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4 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your evening cruising along the waters of Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown aboard either the iconic vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the sleek Spirit of Queenstown.
Step inside the charming lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, where the enticing scent of wood-fired BBQ fills the air. Our chefs prepare a mouthwatering spread using the finest local ingredients, featuring a generous buffet of crisp salads, seasonal vegetables, and tender cuts of locally sourced meat. Don't forget the selection of desserts! With panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine backdrop, the Colonel’s Homestead offers an idyllic setting steeped in colonial charm and surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.
Your visit also includes a lively farm demonstration. Watch skilled farm dogs expertly herd sheep and get up close with friendly farm animals. If time allows, take a peaceful stroll through the lakeside gardens before boarding the vessel for your scenic return cruise to Queenstown.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Minimum age is 18 years to consume alcohol
Note: The experience is cash free and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services.
Note: The TSS Earnslaw will be undergoing scheduled maintenance 19 May to 1 October 2025, we have the modern vessel (Spirit of Queenstown) available throughout this time
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Begin your activity by checking in to our RealNZ Visitor Centre - 88 Beach Street, Queenstown. Board the vessel and travel across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal before then watching the farm demonstration hosted by our specialist guides. The experience ends with the return trip across Lake Whakatipu, dropping you off at the same place you boarded in central Queenstown.
BBQ buffet dinner
Cruise across lake on vessel of your choice (TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown)
Farm Show
Live commentary on board
Drinks
Cruise both ways on the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran. Epic viewing platforms and onboard bar.
Cruise both ways on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history since 1912
557 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tia R,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
10/10 experience, from the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, absolute stunning views and the Walter Peak High Country BBQ smorgasbord 🤤 then farm show with Mia the farm dog😮💨👌🏽 10/10 😘 Highly recommended, dress for 4 seasons in oneday🤣❄️🌬️🌦️🌈 19 Dec what summer 🤣 Must do!!
Nirvangni N,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
Steam ship was good to travel on. Not enough seats for everyone though. BBQ dinner was delicious and so much variety!
Curiosity04385536799,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an amazing trip on a fascinating steam ship, with a delicious buffet meal (so much choice) and sheepshow. Staff were very friendly, the venue beautiful. Couldn't fault it!
Karen Lee Holt,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great cruise on a very unique boat. Definitely check out the engine room during the cruise, AND the mini-museum. Food was awesome, and the show more entertaining than I’d expected. Loved the sheepdogs! fantastic show. May seem a bit pricey, but IMO great value for money.








SGoodwin27,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Trip on the TSS Earnshaw was lovely but quite busy on board. There was no direction as to what to do when arriving at Walter Peak so just followed the crowd and likewise there was no information about when the farming show would happen. Location/setting at the restaurant was excellent, plenty of choice of food which was mostly good, the BBQ meats were tasty but unfortunately cold.
Wanderer13176768525,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The boat ride was great however the lunch experience was amazing. Great selection of high quality food. The roast beef, lamb and pork were star of the show.
Adventure21371633812,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was a trip I was looking forward to and was not disappointed.It had been arranged as my birthday dinner .The steam ship trip was wonderful with great sights to look at on the way or just to look at the engine room.The meal was a highlight.All the meat- pork, lamb, venison ,chicken cooked to perfection.My favourite was the abundance of seafood.I did put a small amount of salad on my plate but was too full for much.I had some dessert but would forgo this next time to eat some more of the mains.Very organised and good coming out all the time.The sheep show was great .The house and grounds at Walter peak are stunning. A must do
W3487EOpeterg,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Earnslaw is an iconic steamship, and the Walter Peak Farm an iconic high country farm. As a kiwi it is easy to dismiss these things as just for "overseas tourists". Well fellow kiwis: if you haven't done this I can certainly recommend it. Not only is the Earnslaw is a wonderful old ship, you can get down into the engine room and see those original 2 steam engines cranking away up close! The dinner at the Walter Peak farm was also excellent: so much venison - I think I OD'd on that, and all the other great food. And lastly: the sheepdog demo. Again, as a kiwi, I was thinking that this was another "meh - this is for overseas visitors" moment. But no: we really enjoyed it - amazingly smart dog, and the "shepherd" (can't remember his name) was great. So: message to kiwis: go do this!
374deniseb,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful trip on the lake to a sheep farm. Delicious buffet dinner with many options. The farm demonstration was cute.



473kylieo,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I booked this dinner to end our elopement wedding day and we’re not disappointed. The booking person obviously noted it was our wedding and we were allocated the best table and all staff gave us exceptional service. We loved the dinner and weren’t there for the farm show so we took our time. A fantastic way to end our day.

Operated by RealNZ