Walter Peak is a huge hit, with sheep shearing shows and animal feeding providing plenty of entertainment. +1 The BBQ buffet is usually a crowd-pleaser, with options that appeal to younger palates. Consider the longer cruise with the farm tour for the full family experience. Pro-tip: Bring snacks and drinks for younger children, as these are paid separately on board if you don't opt for the buffet. The open decks offer space for kids to move around, but always supervise them closely near the railings. The historical aspect of the ship can also spark curiosity about how things worked in the past.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you do want the full experience, look for online deals or package offers that might bundle the cruise with other activities. Booking directly through RealNZ or reputable third-party sites can sometimes yield better prices than last-minute bookings. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower prices and fewer crowds.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking the cruise with the BBQ buffet for a delightful dinner experience. Enjoying a meal together while surrounded by such beautiful scenery is truly special. The historical ambiance of the ship adds a touch of old-world charm to your romantic outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History: The TSS Earnslaw
+1 After being purchased and meticulously restored by RealNZ, she continues to operate, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era. Witnessing the manually-fed coal engines and the triple-expansion steam engines in action is a highlight for many visitors, providing a tangible connection to maritime heritage. +1Exploring the engine room is an immersive experience. You can often get quite close to the boiling boilers and the working pistons, feeling the heat and hearing the powerful rhythm of the machinery. The crew's dedication to maintaining this historic vessel is evident, and they are often happy to share insights into its operation. This hands-on look at the ship's mechanics is a stark contrast to modern vessels and offers a fascinating educational component to the cruise.
+1The TSS Earnslaw isn't just about its engines; it's about the journey. Cruising across the stunning Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop, is an experience in itself. The commentary provided by the captain adds depth, sharing stories of the lake and the surrounding high country. Whether you opt for a daytime cruise with farm activities or an evening journey under the stars, the TSS Earnslaw offers a memorable and historically rich adventure.
Walter Peak High Country Farm: More Than Just a Stop
+1The farm experience is designed to be engaging and educational. Visitors can witness traditional sheep shearing demonstrations, where skilled shearers quickly transform woolly sheep into their summer coats. The sheepdog demonstrations are also a crowd-pleaser, showcasing the intelligence and agility of working dogs herding sheep. For those who love animals, there are opportunities for feeding farm animals like alpacas and deer, adding a hands-on element to the visit.
+1Beyond the animal activities, Walter Peak offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Many packages include a gourmet BBQ lunch or afternoon tea, featuring delicious local produce. The homestead itself provides a cozy atmosphere, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's a well-rounded experience that complements the historic cruise, offering a taste of rural New Zealand life.
Choosing Your Earnslaw Cruise Experience
For a more comprehensive experience, consider the cruises that include a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm. These longer excursions typically feature a BBQ buffet lunch or dinner, offering a substantial and highly-rated meal.
When deciding, consider your priorities. If culinary delights are key, the BBQ buffet is a must. If history and the ship's mechanics are your main interest, the shorter cruise with engine room access is perfect. For a complete immersion into the Queenstown experience, the full farm tour package offers the best of both worlds. Always check the specific inclusions and duration of each option when booking.
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