Embark on a scenic round-trip cruise from Queenstown Bay across the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Choose your vessel, enjoy a captivating farm demonstration, and indulge in a delicious BBQ lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead.
The farm demonstrator will offer guests a glimpse into high country life with an engaging farm show, featuring working sheep dogs.
Experience a unique dining adventure at Walter Peak, where the menu highlights the finest food and wine from the Central Otago region. Chefs expertly prepare a tempting array of meats on the outdoor grill, complemented by fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables available in the Colonel’s Homestead dining area. Conclude your meal with a delightful selection of sweet treats and local cheeses.
Select your preferred sailing experience: the iconic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship or the modern and spacious Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran.
✓ Round-trip cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown✓ All applicable taxes (GST)✓ Live commentary in English on board, with interpretation handouts available in English, German, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese✓ A gourmet BBQ lunch✓ A farm show demonstration✕ Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)1 Lake Wakatipu
Enjoy a 1.5-hour return cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard either the Vintage Steamship TSS Earnslaw or the Modern Catamaran, Spirit of Queenstown.
Your chosen vessel will journey from Queenstown to Walter Peak. You'll stop at Walter Peak for lunch and a sheep shearing demonstration before cruising back across the lake to Queenstown.
· 1 h 30 min
2 Walter Peak High Country Farm Experience
Immerse yourself in a quintessential Kiwi experience with a gourmet BBQ lunch and farm demonstration set against a stunning lakeside backdrop.
Your lunch begins with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Upon arrival, relax on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savor the enticing aromas as our chef prepares the best local produce on the grill.
Our lunch menu has been updated by our new executive chef, offering a wide selection from our seasonal menu, including succulent meats cooked on the outdoor rotisserie or grill, along with salads and vegetables. Vegetarian options are also well catered for. Finish your meal with a delightful dessert.
Following your lunch, you can participate in an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens. The return cruise will take you back to your original starting point in Queenstown, allowing you to continue your explorations.
· 2 h
Your ticket can be presented as either a mobile or paper copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Please ensure you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. You will receive a boarding pass to access the vessel.
Please ensure you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. You will receive a boarding pass to access the vessel.
Kindly arrive 30 minutes before your departure at the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, where you will be checked in by name. (No prior check-in at the office is necessary).
Please contact RealNZ directly at least 24 hours before your departure to inform us of any dietary requirements.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can be accommodated in a pram or stroller. Service animals are permitted on this tour. Nearby public transportation options are available. Transportation options serving this tour are wheelchair accessible. This tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Please note that menu items are subject to change at the chef's discretion and based on seasonal availability. Please inform RealNZ in advance of any dietary requirements by sending a message through Viator. Please be aware that the TSS Earnslaw operates on a cash-free basis; we reserve the right to decline cash payments for any products or services purchased. In the event that the TSS Earnslaw is undergoing maintenance, the modern catamaran will be substituted. The TSS Earnslaw will be undergoing its annual maintenance from May 18th to June 27th, 2026. The Spirit of Queenstown vessel will be available during this period. BBQ Dining & TSS Cruise Enjoy a round-trip journey on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a historic coal-fired steamship that has been a part of the region's heritage since 1912. BBQ Dining & Modern Cruise Experience BBQ Dining and a Modern Cruise: Travel round-trip on the spacious and modern Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran, featuring excellent viewing platforms for capturing memorable photos. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time for check-in. Inform the provider of any dietary needs at least 24 hours in advance. Consider the TSS Earnslaw for a historic experience or the Spirit of Queenstown for modern comfort. The menu is seasonal, so expect fresh, local ingredients. Allow time after your cruise to explore Queenstown. Bring a camera to capture the stunning lake and mountain scenery. For a full refund, please cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 2264P22
Activity offered by RealNZ via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Couples Families Seniors Travelers seeking scenic views Food enthusiasts Scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu Gourmet BBQ lunch with local produce Engaging farm demonstration with sheep dogs Choice of vintage steamship or modern catamaran Stunning high country farm setting Cultural insight into New Zealand high country life
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 Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise? + The total duration of the experience is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
What is included in the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise? + The tour includes a round-trip cruise on Lake Wakatipu, GST, live English commentary, interpretation handouts in multiple languages, a gourmet BBQ lunch, and a farm show.
What should I do if I have dietary requirements? + You must contact RealNZ directly at least 24 hours before departure to advise them of any dietary requirements.
Can I purchase alcoholic drinks on board? + Alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase.
What happens if the TSS Earnslaw is unavailable? + When the TSS Earnslaw is on survey or undergoing maintenance, the modern catamaran, Spirit of Queenstown, will be substituted.
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues? + Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are also wheelchair accessible. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
Great value and a...
Belinda_S, October 2026
Great value and a spectacular day. The food was delicious and we were so impressed that the steamboat ran so smoothly.
★★★★★ Viator review
Fun for the whole family....
marcelaf_c, October 2026
Fun for the whole family. The scenic boat ride and delicious bbq made for a fun half day experience. It’s a good 40min boat ride each way so there isn’t too much time left to explore the farm after lunch.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Walter Peak Gournet bbq & TSS Earnslaw
C3517ZXmarkw, October 2026
An absolutely fantastic day overall. The TSS Earnslaw was a great experience, but the icing on the cake was the gourmet bbq lunch at Walter Peak Farm.
Fabulous food all round. Everything was top class.
★★★★★ Viator review
Loved it!
ramseymom, October 2026
This was an easy day and way to experience the water, great food, beautiful gardens, and the historical boat. The price was reasonable and if I came back to New Zealand, I would repeat this activity.
★★★★★ Viator review
Stunning views friendly staff
Joanna_M, October 2026
Great service from staff well organised.
Delicious lunch speedy service
Views are beautiful & music was a treat on the boat
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