TSS Earnslaw Cruise & BBQ Buffet Lunch or Dinner
Highlights & inclusions
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April 2026
2. Select participants
Highlighted reviews
Nice trip across the lake to the Farmhouse, good views all round. What makes it better the Steamship Earnslaw.
The cruise was absolutely amazing
What you can expect
The TSS Earnslaw is one of Queenstown’s best-loved icons. Nicknamed the ‘Lady of the Lake’, the historic steamship has been ferrying goods to hard-to-reach settlements and taking passengers on scenic rides down Lake Wakatipu as far back as 1912. The stunning alpine scenery surrounding Lake Wakatipu is even more moving when viewed onboard this vintage vessel.
Complement a cruise on the lake with a guided visit to a farm and a delicious barbecue lunch or dinner. Lounge on the terrace by the lake or indoors at the cosy Colonel’s Homestead as the tantalising aroma of the barbecue wafts over. You can take your pick of salads, vegetables and bread to go with the mouth-watering spread on the grill, featuring a huge variety of produce sourced locally and from other parts of New Zealand.
After your meal, enjoy a show that lends some insight into life on a high country farm. As you return to Queenstown on board the TSS Earnslaw, unwind with a cocktail from the bar or participate in a rollicking singalong session accompanied by the resident pianist.
Lunch / Dinner
Carnivores will delight in the freshness of grilled fish from local waters, hearty slabs of beef steak, juicy pork, sumptuous lamb chops, fragrant pork spare ribs and tasty chicken drumsticks. Vegetarians will also have a lot on their plates with a range of fresh seasonal salads, delicious roast vegetables and an exciting vegetarian dish of the day. You can also enjoy delicious desserts and cheeses from New Zealand.
Location
What you need to know
- A return cruise to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship (45 minutes each way)
- BBQ lunch or Evening Dining at Walter Peak Homestead
- Farm demonstration
- Allow up to 4 hrs
- 11:00am, 1:00pm & 5:00pm (additional 7:00pm departure in peak season)
- Departs from RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown
- Operates daily all year (alternative vessel available through TSS Earnslaw annual survey period)
- What footwear is appropriate for the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise? For the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise, comfortable footwear is recommended. There are some pebbled areas at Walter Peak, so high heels are not advised.
- Are alcoholic beverages included in the Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise or Evening Dining & Lake Cruise? Alcoholic beverages are not included in the Walter Peak BBQ Lunch or Dinner, however can be purchased separately on the day.
- Are there vegetarian or seafood options available on the Walter Peak BBQ dining experience? Yes, the Walter Peak BBQ dining experience includes a wide selection of vegetarian, seafood, and salad options, so there are plenty of choices available if you do not eat meat.
- Can the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise cater for dietary requirements? Yes, the Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise and Evening Dining & Lake Cruise can cater for dietary requirements such as gluten-free and dairy-free options. It is recommended to advise your requirements at the time of booking.
- Is the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise wheelchair friendly? Yes, the Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise is wheelchair friendly, although some assistance may be required due to pebbled paths between the wharf and the restaurant.
- Is there a farm show or sheep shearing demonstration included in the Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise? Yes, the Walter Peak BBQ Lunch or Dinner & Lake Cruise includes a farm demonstration where you can watch sheep being rounded up and a live sheep shearing demonstration.
- Includes a 1 hr 30 minute return cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm
- Child rate applies to 5 -15 years old (4yrs & under are free)
- Please note, Walter Peak lunch tours operating on Christmas Day do not include the farm show
- The Earnslaw is on annual survey from mid May to late June 2026
Recent reviews
I booked this last minute at around 10pm for the next day at 1pm. Everything NZ processed my booking first thing the next morning and confirmed all was in order for our booking. The team is really helpful and immediately responsive on live chat via their website. Super happy and impressed with their service.
Review for TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Nice trip across the lake to the Farmhouse, good views all round. What makes it better the Steamship Earnslaw.
A trip on the Lake on the Earnslaw is a MUST for all visitors to Queenstown. To experience such an old steamship on a beautiful Lake is 'something else'. We did not include the optional Farm visit and from the comments of some who did we are glad we didn't stop there. They said the stopover was "far too long for what is on offer there".
Review for TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 4924
- This experience is supplied by TSS Earnslaw Cruises and Walter Peak Farm Tours