Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

Queenstown’s TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour offers an unforgettable 3.5-hour experience that seamlessly blends scenic splendor and rural charm. Aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, guests embark on a picturesque cruise across the stunning Lake Wakatipu before disembarking at the charming Walter Peak High Country Farm. There, a knowledgeable rural host guides visitors through engaging activities, including sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, complemented by a delightful morning or afternoon tea. This tour provides an authentic glimpse into New Zealand’s pastoral heritage, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and agricultural traditions.

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

Key Points

• This 3.5-hour excursion offers a scenic cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw and an immersive experience at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.
• The cruise includes exploring the ship’s decks and steam room, while the farm tour features sheep herding, shearing demonstrations, and farmyard activities.
• The tour provides insight into New Zealand’s pastoral heritage and includes morning or afternoon tea with homemade baked goods.
• Advance booking is recommended due to the tour’s popularity, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.
• Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, but the tour can be booked online or at the Real Journeys desk with a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour provides an immersive experience in Queenstown, with prices starting from £67.50 per person for the 3.5-hour excursion. This popular tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.

Customers can enjoy a scenic cruise on the century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, and explore the historic vessel’s decks and steam room.

At Walter Peak Farm, visitors will experience New Zealand’s farming lifestyle, including sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, feeding farm animals, and a walking tour of the farmyard and lakeside gardens. Morning or afternoon tea is also included.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Cruise Experience

After setting sail on the TSS Earnslaw, guests can explore the century-old coal-fired steamship’s decks and visit the steam room, learning about its historic operations while chatting with the friendly captain.

The onboard café offers a variety of refreshments, perfect for taking in the scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu.

Throughout the journey, guests can roam the ship and appreciate its classic charm, a unique experience that transports them back in time.

With the round-trip cruise included, travelers can fully enjoy this iconic Queenstown activity and create lasting memories of the TSS Earnslaw’s elegant voyage.

Walter Peak Farm Tour

Upon arrival at Walter Peak Farm, guests are greeted by a rural host who leads them on an immersive exploration of New Zealand’s quintessential farming lifestyle.

Visitors can witness sheep herding and shearing demonstrations, interact with friendly farm animals like sheep and Highland Cattle, and embark on a walking tour of the picturesque farmyard and lakeside gardens.

Complementing the authentic agricultural experiences, a delightful morning or afternoon tea is served, featuring aromatic tea, coffee, and homemade scones and muffins.

The farm activities provide a captivating glimpse into the rural traditions and pastoral beauty that are integral to New Zealand’s cultural heritage, offering a well-rounded and memorable experience for all who partake.

Meeting Point and What to Bring

Guests convene at the Real Journeys desk located at Steamer Wharf in Queenstown, arriving 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

They’ll want to don comfortable, non-slip shoes and pack along essentials like sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing to fully enjoy the excursion.

Parking isn’t available at the meeting point, so travelers should leave their vehicles at their accommodations or in the Queenstown CBD.

The cruise and farm tour blend stunning scenery with an authentic glimpse into New Zealand’s pastoral heritage, making it an immersive and memorable experience.

With advance reservations and free cancellation, guests can secure their spots and plan their trip with flexibility.

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Customer Ratings and Feedback

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on over 520 customer reviews, underscoring its popularity and excellence as an excursion.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, seamless transportation, and high-quality service. Many highlight the enjoyment of the scenic boat ride and engaging farm activities, such as watching sheep herding and feeding the animals.

Some, however, note that large crowd sizes can occasionally impact the overall experience.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of visitors leave with lasting memories of this quintessential Queenstown adventure, making it a must-do for those seeking an authentic taste of New Zealand’s rural lifestyle.

Highlights of the Tour

Traversing the picturesque waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, sets the stage for an unforgettable Queenstown experience.

Guests can explore the ship’s decks, visit the steam room, and chat with the captain, seeing the vessel’s rich history.

Upon arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, visitors are greeted by a rural host and invited to participate in a range of engaging activities:

• Witness sheep herding and shearing demonstrations

• Feed the friendly farm animals, including sheep and Highland Cattle

• Stroll through the charming farmyard and lakeside gardens

• Savor a delightful morning or afternoon tea with freshly baked scones and muffins

• Gain insights into New Zealand’s agricultural heritage and way of life

Inclusions and Exclusions

This comprehensive tour package includes the round-trip cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship and the immersive Walter Peak Farm experience.

Visitors will enjoy the scenic boat ride, access to the ship’s amenities, and participation in the various farm activities, such as sheep herding demonstrations, animal feeding, and a delightful tea service.

However, transportation to and from the meeting point, as well as any additional purchases or activities at the farm, aren’t included in the tour price.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning natural surroundings and unique farming experience.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking the TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour can be done online or through the Real Journeys desk, allowing visitors to secure their spot without upfront payment. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure, at which point guests will receive a full refund.

Some key highlights of the booking and cancellation policy:

• Flexible booking options: Reserve now, pay later

• Hassle-free cancellations: Full refund up to 24 hours in advance

• Convenient booking channels: Online or in-person at Real Journeys

• Peace of mind with free cancellation: Adjust plans without penalty

• Seamless experience: Secure your spot without immediate payment

Recap

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour in Queenstown offers an unforgettable 3.5-hour experience that immerses visitors in New Zealand’s natural beauty and pastoral heritage.

Guests can enjoy a scenic cruise on the historic steamship, followed by engaging activities and demonstrations at the Walter Peak Farm.

This tour provides an authentic and highly-rated glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and agricultural traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: