Lake Whakatipu Cruise and Walter Peak Horse Trek Queenstown

Lake Whakatipu Cruise

The adventure begins with a cruise from the central Queenstown waterfront across Lake Whakatipu, the long, glacier-carved lake that defines the region. About 80 kilometres long and remarkably deep, it is framed by steep mountains that are often dusted with snow from autumn to spring.

Aboard a modern catamaran, the crossing to Walter Peak takes about 45 minutes. From the deck you see Queenstown shrink behind you, with the Remarkables and Cecil Peak rising beside the water. A Lake Whakatipu cruise is one of the classic things to do in Queenstown, and here it doubles as your scenic transfer to the farm on the far shore, where no road leads directly from town.

Walter Peak High Country Farm

Walter Peak High Country Farm lies on the western shore of Lake Whakatipu beneath the mountain of the same name. It has been a high-country sheep station since the 19th century, when settlers drove flocks into this remote and rugged land, and it remains a working farm surrounded by tussock hills and mountain views.

Arriving by boat, you step onto the jetty in front of the historic homestead and its gardens, then walk to the stables to meet your guide. Many visitors ask how to get to Walter Peak: the only practical way from Queenstown is across the lake, which is why the cruise is part of this experience and adds to the sense of arriving somewhere truly remote.

The Horse Trek and the Lookout

After a safety briefing and helmet fitting, your guide matches each rider with a calm, experienced horse. The 40 to 45 minute trek follows easy farm tracks across rolling high-country pasture, climbing gently to a lookout with spectacular views over Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding peaks.

The riding is at a walking pace and is designed for first-time and novice riders, so no experience is needed. With a maximum of 6 riders per guide, everyone gets personal attention. Riders must be at least 7 years old and 120 cm tall, and weigh no more than 95 kg. Long trousers and closed-toe shoes are required for comfort and safety in the saddle.

Homestead Tea, Gardens and Farmyard

Back at the stables you head to the lakeside homestead restaurant for a freshly baked morning or afternoon tea, with tea or coffee, warm scones and muffins served with views across the water. The homestead dates back to the early days of the station and is surrounded by colourful gardens that bloom from spring to autumn.

Before the return cruise, take time to wander through the gardens and the farmyard, where you may meet sheep and other friendly farm animals. It is a relaxed end to the trip before you board the catamaran for the 45-minute crossing back to central Queenstown, arriving where you started, usually with plenty of time left in the day for more sightseeing in town.