TSS Earnslaw Steamship & Walter Peak Farm

The TSS Earnslaw is an iconic steamship that offers visitors a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

The 90-minute cruise departs from Steamer Wharf and provides spectacular views of Queenstown's incredible alpine scenery.  On board, guests can purchase food and drinks from the Promenade Cafe and enjoy the music from the onboard pianist. 

The TSS Earnslaw is more than 100 years old, and photographs and information located around the vessel explain more about its history. There's also a chance to see the engine room and observe the giant coal-fired engines at work and visit the bridge.

If you would like to extend your trip you can choose from a number of additional experiences at Walter Peak Farm, a high country working farm located in a sheltered bay once used as Maori camping grounds.

Walter Peak Farm Tour:  Find out more about life on a high country farm with a guided walking tour of the farmyard, where you can help to feed the sheep, get up close and personal with the Scottish Highland cattle, and watch the farm dogs round up the sheep before a shearing demonstration takes place.  Morning or afternoon tea is provided at the Homestead, and there is also time to wander the lakeside grounds.​

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch:  Hosted in the Colonel's Homestead, the gourmet lunch features a seasonal menu with dishes made from fresh local produce.  After the meal, you can enjoy a demonstration of life on the farm or explore the grounds on your own.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner:  Enjoy a trip on the TSS Earnslaw followed by a gourmet dinner with a seasonal menu and then find out more about life on the farm.  The nighttime return cruise offers a different view of Queenstown with the lights of the town on show from the water.

Walter Peak Horse Trek:  Take a guided 40-minute horse trek across the grounds to lookout points with stunning views of the lake. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on your return, and there is also time to explore the grounds on foot. The trek is suitable for all abilities, even first-time riders.

Walter Peak Cycling: Take your own bike across on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak before exploring at your own leisure. With this non-guided cycling option you cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw and then explore the very scenic Back Road on your own bicycle 

Cruises depart regularly each day, weather permitting, all year round except for short periods of annual maintenance.

Groups:

Available in conjunction with Walter Peak High Country Farm, or on a stand-alone basis, the TSS Earnslaw is fully licensed with bar and catering facilities on board. Groups are welcome to join scheduled cruises; the ships saloon is available for hire for groups of up to 60.  Alternatively, for larger groups exclusive charter options are available at certain times of the year.