Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
*Please note the TSS Earnslaw Steamship is undergoing scheduled maintenance during the period 19th May to 1 October 2025*
A return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on a vessel of your choice, a farm demonstration and a delicious BBQ Lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead.
The rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs.
Enjoy a unique dining experience at Walter Peak where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the outdoor grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses.
Choose between sailing on the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship or the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran.
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
Note: Menu items are subject to change based on chef's discretion and seasonal availability.
Note: Please let RealNZ know in advance if you have dietary requirements via messaging through Viator
Note: The TSS Earnslaw is cash free and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Lake Wakatipu
Return Cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the either the Vintage Steamship, the TSS Earnslaw or the Modern Catamaran, Spirit of Queenstown. Your vessel of choice will travel from Queenstown to Walter Peak. Stop at Walter Peak for lunch and a sheep shearing demonstration, before returning across the lake to Queenstown.
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm demo in a stunning lakeside setting. Your lunch starts with a cruise across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savor the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill. Our lunch menu has been refreshed with the introduction of our new executive chef, so you'll have a plenty to choose from our seasonal menu - salads, vegetables, succulent meat cooked on the outdoor rotisserie or grill. If you’re vegetarian, don’t worry, you are well catered for too. Then finish your meal with a scrumptious dessert. After your lunch, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens. Return cruise back to your original starting point in Queenstown, convenient to continue exploring.
What‘s Included
Cruise across lake Whakatipu and back to Queenstown
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Live English commentary on board as well as interpretation handouts in English, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Korean and Chinese
Gourmet BBQ Lunch
Farm Show
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Options
BBQ Dining & Cruise TSS/Spirit
Cruise across to Walter Peak on the historic and iconic TSS Earnslaw Steamship and return on the Modern Spirit of Queenstown
BBQ Dining & 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
BBQ Dining & Modern Cruise
BBQ Dining & Modern Cruise : Cruise both ways on the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran. Epic viewing platforms to take the best photos
Reviews
1,281 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Queenstown must do.
Jan J,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very unique experience. Well organized. An amazing ship, a delicious buffet and an interesting farm show.
Farm was perfect, boat crew couldn’t care less
Fabio E,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Farm experience at Walter Peak was perfect. Friendly staff, great sheepdog show, lovely high tea. Bought a gift from the farm shop to remember the trip. Left it on my seat on the Earnslaw. Crew refused to let me back on or check my seat. Were rude when I asked. Called and emailed, no help. Flying home the next day so I lost it for good. The vintage cruise sells itself so apparently they don't need to treat customers well. Farm team were brilliant though. 2 stars only because of Walter Peak.
Unique way to see Queenstown surrounds
242annabellee,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this! It's a great way to get out on the lake and see the surroundings from a different angle - the views are beautiful. You can see right into the engine and literally watch the coal being shovelled in which we thought was really cool. There is lots of info available about the engine and the history of the boat (which is very well preserved/restored as well). We just did the 90 minute trip out and back although Walter Peak looked lovely as well. It was the 9am run on a Tuesday and was lively but not crowded - plenty of seats. The staff were helpful too.
Fabulous trip to walter Peak homestead
Julie P,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great cruise with advice given from Captain - fabulous luncheon at Walter Peak and great farm show - would highly recommend to any visitors to Queenstown
Omg!! The food was...
Nicole S,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yum!! The food was exceptional, make sure you save room for the amazing desserts. The boat was also lots of fun . Great value would definitely recommend.
Best day well spent
JanandAlanKerr,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip exceeded my expectations. I’d heard nothing but excellent reports and I agree. This was well worth the money. The food was outstanding, and plenty of it. Josh was very entertaining with the sheep demonstration and Mia the dog was a treat to watch
A great experience on the farm!
460micheleh,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the steam boat that took us to the farm. Remarkable that it was over 114 years old built for purpose in the lake at Queenstown. You could watch the men shovelling the coal into the furnaces. The sheep farm was so beautiful and picturesque. Breathtaking views and gardens. The BBQ lunch was magnificent with so much food. A wonderful meal followed by the sheep dog show which was great to experience! Highly recommend this package trip.
A great way to get close...
Blair P,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great way to get close to the magnificent mountains while cruising the lake in a classic old vessel. To experience a little of the farming life and partake in a fantastic barbeque lunch.
Lovely day!
Jennifer S,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely day on the TSS. Music and bar on the boat. Lunch was delicious. The sheep sheering was wonderful. The farm has beautiful small garden and lovely walk on the water!
Great half day out
Melissa W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved it, the steamer is very calm and peaceful on the lake, the bbq lunch was next level, plentiful and excellent quality, meats, veges, salads, cheeses, antipasti, breads, desserts, amazing.
From NZ$159.00
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