Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise From Queenstown

Nestled within the breathtaking Southern Alps, Queenstown offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for visitors to explore. One such experience is the Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise, where travelers can embark on a journey across the serene Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the charming rural lifestyle of New Zealand’s high country. From a scenic cruise aboard a vintage steamship to a guided horse trek through rolling terraces, this half-day excursion promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. As travelers discover the captivating beauty of Walter Peak Farm, they’ll find themselves drawn into a world of natural wonder and authentic cultural experiences.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Queenstown.

Key Points

• Roundtrip cruise on vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm.
• Guided 1-hour horse trek across the rolling terraces of the farm for scenic views of the Remarkables.
• Freshly baked scones and cakes served during a 30-minute country-style tea at the Colonel’s Homestead.
• Maximum group size of six for personalized attention and guidance from expert farm staff.
• Total experience duration of 2.5 hours, including cruise, horse trek, and return to Queenstown.

Overview of the Experience

The Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Queenstown, New Zealand, with a roundtrip cruise on the vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ across the serene Lake Wakatipu and a guided horse trek across the rolling terraces of the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

With an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 66 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this half-day adventure includes morning or afternoon tea served at the Colonel’s Homestead.

The experience is limited to a maximum group size of six, ensuring personalized attention from the expert guides throughout the horse trek to a scenic lookout.

Itinerary Details

Visitors depart from 88 Beach Street in Queenstown to begin their roundtrip cruise on the vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ across the serene Lake Wakatipu, taking in views of the Remarkables mountain range along the way. Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, guests are welcomed with a country-style tea featuring freshly baked scones and cakes. Then, they embark on a horse trek led by expert guides, traversing rolling terraces to reach a scenic lookout. The small group size of six ensures personalized attention throughout the experience.

Itinerary Step	Duration	Highlights
Cruise on TSS ‘Earnslaw’	40 minutes	Majestic lake and mountain views
Country-style Tea	30 minutes	Freshly baked treats
Horse Trek	1 hour	Scenic lookout, personalized guidance
Return Cruise	40 minutes	Relaxing journey back to Queenstown
Total Duration	2.5 hours	Comprehensive experience

Important Information

Confirmations are received at the time of booking for this experience.

A weight restriction of 100kg applies, and participants must be a minimum height of 120cm and minimum age of 7 years. This experience isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the activity is located near public transportation.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trek, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket, long trousers, and warm clothing. This will help participants stay dry and protected from the elements during their time on the trail and aboard the vintage steamship.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight the beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and well-cared-for horses that characterize this half-day experience.

Customers rave about the leisurely horse trek across rolling terraces, offering stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range. Many also enjoyed the afternoon tea with freshly baked scones and cakes at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Reviewers commend the experienced guides who provide personalized attention, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

However, a few guests have noted some issues with the booking process and the attitudes of certain guides.

Additional Options and Policies

For those interested in the Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise, there are several additional options and policies to be aware of.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Customers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase during the excursion, which ultimately ends back at the original meeting point in Queenstown.

Travelers can also expect confirmation of their booking upon reservation.

Departing From Queenstown

Travelers depart for the Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from 88 Beach Street in Queenstown, where they’ll board the vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ for a relaxing cruise across the serene waters of Lake Wakatipu. As they sail, they’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range. This picturesque journey sets the stage for the adventure to come at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Depart From	Cruise Duration	Vessel	Destination
88 Beach Street, Queenstown	Approx. 45 minutes	TSS ‘Earnslaw’	Walter Peak High Country Farm

Once they arrive at the farm, guests will be greeted with a traditional country-style tea and freshly baked treats before setting out on their horse trek through the scenic rolling terrain.

Cruise Across Lake Wakatipu

The vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ carries passengers on a tranquil 45-minute cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu, offering breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range along the way.

As the boat glides smoothly across the lake, guests can admire the stunning natural scenery and take in the peaceful ambiance. Passengers can sit back and enjoy the onboard commentary or venture outside to take photographs of the picturesque landscapes.

The cruise provides a relaxing interlude before the horse trekking adventure begins at Walter Peak High Country Farm. This serene cruise is a highlight of the overall experience, transitioning guests from the bustling town of Queenstown to the remote and picturesque Walter Peak region.

Exploring Walter Peak Farm

Upon disembarking from the relaxing cruise, guests step onto the shores of Walter Peak High Country Farm, ready to enjoy the rustic charm and rich agricultural heritage of this historic property.

Once ashore, they’re welcomed by the Colonel’s Homestead, a charming building that serves as the hub for the experience. Here, visitors are treated to a delightful morning or afternoon tea, savoring freshly baked scones and cakes as they soak in the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range.

The highlight of the farm visit is the guided horse trek, where expert guides lead small groups on an intimate exploration of the rolling terraces, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. It’s a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Horse Trekking Experience?

The horse trekking experience typically lasts around 1-2 hours. It involves a guided ride across rolling terraces, allowing participants to enjoy scenic views and gain a glimpse of the local high country farm environment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on this experience. The tour includes a complimentary morning or afternoon tea served at the Colonel’s Homestead, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed.

Is the Cruise Included in the Ticket Price?

Yes, the cruise is included in the ticket price. The package includes a round-trip cruise on the vintage steamship TSS ‘Earnslaw’ across Lake Wakatipu as part of the overall experience.

Can I Request a Specific Horse Breed or Color?

Customers can’t request specific horse breeds or colors for this tour. The tour provider selects the horses based on availability and suitability. However, the tour includes an expert-led horse trek across scenic terrain, ensuring a memorable experience.

Is There a Tour Guide Who Provides Commentary?

Yes, there is a tour guide who provides commentary during the experience. The expert guides lead the horse trek and share information about the local area and farm as they guide guests across the rolling terraces.

Recap

The Half Day Walter Peak Horse Trek and Cruise from Queenstown offers a unique blend of scenic cruising, farm exploration, and horseback riding.

Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the region, experience the charm of a high country farm, and enjoy a leisurely one-hour horse trek through rolling terraces with stunning mountain views.

This experience is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and rural heritage.