Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Whakatipu, aboard either the iconic vintage TSS Earnslaw or the sleek Spirit of Queenstown.
Once you arrive over at the working high country station, partake in a wander around the grounds to meet and greet all the animals that call the farm home. Our guides will give fun and informative commentary, and you'll be delighted by a farm show detailing life for the working dogs.
Indulge in a decadently classic country morning/afternoon tea with homemade scones and tea. Use your time to your leisure to wander the gardens and re-visit your new animal friends.
Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your departure time to check in.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note: When the TSS Earnslaw undergoes its annual survey, our modern catamaran is substituted as the modern of transport to Walter Peak
Note: The TSS Earnslaw will undergo annual maintenance between May 18th - June 27th 2026. The Modern Catamarn - Spirit of Queenstown - vessel will be available during this time
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
Travel across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.
Queenstown
Arrive at Walter Peak High Country Farm! Once ashore, you'll be warmly welcomed by your friendly rural host for a guided farm tour like no other. Meet and mingle with adorable farm animals—from sheep and alpacas to cattle and working farm dogs—then watch live demonstrations that bring New Zealand’s farming traditions to life. Top it all off with a delicious, freshly baked afternoon tea, served in the serene surroundings of the farm.
Options
Farm Tour & TSS Cruise
Cruise both ways on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history since 1912
Farm Tour & Modern Cruise
Farm Tour & Modern Cruise: Cruise both ways on the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran. Epic viewing platforms to take beautiful photos
What‘s Included
Farm tour at Walter Peak Homestead
Afternoon tea
Cruise across lake on a vessel of your choice
Live commentary on board
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
454 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
10/10 experience
Eric R,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun tour! It is the perfect amount of time. I loved seeing a Highland Cow in person! Feeding and learning about all the animals was so neat. The sheep shearing demonstration was really cool too. The lady that guided us was very friendly and answered all questions happily. The boat ride over was gorgeous. I can't imagine that being your view everyday!!
Life Changing! Must Book!
suzannesI1459BP,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best experiences of my life! We did the 3pm trip to the farm and our boat home was during sunset, it was magical! Each boat ride was 40 minutes and we were at the farm for 2 hours, all around the perfect amount of time!
The trip on the steamer...
Eric W,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip on the steamer and the farm show were great. I would definitely recommend it. I hear the horse trip is great too.
Great trip on the lake cruise and to Walter Peak Farm . The experience was wonderful. The farm tour was great to go on.
Pauline J,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00That it is a great place to visit Going on the cruise boat was great as you get to see the beautiful scenery before getting to Walter Peak farm
Great family afternoon out
Lucy S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fabulous afternoon! So well organised. The live music on the boat was lovely. The farm tour was so informative and the kids loved being able to feed the animals! Especially loved the farm show at the end. Great afternoon tea and catered for one member of our group being gluten free.
Farm and Cruise
Greg T,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful cruise, well organized, decent food, beautiful location, and great guide... but farm tour group way too big.
Lake cruise was fun for all, but Walter Peak was just great for the kiddos
angelag988,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The TSS Earnshaw was terrific. Fully enjoyed the boat itself and the cruise around the lake. I would go on it again and again. It was a smooth cruise. Not a lot of rocking or jolts, but you could feel the speed and wind pretty well. The Walter Peak Farm was disappointing. It was basically a glorified petting zoo. You were brought to the cafe and got some snacks and drinks, then taken from one animal pen to another. Nuggets were given to you so that the animals would come close and you could touch them. We saw sheep, Scottish hairy coo, dairy cow, llama, spotted deer, and goats. Afterwards, they demonstrated the sheep shearing and the talents of a border collie (herding dog). This might be fun for younger kids, but I've seen my share of petting zoos, so I wasn't impressed.
Great way to experience a working NZ farm.
danmX5210RS,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You cruise across the lake to the Farm. It's the best way to get there. Lots of farm animals, and a guide to tell you about each one. Our guide also did the sheep shearing demo and the sheep dog show. She was very knowledgable, humorous and friendly. You're allowed to feed all of the animals - and you don't have to buy the food!
Highly recommended tour!
Hoa N,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The cruise and the animal farm tour were nice ! We loved the garden & lots of photo opportunities. A half day was perfect length for the tour!
A day well spent!
Robert G,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Steamship travel! A great way to see a bit more of the lake. Our stay at the farm was perfect. Plenty of time to savor a BBQ that was beyond plentiful and delicious and enjoy the farm's sheep shearing and herding demonstration.
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