Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour Queenstown
Overview
This Queenstown lake cruise and Walter Peak farm tour crosses Lake Whakatipu to a working high-country farm at the foot of the mountains. Choose a modern catamaran or the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, both with a return cruise, then join a guided farm tour with a nature guide, meet the animals and enjoy morning or afternoon tea. The trip takes about three and a half hours from the Queenstown wharf. It suits families, couples and anyone who wants a relaxed half-day with lake and mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Return cruise across Lake Whakatipu, on a catamaran or on the TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Guided tour of Walter Peak High Country Farm with a nature guide
- Meet farm animals and see working farm life up close
- Morning or afternoon tea included
- Views of the Southern Alps and The Remarkables from the water
- Steamship option includes a visit to the engine room and history displays
Full Description
Lake Whakatipu and the cruise from Queenstown
Lake Whakatipu is a long, glacier-carved lake with the mountains of the Southern Alps and The Remarkables rising straight from its edge. Your cruise sets out from the Queenstown wharf and crosses the lake to Walter Peak, with skipper commentary about the history and geography of the area. A Lake Whakatipu cruise is one of the most popular ways to see Queenstown from the water.
You can choose between a modern catamaran and the steamship. Both are comfortable, with indoor and outdoor seating, and both give good views for photos. If you are wondering what is the best cruise on Lake Whakatipu, the choice comes down to whether you prefer a sleek modern boat or a historic ship.
The TSS Earnslaw steamship
The TSS Earnslaw is a coal-fired steamship launched in 1912, and it is often described as the only surviving commercial passenger steamship of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It served farms and settlements around the lake before becoming a tourist attraction, and it is still powered by steam today.
On the steamship option you can go below deck to see the engine room and watch the stokers feed the fire, and small displays on board tell the story of the ship. The steamship is out of service for annual maintenance for a few weeks each year, usually in the cooler months, when the catamaran option is available instead.
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Walter Peak is a working high-country sheep and cattle station on the far side of the lake, reachable mainly by water. Your guide leads a farm tour that introduces sheep, alpacas, Highland cattle and working dogs, and shows how a high-country farm operates in this landscape.
Live demonstrations bring the farming traditions to life, and you finish with morning or afternoon tea in the farm setting. If you are looking for a Walter Peak farm tour from Queenstown for a family, this one is gentle and easy to follow. Non-slip shoes are recommended, and the tour is subject to weather.
Practical tips and timing
The trip takes about three and a half hours in total. The meeting point is the Queenstown wharf; the exact location is on your voucher. Transfers are not included and there is no parking at the wharf, so leave your car at your accommodation or use a car park in the town centre.
Meals and drinks other than tea are not included, but you can buy snacks in the town before or after. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and layers, since it can be cool on the water even on a sunny day. Cruises depend on weather, and if one is cancelled for poor conditions you can choose another date or a refund.
Itinerary
- Meet at the Queenstown wharfCheck in at the location shown on your voucher and board your boat.
- Cruise across Lake WhakatipuEnjoy commentary and mountain views on the catamaran or the TSS Earnslaw.
- Steamship engine room (steamship option)See the engine room and history displays on board.
- Arrive at Walter PeakMeet your guide at the high-country farm.
- Guided farm tourMeet the animals and watch live farming demonstrations.
- Morning or afternoon teaRelax over tea in the farm setting.
- Return cruiseCruise back across the lake to Queenstown.
What's included
- Return catamaran cruise across Lake Whakatipu
- Skipper commentary on the area's history
- Walter Peak Farm tour with a nature guide
- Morning or afternoon tea
Not included
- Meals
- Drinks other than tea
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot be on their feet for a guided farm walk
- Guests who need a meal included; meals are not part of this option
Meeting point
Meet at the Queenstown wharf; the exact location is shown on your voucher after booking. Transfers are not included, so make your own way to the wharf about fifteen minutes before departure. There is no parking at the wharf, so leave your car at your accommodation or in a car park in the town centre.
Important information
- Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and layers, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.
- Cruises depend on weather; if one is cancelled you can choose another date or a refund.
- The steamship is out of service for annual maintenance for a few weeks each year, when the catamaran option is used.
- Tea is included; meals and other drinks are not.
- There is no parking at the wharf, so leave your car at your accommodation or in a town-centre car park.
- Ask us before booking if you need information about wheelchair access.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Walter Peak farm tour and lake cruise cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, catamaran or TSS Earnslaw steamship, and on the age of the guest. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the Queenstown wharf, and the exact location is shown on your voucher.
How long is the tour?
About three and a half hours in total, including the cruise each way and the farm tour.
Is tea included?
Yes, morning or afternoon tea is included. Meals and other drinks are not.
What is the difference between the two options?
The farm tour is the same. One option crosses the lake by modern catamaran, and the default option uses the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship with a visit to the engine room and history displays.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is family-friendly, with child and infant rates. Children enjoy meeting the farm animals.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and layers, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Cruises are subject to weather. If the cruise is cancelled, you can choose an alternative date or a refund.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Same-day and next-day places depend on availability. Check the booking panel for the earliest date that is open.
Can I take the steamship in winter?
The steamship runs most of the year but is out of service for a few weeks of annual maintenance, when the catamaran option is used.
