Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + BBQ Dinner, Queenstown (NZ)

5.0 (2 reviews)
Take a cruise on an original 1912 steamship to a historic sheep farm for a barbecue dinner and animal demonstration.

Overview

Travel back in time on this excursion to the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm, an 1850s sheep farm nestled in the foothills of Walter Peak. The journey begins aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, a vintage steamer from 1912, which takes you from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. A guide will meet you there to take you through the lakeside gardens to the homestead, where you'll have a barbecue dinner with plenty of vegetarian options too. This trip ends with an entertaining demonstration with sheep and sheepdogs, shining a light on life in the high country. In the evening, return to Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw, accompanied by the sounds of the ship's pianist and the sights of the city lights approaching.

Highlights

  • Feel the past come to life on a vintage steamship dating back to 1912
  • Savor a delicious barbecue of local meats, vegetables, and seasonal produce
  • Watch an amusing and informative animal demonstration showcasing life on the farm
  • Stroll through the homestead's picturesque gardens and surroundings

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Dinner Included

What you'll do

You'll begin this half-day excursion by heading to Wharf Dock in central Queenstown, where you'll hop aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. This historic ship made its maiden voyage in 1912 (the same year as the Titanic), and it has been restored to its original condition, making it the only coal-fired steamship operating in the Southern Hemisphere. You can check out the small museum on board, visit the engine room to see the equipment that has kept this vessel running for over a century, or grab a seat by the onboard pianist to enjoy some entertainment during this 45-minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu.

Once you arrive at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you'll be greeted by a guide from the farm, who will lead you through the property's peaceful lakeside gardens up to the on-site restaurant. You can take in the views of the mountain and lake on your stroll or grab a window seat in the restaurant to enjoy views with your meal. This sheep farm dates back to the 1850s and is still working, so keep an eye out for sheep, sheepdogs, and other animals like cattle, goats, and deer. 

You'll then sit down to a gourmet barbecue dinner that a chef will prepare in front of you. Savor the tasty meats cooked in an outdoor rotisserie or stock up on veggie dishes made from seasonal local produce; just make sure to leave room for dessert. After dessert, you'll watch a demonstration that may include sheep shearing or dog herding to show you how life on the farm runs smoothly. Once you've gotten your fill of tasty treats on the farm, you'll head back to Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw.

What's included

  • Round trip on the TSS Earnslaw steamship.
  • Dinner at the Walter Peak High Country Farm.
  • Farm demonstration.
  • Live commentary on the cruise.

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Traveler reviews

2 total ratings, 1 with review
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Food
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.5
Transport
4.5
N
Nathan Y.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024
The steam ship was very cool. We couldn't believe it's been operating the same way since 1912! The buffet dinner was out of this world good, especially the meats and desserts. And the farm show was thoroughly entertains, especially the sheep dog. Read more

The steam ship was very cool. We couldn't believe it's been operating the same way since 1912! The buffet dinner was out of this world good, especially the meats and desserts. And the farm show was thoroughly entertains, especially the sheep dog.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Itineraries with Historic Steamship Cruise to Walter Peak Farm + BBQ Dinner