Queenstown's Must-Do: Iconic Earnslaw Cruise & BBQ Feast
No address available
*Please note the TSS Earnslaw Steamship is undergoing scheduled maintenance during the period 19th May to 1 October 2025* A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm demonstration and a delicious BBQ Lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. The rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs. Enjoy a unique dining experience at Walter Peak where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the outdoor grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses. Choose between sailing on the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship or the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Robyn_R, 12/16/2025 10:43:34 PM
A lovely day out. A beautiful old steamship will take you to Walter’s Peak for the most delicious, generous lunch. The staff are impeccable hosts, and the chefs are fabulous. Following lunch, meet Pete the farmer who will shear a sheep for you and have his farm dogs bring in the sheep. This is a must when you are in Queenstown. A fantastic day. Thank you all.
Starr_D, 12/14/2025 6:11:32 PM
BBQ was an assigned seating buffet with hundreds of people. The food was good, not great. Hectic and brief.
Amanda_M, 12/12/2025 4:58:50 AM
Amazing views of the lake. Great hospitality both on the boat and off. The bbq lunch was fab! Plenty of options. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking! The show at the end was also really spectacular.
Carla_H, 12/10/2025 10:49:28 PM
The boat trip is amazing! Gorgeous views Buffet lunch at the farm is fantastic - lots of variety, great quality, beautifully presented. Staff were exceptionally attentive - great experience overall The farm show was disappointing - but you can simply enjoy the garden and the view until the boat goes back
limamylhy88, 12/9/2025 7:20:46 AM
The boat ride was great! Buffet was in a mess, way below expected buffet line. Food variety was very limited unfortunately. Farm show was rather short. Could be improved in general.
Dennis_C, 12/6/2025 11:16:07 PM
Amazing views, fantastic meal (BBQ lunch) loved the boat trip and loved seeing the dogs working the sheep. All staff were friendly and professional.
Sherree_S, 12/6/2025 10:43:12 PM
A great relaxing day with amazing food, staff and venue. The trip over the lake is lovely and you get a great view of Queenstown from a different perspective.
Madison_C, 12/5/2025 9:13:31 PM
This was such an incredible experience - so much better than I expected. The ship was so cool and the food was truly delicious. The buffet included perfectly cooked grass-fed steak, succulent free-range pork and free-range bbq chicken, and Royalburn lamb, a huge selection of cheeses and cold cuts, great salads, sides, desserts, etc. There were lots of fantastic local wines and craft beers available (for purchase) too. The Walter Peak property is gorgeous as well. I went thinking it could be a total flop - touristy and underwhelming - but it was the opposite. 10/10. Loved it. Highly recommend!
Gordon_D, 12/5/2025 5:25:51 PM
A pleasant way to spend a part of your day. The TSS Earnslaw is a magnificent old stramer and is crewed with friendly staff. A relatively short sail, and you arrive at Walter Peak Farm. The Buffet Lunch was absolutely first class! It is well organised and controlled, going up to serve yourself, which makes it even better. No 'feeding frenzy' like some buffets. The food options and the organised way it's delivered made this one of the best buffets we've eaten at. Many restaurants could learn from the way they organise buffet attendance. Then there's the optional sheep shearing show, informative and a nice way to wind down before you embark on the return leg back to Queenstown.
Craig_M, 12/2/2025 11:27:52 PM
Very iconic and world class experiences with beautiful views and food and also very good value for money
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Note: Menu items are subject to change based on chef's discretion and seasonal availability.
- Note: Please let RealNZ know in advance if you have dietary requirements via messaging through Viator
- Note: The TSS Earnslaw is cash free and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services.
- Note: The TSS Earnslaw will be undergoing scheduled maintenance 19 May to 1 October 2025, we have the modern vessel (Spirit of Queenstown) available throughout this time
Departure point
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure, you will be given a boarding pass to access the vessel.Return details
*Please note the TSS Earnslaw Steamship is undergoing scheduled maintenance during the period 19th May to 1 October 2025* A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm demonstration and a delicious BBQ Lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. The rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs. Enjoy a unique dining experience at Walter Peak where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the outdoor grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses. Choose between sailing on the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship or the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran.Redemption
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time) Please contact RealNZ directly at least 24hrs before departure to advise of any dietary requirements.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund