Queenstown's Iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruise
No address available
Price From $50.11 per person
Lowest Price Guarantee
Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
3 stars
4 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
kallep2024, 12/11/2025 7:14:20 PM
Awesome trip. Some of the few man-operated coal steam ships in the world. Older fellow working there was a fun to talk to!
Traveler41817915761, 12/11/2025 2:37:27 AM
We appreciate the great team helping us and accommodate us. It means about to us. The experience is fun and unique. A great combination of fun activities.
Pam_H, 12/2/2025 11:47:16 PM
Be prepared to eat a lot of food. We upgraded our experience to the dinner cruise when we arrived in Queenstown at the suggestion of several local drivers we had. The trip in the boat is interesting seeing the steam engine room. The food was ok. There are a lot of great restaurants in Queenstown with better food. The sheep shearing and dog herding demonstration after the meal is very interesting and I would recommend it. I think the sightseeing trip without dinner is a better choice.
Explore06163212436, 12/2/2025 5:06:46 PM
Amazing! Went on the TSS Earnslaw out to Walter Peak Station for a work event. Incredible old steam ship. Truly memorable experience. HIGHLY recommend 👌 🚢 ❤️
WorldTrav2024, 12/1/2025 3:21:33 PM
TSS Earnslaw provides an interesting and pleasant way to spend part of a day in Queenstown. The vessel itself is most interesting, as the inner workings of the steam vessel are open to observation -- fireboxes, pistons, camshafts, etc. The voyage across the lake are spectacular. The buffet lunch on shore is not to be missed, as it offers well prepared food in great variety and in pleasant surroundings. The farm show is a little hokey but interesting, especially the sheep-dog demonstration and the shearing demonstration. All in all, well worth the time and money.
Tamara_U, 11/24/2025 5:15:37 PM
Doesn’t last long but views were great and weather was sunny. Beer and wine was available so it was a nice touch. Lots of room
Connector69391, 11/23/2025 1:41:05 AM
Good to experience some of the history of the place. Great local knowledge and beautiful old ship, you get to view the stokers and steam engine running. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was magnificent.
32glendah, 11/20/2025 8:29:55 PM
Ship was fantastic experience. But be aware if you book tripsdvisor amount is US $ so when converted into NZ$ pay extra $30. Buy tickets at wharf.
Christa_S, 11/19/2025 1:27:20 AM
It was interesting to see the machine room. But the ship was fully booked, no chanche to hear and of the explanations. Long stay at Walter Peaks farm.
SampsonLKnight, 11/16/2025 1:34:58 AM
Good and Bad. We had a great trip across to the station however regarding the person playing guitar and singing. The music came from every speaker on the top inside deck (probably the lower deck also). It was relentless and not great. For our group it spoiled the trip. A majority of the people on board were tourists who didn’t speak English and wouldn’t even know the songs. This is the 3rd trip we have had in the last 4 years but this trip was dissapointing.
- 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
Departure point
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)Return details
Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.Redemption
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund





