TSS Earnslaw Tickets, Prices & Booking Guide
Compare TSS Earnslaw cruise-only and Walter Peak package prices, vessel choices, inclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
Booking the TSS Earnslaw looks straightforward until you see how many ticket options there are.
You can take the historic steamship purely for a 90-minute Lake Whakatipu cruise, continue to Walter Peak High Country Farm, add the Gourmet BBQ, join a Farm Tour, or choose one of Walter Peak’s other experiences.
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Starting prices checked on 9 October 2026
| Ticket | Operator price from (NZD) | Approx. duration |
|---|---|---|
| TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise | NZ$129 | 1½ hrs |
| Walter Peak Farm Tour | NZ$139 | 3½–3¾ hrs |
| Garden to Table | NZ$169 | 3¾ hrs |
| Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ | NZ$175 | 3½–4 hrs |
| Walter Peak Horse Trek | NZ$279 | 3¾ hrs |
These are RealNZ’s advertised starting prices, checked on 9 October 2026, not quotes for a selected sailing. Walter Peak package starting fares may use Spirit of Queenstown; they do not guarantee the TSS Earnslaw. The GetYourGuide booking links may show a different currency or fare. Compare the same vessel, date and inclusions before paying. For the dining package, see Walter Peak BBQ prices and what’s included.
Which Ticket Should You Buy?
Choose cruise only if you have around 90 minutes and the historic ship itself is your main interest. Not sure yet? See is the Earnslaw worth the money.
Choose the Farm Tour if you’re travelling with children or want animals and working sheepdogs.
Choose Gourmet BBQ if food is a major part of the outing and you want lunch or dinner included.
Choose Garden to Table if gardens, conservation and food provenance matter more than a large meal.
Choose the Horse Trek only if riding itself is a priority.
Does a Walter Peak Ticket Include the Boat?
Yes. You do not normally need to buy a separate TSS Earnslaw ticket when booking a Walter Peak package.
Check the selected departure to confirm whether your crossing uses the TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown.
TSS Earnslaw vs Spirit of Queenstown
The Earnslaw is the historic option: character, steam machinery and a slower journey.
Spirit of Queenstown is modern, faster and more focused on panoramic viewing.
For a first visit, we’d normally choose the Earnslaw.
Is the Farm Tour Worth the Upgrade?
The Farm Tour adds animals, sheepdogs, tea and time ashore, which can make it a good-value choice for families. However, do not subtract the NZ$129 Earnslaw fare from the NZ$139 package starting price and assume that is the steamship upgrade cost: the cheapest farm option may use a different vessel. Compare the Farm Tour’s Earnslaw option with cruise-only for the same date.
Is the Gourmet BBQ Worth the Upgrade?
If you were already planning to take the cruise and then pay separately for lunch or dinner, the BBQ combination can make sense. It extends the experience to roughly half a day and includes your meal.
Where Should You Buy Tickets?
Compare RealNZ’s direct cruise booking and Walter Peak experiences with the GetYourGuide cruise listing, but always compare like-for-like products.
Check exact experience, vessel, departure time, cancellation rules, final price and whether Walter Peak is included.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies can vary by product and booking platform. Check the live terms attached to your ticket before paying.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Cruise-only may give you more departure choices than a package tied to an activity ashore, but availability varies.
Book earlier for Walter Peak dining, Farm Tours, school holidays, December–February, Christmas/New Year and any trip where you need several seats together.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the TSS Earnslaw cost?
RealNZ advertises cruise-only from NZ$129 as checked on 9 October 2026. That is a starting fare, not a guaranteed quote for every departure; check your date and participant category.
Does every Walter Peak booking use TSS Earnslaw?
No. Some departures use Spirit of Queenstown.
Can tickets sell out?
Yes, especially packages with limited-capacity Walter Peak activities.
Is food included on cruise-only?
No full meal. The ship has a café and licensed bar.
Which ticket is best for a first visit?
For adults with half a day, compare the TSS Earnslaw + Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ. For families interested in animals, the Farm Tour is particularly strong.
For the onboard experience, see our Queenstown steamship cruise guide. Our Farm Tour guide and Gourmet BBQ menu guide explain what you get ashore.
Cross the Lake. Eat by the Fire.
The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ is rated 4.8/5 by more than 3,100 guests. A 45-minute crossing each way, a wood-fired buffet at the Colonel's Homestead, and a working farm demonstration — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before you sail.
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