Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak W/ Gourmet BBQ

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, the TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ offer an unparalleled experience for visitors. Traversing the serene waters of Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic Earnslaw steamship, guests can enjoy the region’s rich history and captivating scenery. But the adventure doesn’t end there – upon arrival at Walter Peak, travelers are treated to a mouthwatering gourmet BBQ, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s local cuisine. With farm demonstrations and picturesque lakeside gardens, this experience promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression. The only question is, what surprises await those who embark on this captivating journey?

This experience made our list of the 2 Best BBQ Experiences In Queenstown.

Key Points

• This cruise and BBQ experience offers a scenic 3.5-4 hour voyage on the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Whakatipu.
• Highlights include an onboard museum, a gourmet BBQ buffet featuring local meats and fresh produce, and a farm demonstration showcasing daily life.
• The tour is highly rated by past customers for its knowledgeable tour guides, smooth transportation, and overall service and organization.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policies allow for changes, with options for alternative dates or refunds in case of unfavorable weather.
• Key features of the experience include stunning alpine views, a combination of historical charm and modern comforts, and an opportunity to explore the region’s agricultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ offers an immersive experience that transports visitors across the serene Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic steamship, with prices starting at $105.24 per person for the 3.5 to 4-hour tour.

Given the popularity of this excursion, it’s likely to sell out quickly, so travelers are encouraged to book early.

Luckily, the cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, as well as a reserve now, pay later option for added convenience.

With its scenic vistas, onboard museum, and gourmet BBQ buffet, this tour promises to be an unforgettable highlight of any Queenstown itinerary.

Experience Highlights

After boarding the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship, visitors can explore the onboard museum that details the vessel’s rich history.

From there, they’ll embark on a scenic cruise across the serene Lake Whakatipu, soaking in the stunning alpine vistas that surround them.

The journey culminates at the Walter Peak High Country Station, where guests can enjoy the rhythms of farm life through a captivating demonstration.

Wandering the lakeside gardens before the return trip allows visitors to fully appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of this region.

Throughout the experience, guests will be enchanted by the perfect balance of historical charm and modern comforts, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Meal Details

Upon arriving at the Walter Peak High Country Station, guests can indulge in a gourmet BBQ buffet featuring an array of savory and sweet delights.

The buffet showcases a variety of fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, and succulent local meats cooked to perfection over a wood-fired BBQ.

Complementing the savory offerings is a tempting selection of decadent desserts, freshly baked bread, and an assortment of artisanal cheeses.

All of this is served within the charming setting of the Colonel’s Homestead, with its breathtaking views of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding alpine scenery.

The diverse menu caters to various tastes, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience for all who partake in this culinary adventure at Walter Peak.

Important Information

Weather conditions play a key role in the TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Gourmet BBQ experience, as the scenic cruise is subject to favorable weather. Guests are advised to dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes, ensuring they can fully enjoy the outdoor activities and farm demonstrations.

Wheelchair accessibility is available upon request, accommodating all visitors. Bringing along essential items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera is recommended to capture the stunning alpine landscapes and lakeside beauty.

In the event of unfavorable weather, the tour operator offers alternative dates or full refunds, prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of all participants.

The recommended items for the tour include:

• Warm clothing

• Sunglasses

• Camera

• Sunscreen

• Jacket

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelming positive reviews attest to the exceptional quality of the TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Gourmet BBQ, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1,631 reviews.

Guests consistently praise the tour’s guides, who earn a 4.8/5 rating for their knowledgeable and engaging presentations.

The transportation, which includes the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship, receives an impressive 4.9/5 score, reflecting the smooth and scenic journey across Lake Whakatipu.

The service and overall organization of the experience also earn high marks, with 4.7/5 and 4.6/5 ratings, respectively.

Reviewers highlight the delicious gourmet BBQ, beautiful lakeside setting, and immersive farm demonstrations as standout features that make this tour a must-do activity in Queenstown.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Gourmet BBQ is a straightforward process, with the option to reserve a spot and pay later. Guests can easily secure their place on this popular tour, which often sells out, by making a booking online or through a local tourism provider.

The tour also offers flexible cancellation policies, allowing travelers to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it easy to plan and adjust your Queenstown itinerary.

Key booking details include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

• Reserve now and pay later

• Likely to sell out, so book early

• Wheelchair accessibility available upon request

• Weather-dependent with options for alternative dates or refunds

What to Expect

Embarking on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise provides passengers with a unique voyage back in time, as they glide across the serene waters of Lake Whakatipu aboard this historic steamship.

During the scenic journey, guests can explore the onboard museum, which offers fascinating insights into the storied past of the TSS Earnslaw.

Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Station, visitors will be treated to a gourmet BBQ buffet featuring a mouthwatering selection of locally sourced meats, fresh salads, and decadent desserts.

The experience is further enhanced by a farm demonstration showcasing the daily life of a working high country station, allowing guests to enjoy the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors commonly wonder about the duration of the entire experience, as the advertised timing of 3.5 to 4 hours may raise questions. The three-and-a-half hour timeframe includes the scenic cruise across Lake Whakatipu, the gourmet barbecue lunch, and time to explore the Walter Peak High Country Station.

Some key highlights that fill this timeframe include:

• Boarding the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship for the 40-minute cruise

• Touring the onboard museum to learn about the ship’s history

• Enjoying the gourmet barbecue spread at the Colonel’s Homestead

• Watching a sheep shearing demonstration to see farm life in action

• Strolling through the lakeside gardens before the return voyage

Recap

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ in Queenstown offers an unforgettable experience.

Guests can enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty while indulging in delectable local cuisine.

This adventure seamlessly blends sightseeing, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Queenstown.

You can check if your dates are available here: