From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience
































From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise with Gourmet BBQ Experience
Duration: 3.5 hours (approx.)
3.5 hours (approx.)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Get your booking confirmed instantly
Start an memorable journey aboard TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, cruising Lake Wakatipu with stunning views of Remarkables and Cecil Peak at your doorstep in Queenstown, New Zealand. This cruise includes a gourmet BBQ lunch combined with a farm show experience at Walter Peak Station for those interested in local culinary delights. During the voyage, guests have the chance to explore the engine room and learn about the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings.
Start an memorable journey aboard TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown, cruising Lake Wakatipu with stunning views of Remarkables and Cecil Peak at your doorstep in Queenstown, New Zealand. This cruise includes a gourmet BBQ lunch combined with a farm show experience at Walter Peak Station for those interested in local culinary delights. During the voyage, guests have the chance to explore the engine room and learn about the steamship’s historic coal-fired workings.
A lakeside dining adventure awaits foodies and nature enthusiasts on a cruise featuring Walter Peak BBQ with TSS Earnslaw.
Enjoy alpine and lakeside views during your journey across Lake Wakatipu aboard either the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown.
Indulge in wood-fired meats, fresh salads, and decadent desserts at a gourmet BBQ buffet hosted by Colonel’s Homestead.
After dinner, delight in an entertaining sheepdog show that highlights skillful teamwork on display.
The TSS Earnslaw, launched in 1912, stands as the last coal-fired steamship still operating in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sheepdog show at Walter Peak Farm
Gourmet BBQ experience based on time selected
90-minute TSS Earnslaw cruise as per option selected
60-minute Spirit of Queenstown cruise as per option selected
Live commentary
Additional meals and beverages for sale onboard

Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu with mountain backdrop, Queenstown, New Zealand.
Your Experience
Sit back and enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. This experience includes a gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Station, complemented by an engaging farm show.
Getting Started
- Begin your journey by boarding either the TSS Earnslaw steamship or the modern Spirit of Queenstown from the lakefront in Queenstown. As you set sail, enjoy stunning views of Cecil Peak and the Remarkables mountain range.
What to Expect
- Spend a 60-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu while taking advantage of exploring the engine room on board TSS Earnslaw. Learn about its coal-fired operations from an informative commentary by the captain.
- Upon reaching Walter Peak Station, enjoy your gourmet BBQ lunch in the beautifully restored Colonel’s Homestead. Explore lush gardens and capture stunning photos against alpine backdrops before witnessing a fascinating sheepdog demonstration with various farm animals like cattle and alpacas.
Features of Your Cruise
- Lake Wakatipu cruise: Start a scenic journey aboard the TSS Earnslaw or catamaran, enjoying panoramic views of majestic mountains.
- Engine room access: Discover the historic coal-fired workings with insights from your captain while exploring the engine room.
- Gourmet BBQ lunch: Savor a buffet-style meal featuring wood-fired meats along with fresh breads, cheeses, and salads.
- Colonel’s Homestead dining: Enjoy meals in the 1902 homestead that offers charming lakeside views and colonial elegance.
- Farm experience: Witness an exciting sheep-herding demonstration while meeting various farm animals including alpacas and cattle.
- Gardens and photo opportunities: Wander through Homestead Gardens, capturing picturesque scenes of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Tourists feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Family walking through flower garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Cruise boat on Lake Wakatipu with mountain backdrop, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Tourists feeding Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Family walking through flower garden at Walter Peak High Country Farm, New Zealand.

Barbeque platter with meats and sides at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
- Covered shoes or boots (nonslip), long trousers, warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera are essential items to bring.
- Packing your medications is advisable as they might not be available on site.
Ensure you have a cash-free payment method for meals, souvenirs, or additional experiences beyond the ticket scope.
Accessibility
- The Spirit of Queenstown facilitates boarding with prams and mobility aids. However, TSS Earnslaw's heritage design may present challenges to those with limited mobility or using prams.
A short gravel path from the wharf leads to a restaurant for BBQ dining; assistance might be necessary for some wheelchair users.
Additional information
- The cruise is dependent on favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose to reschedule or get a full refund.
TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown are subject to annual maintenance; an alternative vessel will be used during this period.

Couple enjoying a meal at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with lake view.

Grilled meats and vegetables on a platter at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience.

Barbeque platter with meats and sides at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Couple enjoying a meal at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience with lake view.

Grilled meats and vegetables on a platter at Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Experience.
Book at least a day in advance during peak season to avoid sold-out sessions for both TSS Earnslaw and Spirit of Queenstown cruises.
Bring covered shoes or boots with nonslip soles, long trousers, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera to ensure comfort throughout the cruise and BBQ experience.
Pack any necessary medications as they may not be available onsite at Walter Peak Station during your visit.
Have a cash-free payment method ready for meals or souvenirs that are not covered by your ticket, ensuring smooth transactions during your trip.
Customer Reviews
Discover what our customers are saying about their experiences
Loading reviews...
By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .
You might also like ...
Explore more experiences in Queenstown.