Embark on an evening journey across the stunning Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, a vessel dating back to 1912.
Step into the charming Colonel's Homestead Restaurant, nestled by the lake, where the inviting aroma of wood-fired BBQ tantalizes the senses. Our chefs craft a delightful spread using the freshest local ingredients, featuring a generous buffet of crisp salads, seasonal vegetables, and succulent, locally sourced meats. Be sure to save room for our delectable desserts!
With breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu and the majestic alpine scenery surrounding Queenstown, the Colonel's Homestead provides an idyllic setting, rich with colonial charm and complemented by beautifully maintained gardens.
Your experience also includes an engaging farm demonstration. Witness the impressive skills of farm dogs herding sheep and have the chance to interact with friendly farm animals. If time permits, enjoy a tranquil walk through the lakeside gardens before re-boarding for your scenic return cruise to Queenstown.
✓ BBQ buffet dinner✓ Cruise across lake on vessel of your choice (TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown)✓ Farm Show✓ Live commentary on boardActivity Schedule
4 h
Start your activity by checking in to our RealNZ Visitor Centre - 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.
Board the vessel and travel across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.
Enjoy a delicious buffet meal before then watching the farm demonstration hosted by our specialist guides.
The experience ends with the return trip across Lake Wakatipu, dropping you off at the same place you boarded in central Queenstown.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure, you will be checked in by name and given a boarding pass for the vessel.
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure, you will be checked in by name and given a boarding pass for the vessel.
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)
Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Please contact RealNZ directly to advise of any dietary requirements at least 24hrs before departure.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Suitable for all physical fitness levels Children must be accompanied by an adult Minimum age is 18 years to consume alcohol Note: The experience is cash free and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services. Note: The TSS Earnslaw will undergo scheduled maintenance on 11th May, returning 5th July 2027. The alternative vessel used will be the modern Spirit of Queenstown. 5pm BBQ Dinner and TSS Cruise 5pm Departure: Cruise both ways on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history since 1912 7pm BBQ Dinner and TSS Cruise 7pm Departure: 7pm Departure: Cruise both ways on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a coal-fired steamship that’s been a part of the region’s history Book in advance, especially during peak season. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure for check-in. Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. Inform the provider of any dietary requirements at least 24 hours in advance. Bring cash for any onboard purchases, as the experience is cash-free. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 2264RJ506
Activity offered by RealNZ via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Couples Families Seniors Travelers seeking a unique dining and cultural experience Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship. Savor a delicious BBQ buffet dinner at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant. Witness an engaging farm demonstration with sheep herding and farm animals. Experience the colonial charm and beautiful gardens of Walter Peak High Country Farm. Take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Population 29,000 (2023)
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 11° Jan 11° Feb 9° Mar 6° Apr 3° May 1° Jun 0° Jul 1° Aug 3° Sept 5° Oct 7° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the activity? + The total duration of the activity is 4 hours.
What is included in the experience? + The experience includes a BBQ buffet dinner, a cruise across the lake on your choice of vessel (TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown), a farm show, and live commentary on board.
What should I bring? + Warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please note that the experience is cash-free.
Can I bring a stroller? + Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The experience may be cancelled in case of bad weather.
★★★★★ Viator review
What a memorable...
gkao28, October 2026
What a memorable experience! The buffet was delicious and offered a great selection of food. However, allowing a little more time to enjoy the meal and soak in the atmosphere would make the experience even better. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I would highly recommend it.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
One of the best things to do in Queenstown.
Inspiration790043, September 2026
One of the best things to do in Queenstown! The journey over on the Earnslaw is beautiful, and the history on board is really interesting. The buffet dinner is incredible, all very good quality and delicious food. Loved the farm show as an after dinner treat too.
★★★★★ Viator review
Ok cruise the rest is a miss
Leonel_C, August 2026
Very unorganised extremely crowded and the farm show is a miss for me did it in winter and it’s outdoors freezing if doing the dinner option staff were great just not worth the price for such a crowded thing maybe just do the cruise on the boat to experience that and miss the farm. Food was ok but nothing to rave about
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Just Do It!!
Khobissimo, July 2026
From purchasing the ticket to devouring the dessert, the whole Earnshaw experience was thoroughly enjoyablable. The after dinner show and the voyage home we cannot recommend highly enough. The food selection was devine and catered to everyone -- especially the dessert bar! Special mention to Charlotte for going above and beyond. Thank you very much for a very memorable night.
This made for a very delightful birthday surprise for my parents.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Exceptional evening out in Queenstown
grantb764, July 2026
Wow what a spectacular evening. We booked the dinner cruise departing Queenstown wharf at 5.00pm for a buffet style bbq dinner at Walter Peak Station. The evening was a birthday treat (70th) which the Real NZ staff were aware of giving us a dedicated table both in the Earnslaw and at Walter Peak not to mention singing “happy birthday “. The food served was sensational, perfectly bbq’ed pork, lamb and venison. Great vege and desserts. i literally rolled out feeling so uncomfortable having gorged on so much great food, The farm show that followed dinner was entertaining and the Earnslaw voyage a delight.
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