Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Taking a trip across Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship to visit a genuine New Zealand farm sounds like a postcard-perfect outing, and this tour delivers just that. While we haven’t personally set sail or wandered the farm ourselves, the countless reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this experience offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, farmyard fun, and a touch of history—all in one half-day package.

What stands out most are the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake, the informative yet fun farm demonstration, and the delicious afternoon tea served in a picturesque setting. That said, some guests note the tour can get quite busy, which might impact the feel of the experience for those seeking a quieter, more intimate outing.

This tour is perfect for families, couples, or anyone eager to combine scenic cruising with farm life in New Zealand’s high country. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, engaging guides, and beautiful vistas, it’s a solid choice. Conversely, travelers looking for a private or completely laid-back experience might find it a little on the crowded side.

Key Points

• Scenic Lake Cruising: Enjoy a vintage steamship ride across Lake Wakatipu with breathtaking mountain views.
• Farm Experience: Get up close with sheep, Highland cattle, and other farm animals, with live demonstrations.
• Sheepdog Show: Watch skilled sheepdogs in action during a lively mustering demonstration.
• Authentic Food: Savor freshly baked scones and traditional afternoon tea amidst scenic farm surroundings.
• Informative Guides: Knowledgeable hosts and guides make the farm tour engaging and fun.
• Family Friendly: Great for kids and adults alike, with plenty of interactive and photo-worthy moments.

An In-depth Look at the Experience

The Cruise: A Vintage Voyage on Lake Wakatipu

Your journey begins at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, where you’ll meet your group and board the vessel—either the famous TSS Earnslaw or its replacement during scheduled maintenance (the Spirit of Queenstown during the downtime). This part of the tour is more than just transportation; it’s an experience.

The TSS Earnslaw has been running since 1912, and guests often comment on the charm of this historic vessel. As it glides across the lake, you’ll be treated to impressive views of jagged peaks and shimmering water. Many reviews mention the music and onboard commentary, which add a nostalgic, relaxed atmosphere—think of old tunes played by a talented pianist (or the ship’s own recorded playlist).

One reviewer noted that the steam engines are still in operation, adding a real sense of history and engineering marvel. Others mention that the scenery is breathtaking—the perfect moment to snap photos or simply soak in the natural beauty of New Zealand’s high country.

The Farm Arrival: A Genuine High Country Farm Encounter

Once ashore at Walter Peak, the farm hosts welcome guests with friendly, informative guides. You’ll step into a setting that combines rustic charm with well-maintained gardens, offering a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

The guided farm tour, which lasts about two hours, covers a variety of interactive activities. You’ll meet sheep, goats, Highland cattle, and even deer—the kinds of animals that make New Zealand farms special. Several reviews mentioned how much fun kids had feeding animals and meeting the adorable farm dogs.

The sheep shearing demonstration is another highlight, with guides explaining the process and showcasing the skill involved. One visitor described the sheep shearing as “fascinating,” and the shepherding dogs as “super energetic and helpful.” A reviewer even shared that the sheepdog demonstration was “a double act of cute and comedy,” which seems to delight audiences of all ages.

The Food: Afternoon Tea with a View

After meeting the animals, it’s time for a well-deserved afternoon tea. Served in a tranquil farm setting, the freshly baked scones and a selection of cakes and buns are the highlight for many. One guest described the high tea as “delicious and plentiful,” though others noted it might be a bit rushed due to the busy nature of the tour.

Guests often comment on the serene surroundings—the perfect backdrop to enjoy tea and reflect on the farm experience. Some reviewers mention that birds flying around can be a minor distraction, but it adds to the authentic outdoor farm atmosphere.

Return Journey & Overall Experience

The return cruise across Lake Wakatipu is equally scenic, with many commenting on how relaxing and picturesque the boat ride is. The entire experience typically lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day outing to fit into a busy Queenstown itinerary.

While the tour is quite popular and tends to attract large groups, reviews frequently praise the knowledgeable guides and well-organized schedule. One reviewer mentioned the onboard commentary and friendly staff, which contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Historical Charm & Scenic Views

The steamship TSS Earnslaw is a highlight in its own right. Built in 1912, it exudes history, and seeing it in action (or on a replacement vessel) adds a layer of authenticity to your trip. Many reviews mention the nostalgic atmosphere and the spectacular vistas of Lake Wakatipu, framed by majestic mountains.

Genuine Farm Engagement

This isn’t just a tourist farm; it’s a working farm with interactive demonstrations. You get to feed the animals and see sheep shearing in action, which adds an educational touch that many visitors appreciate. The sheepdog show is lively and often described as cute or funny, showing off the skills of the working dogs.

Quality Food & Relaxing Atmosphere

The afternoon tea is a lovely touch—freshly baked scones, cakes, and sandwiches served in a peaceful outdoor setting. Despite some comments about the pace, most agree it’s a delightful way to end the visit, offering a chance to unwind and enjoy the rural scenery.

Practical Details & Tips

• The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, with about 1 hour 30 minutes for the lake cruise and 2 hours exploring the farm.
• Price at around $78.67 per person makes it a reasonable choice considering the included cruise, farm tour, and tea.
• Departure is flexible, available in late-morning or afternoon, so you can choose what fits your schedule best.
• It’s a group tour with a maximum of 100 travelers, so expect a lively, social environment but potentially crowded during peak season.
• Note: The TSS Earnslaw is undergoing scheduled maintenance from May to October 2025, but an equally charming vessel, Spirit of Queenstown, will operate during this period.
• The meeting point is at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, conveniently located near public transport, but no hotel pickup or drop-off is included.

Conclusions

This Queenstown experience offers a wonderful balance of scenic cruising, farmyard fun, and delicious food. It’s especially suited for those who love historic vessels and outdoor activities but want a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and interaction. The knowledgeable guides, the charm of the vintage steamship, and the friendliness of the farm hosts make it a memorable outing.

While it can get busy, the overall value remains strong, given the combination of beautiful scenery, engaging farm demonstrations, and a tasty high tea. It’s a great way to experience the rural side of Queenstown without venturing too far from town.

For families and couples alike, this tour is a reliable choice that blends education, entertainment, and scenery into a manageable half-day adventure. If you’re seeking a fun, authentic glimpse of New Zealand’s high country with the comfort of a guided tour, this one deserves your consideration.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The whole experience is about 3 hours 30 minutes, including the lake cruise and farm visit.

What vessel do I ride on?
Most of the year, you’ll travel on the historic TSS Earnslaw, known for its steam engines built in 1912. During maintenance, a similar vessel called Spirit of Queenstown takes its place.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the meeting point is at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre. No hotel transfers are included.

Is there a guided farm tour?
Yes, you’ll get a guided tour of Walter Peak Farm, meeting animals and watching demonstrations, often led by knowledgeable, energetic hosts like Quinn and Ashley.

What is the food like?
The highlight is the afternoon tea, featuring freshly baked scones, cakes, and buns, served in a scenic farm setting. It’s generally well-liked, with some noting it’s quite ample.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can pick from late-morning or afternoon departures to suit your schedule.

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and farm life, making it an engaging half-day out in Queenstown. Whether you’re snapping photos of the lake, learning about sheep shearing, or simply relaxing with a cup of tea, it’s sure to add a charming chapter to your New Zealand adventure.