TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown

Situated on the shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences. One standout attraction is the TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch tour, which combines a scenic cruise aboard a vintage steamship with a gourmet barbecue feast at the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm. Passengers can expect stunning vistas, engaging demonstrations, and the opportunity to savor the region’s culinary delights – all while seeing the area’s rich agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Queenstown.

Key Points

• A round-trip vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu, followed by a gourmet barbecue buffet at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
• Sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations offer an engaging introduction to the region’s agricultural heritage.
• Scenic views during the cruise and a diverse menu featuring local specialties contribute to a memorable experience.
• Convenient meeting point, check-in process, and round-trip transportation ensure a stress-free tour.
• High customer satisfaction with an overall rating of 5.0 from 825 reviews, highlighting the tour’s popularity and quality.

Overview of the Tour

The TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown, New Zealand offers visitors a round-trip cruise across the scenic Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, culminating in a gourmet barbecue buffet at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

With both morning and afternoon departures available, the tour provides an immersive experience showcasing the region’s natural beauty and local cuisine.

Guests can expect to enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration, sheepdog showmanship, and live commentary in multiple languages throughout the journey.

The tour’s 5.0 rating from 825 reviews speaks to its popularity among travelers seeking an authentic taste of New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and cultural traditions.

Highlights of the Experience

Vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw offers scenic views during the scenic journey across Lake Wakatipu, providing travelers with a truly immersive experience.

The gourmet barbecue buffet at Walter Peak High Country Farm features a variety of Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses prepared by the skilled farm chef. Guests can also enjoy live demonstrations of sheep shearing and sheepdog showmanship, offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Scenic cruise on a vintage steamship

• Gourmet BBQ buffet showcasing local flavors

• Entertaining farm demonstrations

• Opportunity to experience Queenstown’s natural beauty

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers can meet at the designated meeting point of 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand, and should check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure at the TSS Earnslaw, without needing to visit the office.

The activity concludes at the same meeting point, providing a seamless round-trip experience.

This convenient arrangement allows guests to focus on the scenic cruise and farm activities without the hassle of additional check-in or drop-off requirements.

The clear meeting and pickup details ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for all participants, enabling them to fully enjoy the highlights of the TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch tour.

Included in the Tour

Visitors aboard the TSS Earnslaw can enjoy a gourmet barbecue buffet lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses, all prepared by the farm’s chef.

The tour also includes a sheep shearing demonstration and sheepdog showmanship, providing an engaging introduction to the region’s agricultural heritage.

Plus, live commentary is available in multiple languages, enhancing the educational and immersive experience for all travelers.

The tour’s inclusions are:

• Gourmet BBQ lunch

• Sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations

• Live commentary in multiple languages

• GST tax included

Alcohol and Menu Options

Guests can purchase alcoholic beverages during the BBQ lunch, with the menu potentially varying based on the chef’s discretion and seasonal availability.

The tour includes a gourmet barbecue buffet featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses. Though the exact menu items may change, the experience promises a delightful spread showcasing the region’s culinary offerings.

Guests can expect high-quality food and a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and engaging farm activities while savoring the flavors of Queenstown.

Tour Capacity and Cancellation

The tour has a maximum capacity of 100 travelers per departure. Travelers can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This flexible cancellation policy allows guests to plan their trip without worrying about unexpected changes.

Some key points about the tour capacity and cancellation policy:

• The limited group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience for all guests.

• The free cancellation option provides peace of mind and flexibility in case plans need to be adjusted.

• With a maximum of 100 travelers, the tour maintains a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the experience.

• The cancellation policy aligns with the tour’s commitment to providing exceptional customer service.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

With 825 total reviews and an overall rating of 5.0, the TSS Earnslaw BBQ Buffet Lunch in Queenstown has earned overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.

Guests consistently praised the tour’s beautiful views, excellent BBQ buffet, and entertaining farm show, particularly highlighting the engaging sheepdog demonstrations.

While some noted occasional service issues and suggested improvements in food replenishment during busy periods, the overall sentiment is that the tour offers a memorable experience in Queenstown.

The beautiful scenery, quality of food, and engaging activities have made this tour a highlight for many visitors, cementing its status as a must-do activity in the Queenstown region.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Along With its scenic journey and culinary delights, the TSS Earnslaw BBQ Buffet Lunch caters to a diverse range of travelers, offering wheelchair accessibility, service animal allowance, and stroller access.

The tour also includes the following:

• A maximum capacity of 100 travelers per tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

• The availability of alcoholic beverages for purchase, complementing the gourmet BBQ buffet.

• The flexibility of a cancellation policy that allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

• The inclusion of GST and live commentary in multiple languages, enhancing the overall experience for international guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Reserve a Specific Seating Area on the Boat?

Guests can’t reserve specific seating areas on the boat. Seating is first-come, first-served, but the tour operator recommends arriving early to secure the best spots for views and access to amenities.

Is There a Dress Code for the Farm Activities?

There is no specific dress code for the farm activities. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking around the farm. The tour is casual in nature, allowing visitors to explore the area freely.

Can I Request Special Dietary Accommodations?

Yes, special dietary accommodations can be requested. The tour operator is happy to cater to guests’ dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, if notified in advance. Just let them know your requirements when booking the tour.

How Often Do the Boat Tours Depart During the Day?

The tour offers both morning and afternoon departure options. Guests can choose between multiple daily sailing times to best fit their schedule and preferences during their visit. Specific departure times may vary by season or day of the week.

Are Professional Photography Services Available on the Tour?

The tour does not offer professional photography services. However, guests are welcome to take their own photos during the cruise and farm experience. The vintage steamship and scenic beauty provide ample opportunities for capturing memorable shots.

Recap

The TSS Earnslaw and BBQ Buffet Lunch tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Queenstown’s stunning natural beauty and agricultural heritage.

With a vintage steamship cruise, delicious local fare, and engaging demonstrations, this tour provides an immersive and highly satisfying experience for visitors.

With consistently positive reviews, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking to explore the region’s captivating landscapes and rich cultural traditions.