Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

Introduction

If you’re visiting Queenstown and want a day that combines breathtaking scenery with authentic Kiwi farm life, then the Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour might just be your perfect pick. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews consistently highlight its charm and value.

What makes this experience stand out? It offers stunning lake vistas, interactive farm demonstrations, and a delicious high tea in peaceful, rural surroundings. Plus, it’s generally well-rated, with a 4.8 out of 5 from over 800 reviews.

One thing to consider is that the cruise is weather-dependent; poor weather could mean cancellations or changes, but the tour providers are flexible. This trip is ideal for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic day that balances nature, culture, and good food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery across Lake Whakatipu with options for vintage or modern boat rides
• Engaging farm tours featuring real sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, and animal interactions
• Delicious afternoon tea, often praised for its quality and variety
• Knowledgeable guides who make the experience informative and fun
• Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, suitable for a wide range of travelers
• Weather-dependent activity, so flexibility may be needed

An Overview of the Tour

This 3.5-hour experience takes you on a scenic journey from the heart of Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm, a working farm set within stunning mountain scenery. The experience typically starts with a cruise across Lake Whakatipu, either aboard the iconic vintage TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown, depending on schedule and maintenance periods.

Once you arrive at Walter Peak, you’re greeted by friendly farm hosts who lead you through an interactive tour. Here, you get to meet farm animals like sheep, alpacas, Highland cows, and adorable farm dogs. The farm tour often includes live sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations**, which many reviews find both entertaining and enlightening.

After the farm exploration, you’ll settle in for a delicious afternoon tea, usually served with freshly baked scones, cakes, and sandwiches. The views and peaceful farm surroundings create a perfect backdrop for a leisurely break before heading back to Queenstown.

The Scenic Lake Cruise

The journey across Lake Whakatipu is one of the highlights. Travelers can choose between the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a steamship that dates back to 1912, or the newer Spirit of Queenstown, which offers a sleek, modern experience.

Guests on the Earnslaw often mention the nostalgic charm and the live piano music onboard, creating a classic New Zealand atmosphere. However, during scheduled maintenance (May to October 2025), the Spirit vessel is available as an alternative.

The cruise itself provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, with reviews praising the clear, crisp scenery and the chance to spot local wildlife. Some reviewers note the informative commentary about the ship’s history and the local landscape, which adds an educational touch to the voyage.

Travelers tell us that the boat ride is relaxing, with plenty of space to move about, and often comment that it’s a wonderful way to see Queenstown’s natural beauty without any rush.

Walter Peak High Country Farm Experience

Once ashore at Walter Peak, the real farm fun begins. The farm hosts live demonstrations that showcase traditional New Zealand farming methods—sheep shearing, sheepdog herding, and other farm chores. Multiple reviews highlight how engaging and authentic these demonstrations are, especially with guides like Phillip, who is described as “fantastic,” or other guides who are both informative and entertaining.

Animal lovers will enjoy meeting a variety of farm animals. Guests often praise the well-cared-for animals and the opportunities to feed or cuddle them, making this experience perfect for kids and adults alike.

The sheep herding demonstrations, especially the sheepdog work, leave many visitors impressed. One reviewer mentioned that “Kim, the farm dog, was easily the star of the show,” highlighting how personable the animals are. Observers also note the sheep shearing process, which is not only entertaining but also educational, showing the traditional skills still practiced on Kiwi farms.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Afternoon Tea: A Culinary Highlight

No farm visit in New Zealand is complete without a taste of the local fare, and the afternoon tea served at Walter Peak is often a highlight in reviews. Guests rave about the delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and cakes, with many mentioning the generous portions and high quality.

Reviewers also appreciate that the food can often be accommodated for dietary needs, making it inclusive for all guests. The setting—amidst the tranquil farm landscape—makes the tea break feel like a special occasion.

Most describe the tea as “yummy,” “exquisite,” and “a perfect way to relax after the farm tour.” The peaceful surroundings, combined with the delicious treats, make for a memorable experience.

Practical Details

This tour is highly accessible and family-friendly, with wheelchair accessibility and options suitable for young children. The duration of 3.5 hours makes it manageable for most travelers, offering a good balance of activity and relaxation.

Pricing is around $76 per person, which many find reasonable considering the inclusions: the round-trip cruise, guided farm tour, afternoon tea, and the scenic views. As multiple reviews suggest, the value is high given the variety of experiences packed into this time frame.

Meeting at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown, guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes early. The activity runs in both the morning and afternoon, so you can choose a time that best fits your schedule.

Please note that the cruise is weather-dependent. If poor weather causes cancellations, the provider offers alternative dates or full refunds. During scheduled maintenance (May 19 to October 8, 2025), the TSS Earnslaw is unavailable, but the Spirit of Queenstown is offered as a replacement.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes are a must—think sturdy walking shoes for the farm—and don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery and adorable animals.

Parking isn’t available at the meeting point, so plan to leave your car at your accommodation or in Queenstown’s CBD.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded experience blending scenic lake views, authentic farm life, and delicious local food. The guides receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, making the entire experience feel personal and genuine. The interactive demonstrations and animal encounters provide engaging moments that appeal to a wide audience, from families with kids to couples seeking a peaceful retreat.

While weather can sometimes influence the day, the flexibility and high-quality offerings make this a solid choice for those wanting a taste of New Zealand’s rural charm without sacrificing comfort. The combination of history, nature, and cuisine creates a memorable snapshot of Kiwi country life—perfect for a relaxed, authentic day trip.

If you’re after a family-friendly activity that offers plenty of photo opportunities and delicious treats, or you’re simply curious about what life on a Kiwi farm is like, this tour hits the mark. It’s a good value for money, with a high rate of satisfied travelers who recommend it for all ages.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, you meet at the RealNZ Visitor Centre in Queenstown. It’s best to leave your car at your accommodation or in a nearby carpark since parking isn’t available at the meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Non-slip shoes are also suggested for farm areas.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly. Kids often love the animals and demonstrations, and the tour is accessible for wheelchairs.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 3.5 hours, including the cruise, farm tour, and tea break.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund. The Spirit of Queenstown is available when the TSS Earnslaw is under maintenance.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, reviews mention that dietary needs are often met, especially at the afternoon tea.

What is included in the price?
Round-trip cruise, farm tour, afternoon tea, and a nature guide.

Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible on both the boat and the farm.

What’s the best time of day to do this?
Both morning and afternoon departures are available, so choose based on your schedule and preference for lighting and scenery.

Final Words

This tour stands out as a delightful blend of spectacular scenery, interactive farm experiences, and delicious food. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a taste of rural New Zealand without venturing too far from Queenstown’s lively centre. With friendly guides and plenty of opportunities to connect with animals and nature, it makes for an enjoyable, memorable day.

Whether you’re a family with young kids, a couple seeking a peaceful break, or a solo traveler eager to learn about Kiwi farm life, this experience offers genuine value. Just remember to check the weather forecast and bring your camera—you’ll want to capture this charming slice of New Zealand life.

You can check availability for your dates here: