TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café.
Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
Cruise over to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.
What‘s Included
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Reviews
301 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Disappointed
gwennethi2026,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experience and staff great. But I’m very upset about the price we were charged, you need to stipulate on the booking form what currency it is in, NZ dollars, US dollars etc. When I checked our bank statement we were greatly shocked at the price we were charged, it made it a very very expensive experience, if we had known that we were going to be charged in US dollars we would not have purchased. Please correct this before someone else has the same experience.
Nice experience with beautiful view
973ninaw,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very pleasant experience and the staff onboard were all very nice and helpful. The only thing was I didn’t know there were different tickets and some allow you to get off at the destination and hang around for 2 hours then take the next boat back. Unfortunately the ticket I bought did’t include that and we stayed onboard and went straight back.
A welll run boat, most...
Margaret D,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A welll run boat, most enjoyable trip. Would recommend any visitor to Queenstown to do this. Terrific old engine, extraordinary to see those men shovelling coal.
Good family fun
sisterpv,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the New Year’s Eve sail with friends and their teenaged kids. The sail over was beautiful and we enjoyed sitting outside. It gets to be a little mad when everyone is queuing to get on and off, but the staff handled things well. The food was nice, better than I expected but a bit chaotic in the buffet line. Dinner was much more organized than I expected and our friend’s daughter who has Celiac was accommodated nicely. The sheep herding show was enjoyed by all with a pleasant sail back. A very nice family activity.
Great cruise around Lake...
Florence D,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great cruise around Lake Wakatipu with a super knowledgeable captain and crew providing commentary on local area. Amazing scenic views to enjoy and steam ship history!
We loved this lake...
William F,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We loved this lake cruise. The staff were outstanding and the onboard cafe had a lot of good choices for snacks and sandwiches. We just wish we could have done the Farm tour!
Relaxing trip, lovely scenery
Sydneyventurer,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Lovely trip along tge Lake with beautiful views. We took the opportunity to check out the old photos and the enginevroom. We had done this trip 40 years ago and it was a trip down memory lane!
It is interesting steamer...
Kelvin C,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00It is interesting steamer boat. Friendly staff off/on board. Book through Viator doesn't have the option to get off at the farm for morning tea. It just the ticket stay onboard for 1.5 hours ride.
Good to Fill Extra Time
Richard S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice to see the working engine room. And the scenery is nice. I would not list this as a "gotta do." But if you have a couple spare hours, you could do much worse. Try to stop by one of the "Ice Bars" near by when done with this cruise.
Well organized and safe...
Vishen N,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized and safe expedition - highly recommend. The highlight was the pianist playing great songs on the return journey while while we sailed past scenic views from Lake Wakatipu.
From NZ$115.00
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