Walter Peak High Country Farm
Experience a vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to a charming high country farm for gourmet dining and engaging animal demonstrations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Scenic views, farm demos
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Best Time
Scenic views, farm demos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu to a charming high country farm for gourmet dining and engaging animal demonstrations.
"A perfect mix of relaxation, scenery, and a genuine New Zealand farm experience."
Choose the Right Cruise
Opt for the longer cruise with BBQ buffet and farm stop for a full experience, especially with kids.
Book Dinner Cruises Early
Evening BBQ buffet cruises are very popular and book up fast. Reserve your spot in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
Lake Wakatipu
Ride a historic vintage steamship across the stunning Lake Wakatipu for breathtaking alpine views.
Gourmet BBQ Buffet
Colonel's Homestead Restaurant
Indulge in a delicious buffet featuring a variety of BBQ meats, seafood, salads, and desserts.
Farm Demonstrations
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Witness impressive sheepdog herding and sheep shearing demonstrations, a true taste of rural New Zealand.
Animal Encounters
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Get up close with friendly farm animals, including opportunities to feed them.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cruise in Advance
Dress for Lake Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose the Right Cruise
Opt for the longer cruise with BBQ buffet and farm stop for a full experience, especially with kids.
Book Dinner Cruises Early
Evening BBQ buffet cruises are very popular and book up fast. Reserve your spot in advance!
Warm Layers Essential
It gets cold on the lake, even in summer. Bring a jacket or use the provided blankets.
Dietary Needs Catered For
Staff are accommodating for dietary requirements, offering tweaked versions of dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose the Right Cruise
Opt for the longer cruise with BBQ buffet and farm stop for a full experience, especially with kids.
Book Dinner Cruises Early
Evening BBQ buffet cruises are very popular and book up fast. Reserve your spot in advance!
Warm Layers Essential
It gets cold on the lake, even in summer. Bring a jacket or use the provided blankets.
Dietary Needs Catered For
Staff are accommodating for dietary requirements, offering tweaked versions of dishes.
Great for Families
Kids love the farm animals and demonstrations; it's an uplifting day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the scenic beauty of the Lake Wakatipu cruise and the delicious, generous BBQ buffet. The farm demonstrations, especially the sheepdog herding and shearing, are highlights, and the staff are noted for their friendliness and accommodation of dietary needs. Some find the cost high for shorter cruise options without meals.
"Originally we had planned to cruise over to Walter Peak farm on the TSS Earnslaw, which we had done with the family back in 2021 but this time we were informed it was undergoing annual maintenance. Initially, we were disappointed but then relieved we would still be able to make the trip over on the catamaran Spirit of Queenstown. The trip over was a smooth 40 minutes with great weather. We had booked the BBQ buffet lunch and had fantastic seating for our family indoors next to the fireplace. A mouth watering variety of BBQ meats, vegetables, salads, seafood and desserts all fresh and you will want to go back for seconds and thirds. After the meal there's a sheepdog demonstration and you can explore the farm. We had a lovely and memorable experience."
Olivia S
"We had a wonderful time on the Walter Peak High Country Farm tour with RealNZ. The cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the Spirit of Queenstown was beautiful, offering incredible views all the way. At the farm, the experience felt authentic and welcoming. The sheepdog demonstration was impressive, and the chance to see and feed the animals up close made it even more special. The staff were warm and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and share stories about the farm. The afternoon tea was a perfect touch with delicious homemade treats. This tour is the perfect mix of relaxation, scenery, and a genuine New Zealand farm experience. Highly recommend."
Claude O'Dath
"We took the cruise to Walter Peak today, followed by their buffet lunch. Staff were so lovely from start to finish. We had dietary requirements, and they went above and beyond to ensure we knew which foods we could eat, or which we couldn’t. For those we couldn’t, eg certain salads with nuts, or veges with onion, they brought tweaked versions that were safe for us to our table.
All food was delicious, especially their high, soft and fluffy focaccia bread! 😄
Was great finishing with a farm show, getting to watch the farm dog round up sheep, and watching them sheer a sheep.
Stunning views to/from on the lake cruise. Run up if you’re going in winter, it gets cold on the water if you go up top! (They do offer blankets, too, which is nice. 😊)
Great experience, recommend."
Tara Hajek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Walter Peak High Country Farm is exclusively via a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu. You can choose between the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the catamaran Spirit of Queenstown, both departing from the Queenstown lakefront. The cruise itself is part of the experience, offering stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and surrounding scenery.
All cruises to Walter Peak High Country Farm depart from the main Queenstown lakefront jetty. Look for the RealNZ (formerly Real Journeys) departure point. It's easily accessible from most accommodations in Queenstown.
The cruise duration varies depending on the vessel and the specific tour. Typically, the journey across Lake Wakatipu takes around 40 minutes on the catamaran Spirit of Queenstown, while the TSS Earnslaw might take slightly longer.
Yes, there are several public car parks available in Queenstown near the lakefront. However, they can be busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider walking or using public transport if staying nearby.
If you are staying in the Queenstown town center, the lakefront departure point is easily walkable. It's a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to reach the jetty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary based on the cruise option and inclusions (e.g., BBQ buffet lunch/dinner, afternoon tea). Expect prices to be in the range of NZD $100-$200 per adult. Booking online in advance is recommended, and sometimes special offers are available.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for the popular BBQ buffet cruises. These tours often sell out, particularly during peak season and holidays.
Most tours include the scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu and access to the farm for demonstrations and animal encounters. Options with BBQ buffet lunch or dinner, or afternoon tea, are also available and are highly recommended for the full experience.
Yes, there are several options. You can choose a shorter cruise with cafe-only options, or longer ones that include a gourmet BBQ buffet or afternoon tea, along with farm demonstrations. The longer options are generally preferred for families.
Tours typically operate daily, with departures throughout the day. The specific schedule can vary by season and vessel. It's best to check the RealNZ website for the most up-to-date operating hours and departure times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Walter Peak, you can enjoy a gourmet BBQ buffet or afternoon tea, witness sheepdog demonstrations, see sheep shearing, and interact with various farm animals like sheep, alpacas, and deer. The scenic cruise itself is also a major highlight.
Absolutely! Walter Peak is a fantastic destination for families. Children are captivated by the farm animals and the exciting demonstrations. The cruise is also an adventure for them.
Yes, there are opportunities to feed some of the farm animals, which is a highlight for many visitors, especially children.
The farm offers impressive demonstrations including sheepdog herding, where skilled dogs round up sheep, and sheep shearing, showcasing the traditional process.
Walter Peak offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Southern Alps, including The Remarkables mountain range. The cruise to and from the farm provides equally spectacular scenery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most popular dining option is the gourmet BBQ buffet at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant, featuring a wide array of meats, seafood, salads, and desserts. Afternoon tea with homemade treats is also available on some tours.
Many visitors find the BBQ buffet to be a highlight, offering delicious food and generous portions. It's often described as a mouth-watering experience with options for seconds.
Yes, the staff are very accommodating of dietary requirements. They will inform you about safe options or prepare tweaked versions of dishes to meet your needs.
While the focus is on BBQ meats and seafood, the buffet typically includes a good selection of salads and vegetables. It's best to inquire directly with RealNZ when booking about specific vegetarian or vegan options.
The afternoon tea often includes delicious homemade treats like scones, sandwiches, and pastries, served with tea or coffee. It's a delightful, lighter option compared to the buffet.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire experience offers fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the historic TSS Earnslaw, the stunning lake and mountain scenery during the cruise, the charming farm animals, and the delicious food.
Definitely. The cruise across Lake Wakatipu provides incredible vistas of the Southern Alps, especially The Remarkables. The farm setting also offers picturesque rural scenes.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos during the sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstrations. It's a great chance to capture the action.
Afternoon cruises often provide beautiful natural light. Evening cruises can offer stunning sunset views over the lake, though it might be dimmer for photography.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. The natural beauty and engaging activities provide ample photo opportunities for any device.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for the cruise that includes the BBQ buffet lunch or dinner is highly recommended, as it provides a substantial and enjoyable meal for everyone. The staff are very accommodating of children, and the overall experience is designed to be engaging and fun for all ages. It’s a perfect day out that combines scenic beauty with interactive farm experiences.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The gourmet BBQ dinner offers a delightful dining experience with stunning lake views, perfect for a special evening. While the farm demonstrations are engaging for all, the overall relaxed pace and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal escape for couples looking for a memorable day trip with a touch of rural charm and natural beauty.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look out for any potential package deals or discounts that might be offered by RealNZ or local tour operators. Traveling during the shoulder seasons might also yield slightly lower prices. The cruise itself is a significant part of the experience, so even a shorter cruise without the full meal can be a scenic and enjoyable outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic TSS Earnslaw
Many visitors highlight the unique charm of the Earnslaw. The opportunity to explore the engine room and learn about its operation adds an educational layer to the scenic cruise. It’s a truly immersive experience that sets Walter Peak tours apart from other lake excursions. The historic ambiance combined with the breathtaking alpine scenery makes for an unforgettable voyage.
While the catamaran 'Spirit of Queenstown' offers a faster and smoother ride, the TSS Earnslaw provides a more nostalgic and iconic experience. For those seeking a quintessential Queenstown adventure, a cruise on this grand old lady is a must-do. It’s a perfect blend of history, engineering marvel, and stunning natural beauty.
A Taste of High Country Cuisine
What makes the dining experience special is not just the food itself, but the setting. Enjoying a hearty meal with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains adds a unique dimension to the dining experience. The staff are also noted for their attentiveness, particularly in accommodating dietary requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy the feast.
For those who prefer a lighter option, the afternoon tea is also a popular choice. It typically includes a delightful array of homemade scones, sandwiches, and sweet treats, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Whether you opt for the full buffet or the charming afternoon tea, the food at Walter Peak is designed to be a memorable part of your visit.
Authentic Farm Life Encounters
Beyond the demonstrations, visitors have the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals. You can often feed the animals, including sheep, alpacas, and deer, creating memorable interactions, especially for families. This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the farm's inhabitants and the agricultural heritage of the region.
The farm staff, like Ashley, a Senior Demonstrator, play a crucial role in making these encounters special. They are knowledgeable and passionate, sharing insights into farm operations and animal care. Their enthusiasm contributes significantly to the authentic and welcoming atmosphere of the farm.
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