Queenstown isn’t just famous for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures; it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy authentic Kiwi BBQ experiences. The combination of spectacular lakeside views, historic vessels, and local produce makes for memorable dining. We especially like the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise because it blends a scenic cruise with a hearty, locally-sourced meal and a farm show that’s entertaining for all ages. If you’re after a classic, all-in-one experience, this is hard to beat. For a slightly more relaxed but equally delicious outing, the Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet offers a modern catamaran ride coupled with a tasty buffet and engaging farm demonstrations.
Whether you want a vintage steamship experience or a lakeside farm feast, Queenstown’s BBQ tours promise flavorful food, stunning views, and a taste of local hospitality. With so many options, your biggest challenge might be choosing just one!
Quick Overview
Queenstown’s best BBQ experiences combine scenic lake cruises, historic steamers, and farm visits, all featuring mouthwatering local produce. Here’s what we cover:
- The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise offers a 3.5-hour combined cruise, dinner, and farm show.
- The Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet emphasizes a buffet lunch/dinner with boat travel and farm demos.
- The Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet features a scenic cruise followed by a colonial-style farm meal, with strong reviews.
- The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise combines a vintage steamship ride with a chef-prepared BBQ and sheep shearing demos.
Each tour offers a unique flavor of Queenstown’s rich farm-to-table culture and dramatic lakeside scenery.
1. Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise
At number 1, this experience combines a scenic cruise, a gourmet BBQ buffet, and entertaining farm demonstrations — all in one 3.5-hour package. Starting at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, you’ll hop aboard your preferred vessel for a 45-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu. Once at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet featuring local and homegrown produce, served lakeside or inside the historic woolshed.
The highlight for many is the farm dog show, which offers a lively peek into life on a working farm, perfect for families or anyone curious about rural life. During your stay, you can also indulge in morning or afternoon tea on the farm grounds, adding a relaxing touch. The reviews average 4.8 out of 5, with visitors praising the quality of food and the beautiful setting. A major plus is the flexibility of the cruise, which depends on weather conditions but offers the chance to see Queenstown’s iconic waters from a different angle.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, all-in-one experience blending scenery, good food, and farm entertainment.
2. Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
For a scenic cruise combined with a hearty meal, this tour delivers on both fronts. It lasts about 3.5 hours and includes a delicious buffet lunch or dinner at the historic Colonel’s Homestead. The journey begins with a cruise across Lake Whakatipu on a modern catamaran, with a licensed bar onboard to sip local wines or beers.
What makes this experience stand out is the colonial architecture of the homestead and the farm demonstration, which keeps the whole family engaged. Reviewers love the delicious aromas of sizzling local produce and say the farm show is fun and informative. The tour’s reviews are consistently high, averaging 4.8 out of 5, with particular praise for the scenic boat ride and quality of food.
If you’re after a relaxed, informative, and tasty outing, this tour is a great pick. Just note that it’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of scenic travel and a good meal in a historic setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a balanced mix of lakeside scenery, history, and excellent food.
3. Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
This tour offers a 3-hour 30-minute adventure combining a serene cruise across Lake Wakatipu with a farm visit and a barbecue meal. The journey begins aboard the Colonel’s Homestead on a lake catamaran, where you can relax with a drink at the licensed bar and enjoy the views of craggy mountains and dense forests. As you cruise, you’ll learn about the homestead’s colonial architecture and history, adding context to your experience.
Once at Walter Peak, you’ll enjoy a plated BBQ lunch with a variety of local dishes, finished with a dessert bar. The farm demonstration, particularly the sheep shearing, adds an interactive element. Many reviews note the delicious food and beautiful setting, with ratings mostly around 4.5 to 5 stars. Some mention that the boat ride could be longer, but overall, it’s praised for the relaxing atmosphere and informative farm tour.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a scenic and culinary experience with a touch of colonial history.
4. Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise
Topping our list with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating and over 1,196 reviews, this experience offers a comprehensive package. You’ll cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of Queenstown’s most iconic vessels, which adds a sense of history and charm. The cruise itself lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, taking you across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak.
Once ashore, you’ll be treated to a gourmet BBQ lunch prepared by a professional farm chef, with options ranging from Central Otago specialties to seasonal salads and vegetables. The sheep herding and shearing demos are included, providing an authentic farm experience. Travelers rave about the delicious food, historic steamship ride, and friendly staff. Some mention the meal could be a bit rushed at times, but the overall experience is celebrated as worth every penny.
This tour is perfect for those who appreciate vintage transport, gourmet food, and interactive farm activities. It offers excellent value in a well-organized package.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers, foodies, and anyone wanting a classic Queenstown experience with high reviews.
How to Choose Your Perfect BBQ Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities. If you want a full-day adventure with farm shows and scenic views, the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise is ideal. For those seeking a more relaxed, historic boat ride and buffet, the Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm fits well. If you prefer a vintage steamship experience with a focus on history and a gourmet meal, the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise will suit you.
Budget, time, and interests play a role too. The most popular and highly rated is the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise, but all tours offer excellent value and memorable scenery. Book early, especially in peak season, to ensure availability.
Queenstown offers a surprising range of BBQ experiences that showcase New Zealand’s local produce, historic vessels, and stunning landscapes. Whether you choose a luxurious cruise, a vintage steamship ride, or a farm visit, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal and a view you won’t forget. Pick the one that fits your style, and don’t forget to bring your camera and a sense of adventure.