TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

The TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure offers an immersive journey into the heart of New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes. Aboard the historic steamship, travelers can enjoy breathtaking vistas and live piano music, while a visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm introduces them to the rich Kiwi culture through guided tours, sheep shearing demonstrations, and a delightful afternoon tea. This comprehensive experience promises to captivate the senses and leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural and cultural treasures. But what truly sets this adventure apart, and why is it a must-do for any visitor to the area?

Key Points

• 2.5-hour immersive experience in Queenstown featuring a scenic cruise on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and activities at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
• Cruise includes onboard entertainment, a mini-museum, and will have a replacement vessel in use from June 4 to June 29, 2024, for maintenance.
• Farm activities involve guided tours, sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, and interaction with livestock, followed by an afternoon tea with scones.
• Positive reviews highlight the beautiful scenery, engaging farm activities, and afternoon tea, with concerns about seating arrangements and language barriers.
• The experience caters to wheelchair and stroller accessibility, with accommodations for dietary requirements, and a seamless booking and check-in process.

Overview of the Experience

The TSS Earnslaw Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure typically offers visitors a 2.5-hour immersive experience exploring Queenstown’s natural beauty and historic charm.

This popular activity includes a scenic cruise across the picturesque Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship dating back to 1912.

Once at Walter Peak High Country Farm, guests can enjoy a guided tour, sheepdog demonstrations, and interactions with the resident livestock.

The experience also includes an afternoon tea with scones and a selection of beverages.

With consistently excellent reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this activity is a must-do for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Kiwi culture and stunning New Zealand landscapes.

Cruise Details

Aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship operational since 1912, guests can enjoy a scenic cruise across the pristine Lake Wakatipu.

Onboard entertainment features a pianist and a mini-museum showcasing the ship’s rich history, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.

From June 4 to June 29, 2024, a replacement vessel will be used while the TSS Earnslaw undergoes maintenance.

Guests must check-in at the meeting point, 88 Beach Street in Queenstown, 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

The cruise experience promises to be both educational and captivating, providing a glimpse into the area’s maritime heritage and natural beauty.

Farm Adventure Activities

Visitors can embark on a guided tour of the Walter Peak High Country Farm, where they’ll witness captivating sheepdog demonstrations and the time-honored craft of sheep shearing.

Plus, guests will have the opportunity to interact closely with a variety of livestock, including sheep, highland cattle, and deer. The farm adventure offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to:

1. Observe the skills of the farm’s sheepdogs as they demonstrate their herding abilities.

2. Witness the traditional technique of sheep shearing and learn about the process.

3. Engage with the friendly farm animals, petting and feeding them.

After the activities, guests can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea with freshly baked scones and a selection of beverages.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Travelers have generally praised the TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure for its beautiful scenery, engaging farm activities, and friendly staff.

Positive highlights mentioned in reviews include the breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, as well as the enjoyable afternoon tea featuring scones and a selection of drinks. Guests also appreciated the sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, and opportunities to interact with the farm’s livestock.

However, some common concerns were raised, such as issues with seating arrangements on the vessel, language barriers among international travelers, and unexpected costs when booking in US dollars.

Reviewers have suggested improvements in crowd management and clearer pricing information to enhance the overall experience.

Booking and Cancellation

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure can be booked starting at AN $88 per person, with prices potentially varying based on currency exchange.

Travelers have the flexibility to reserve their spot and pay later, while also benefiting from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

When booking this adventure, there are a few key things to note:

1. Prices may fluctuate due to changing currency exchange rates.

2. Reserving now and paying later allows you to secure your spot while maintaining flexibility.

3. Cancellations up to 24 hours before the start of the experience can be made free of charge.

This booking process ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience for all travelers.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure caters to a wide range of guests, catering for both wheelchair and stroller accessibility.

It’s situated near public transportation, making it easily accessible for travelers. The cruise vessel and farm activities are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Staff are trained to assist passengers, and ample space is provided throughout the experience. Dietary requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, are also catered for during the afternoon tea.

Vessel Replacement and Schedule

From June 4 to June 29, 2024, the TSS Earnslaw, the vintage steamship that has been operational since 1912, will be replaced by a different vessel for the cruise portion of the experience. This temporary change is due to scheduled maintenance on the iconic Earnslaw.

Guests can expect:

1. A replacement vessel that will provide a similar scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu, with onboard entertainment and views of the surrounding mountains.

2. The mini-museum showcasing the Earnslaw’s history will still be accessible during the cruise.

3. The overall duration and activities at Walter Peak High Country Farm will remain the same, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.

Meeting Point and Check-in

Travelers meet at 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand, and should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to complete the check-in process.

The meeting point is conveniently located, and guests can easily find their way to the departure point.

During check-in, travelers will receive their boarding passes and any necessary instructions for the cruise and farm adventure. This ensures a smooth start to the experience and allows the tour operators to account for all participants.

Arriving early is recommended to avoid any last-minute rush and allow time to explore the nearby area before the cruise departs.

The check-in process is straightforward and designed to set the stage for an enjoyable day ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise and Farm Adventure?

There is no strict dress code for this experience. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. The cruise and farm visit are casual experiences, allowing visitors to dress for comfort and enjoyment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard the Vessel?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the vessel, but it’s recommended to check with the tour operator in advance. Some vessels may have restrictions or provide catering options to enhance the overall experience.

Are There Any COVID-19 Protocols in Place for This Experience?

The operator has implemented COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask requirements, capacity limits, and enhanced cleaning. Guests should check the latest policies before their visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Merchandise During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs and merchandise during the tour. The Walter Peak High Country Farm offers a gift shop where guests can browse a selection of locally-made products, farm-themed souvenirs, and other memorabilia to commemorate their experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Activities?

There are no age restrictions for the farm activities, but children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Some attractions like the sheepdog demonstrations may have height or weight limits for safety reasons.

Recap

The TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure offers an immersive glimpse into Kiwi culture and the region’s natural splendor.

The historic steamship journey, farm activities, and afternoon tea create an unforgettable experience.

Travelers can easily book the tour and enjoy the accessibility-friendly facilities, with the vessel operating on a regular schedule to accommodate visitors.