Walter Peak BBQ Prices, Deals and What's Included
The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ starts from NZ$175 with RealNZ. What that covers, how it compares with the NZ$129 Earnslaw cruise and the NZ$139 farm tour, and what you pay extra for.
The Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ starts from NZ$175 per adult on RealNZ’s own site. That buys more than a meal: a return cruise across Lake Whakatipu, a buffet lunch or dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and the sheepdog show. Plan on 3½ to 4 hours from the Queenstown wharf and back.
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Current prices for the Walter Peak options
| Experience | RealNZ price from | Our pick on GetYourGuide |
|---|---|---|
| TSS Earnslaw cruise only | NZ$129 | TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu (US$70, 4.7/5 from 1,418 reviews) |
| Walter Peak Farm Tour | NZ$139 | Lake Cruise + Walter Peak Farm Tour (US$82, 4.8/5 from 1,148 reviews) |
| Garden to Table | NZ$169 | Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience (US$99, 4.8/5 from 16 reviews, a thin record) |
| Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ | NZ$175 | Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise (US$99, 4.8/5 from 3,197 reviews) |
These are RealNZ’s advertised adult starting prices, checked on 14 October 2026. Prices change by date and sailing, so check yours before you book.
What is included in the BBQ price?
- a return cruise across Lake Whakatipu
- the visit to Walter Peak
- the Gourmet BBQ buffet, at lunch or dinner
- the Colonel’s Homestead setting and its gardens
- the farm dog demonstration after the meal
- the return crossing to Queenstown
Our menu guide lists what is on the buffet, and the lunch vs dinner guide helps you pick a sitting.
Is the TSS Earnslaw included?
A return cruise is included, but RealNZ sells the BBQ with a choice of boat, so the vessel depends on the departure you book. If you want the 1912 steamship in particular, confirm the TSS Earnslaw is on your sailing before you pay.
BBQ vs cruise only
At the current starting prices, the BBQ costs about NZ$46 more than the NZ$129 cruise on its own. The cruise-only sailing lasts 90 minutes and does not land at Walter Peak.
For that NZ$46 you add the time ashore at the farm, a full buffet meal and roughly two more hours on the outing. If you were going to eat a proper lunch or dinner in Queenstown anyway, the BBQ covers that meal as well.
BBQ vs Farm Tour
The farm tour starts from NZ$139, NZ$36 less than the BBQ. Families who mostly want the animals get more from it, with a guided farmyard walk and afternoon tea in the woolshed.
For adults who want a full meal, the BBQ is better value than the farm tour. Our farm tour vs Gourmet BBQ guide compares the two side by side.
Are discounts available?
RealNZ advertises package deals that bundle several of its experiences, with up to 20% off when you book online, and a Real Rewards membership for local residents. Its BBQ page does not say whether the BBQ qualifies, so check the current terms when you book. GetYourGuide’s price on the day can also differ from RealNZ’s.
Skip old coupon-code pages. Current offers on the operator’s site or a booking platform you trust are the ones that still work.
What costs extra?
The BBQ page lists what is included and nothing else. Expect to pay separately for:
- alcoholic drinks
- snacks and drinks from the café and licensed bar on the boat
- parking in Queenstown
- souvenirs
The boats and Walter Peak are cashless, so bring a card.
Is it worth the price?
It makes most sense if you already planned a Lake Whakatipu cruise and a good lunch or dinner, since the BBQ covers both in one booking. Our is the Gourmet BBQ worth it guide gives the full verdict.
If you only care about the food, a regular Queenstown restaurant may suit you better and cost less.
FAQ
How much is the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ?
From NZ$175 per adult on RealNZ’s site, checked on 14 October 2026.
Does the price include the cruise?
Yes. The return crossing is part of the ticket.
Is the farm show included?
Yes. The farm dog show after the meal is included.
Is lunch cheaper than dinner?
RealNZ shows one starting price, and the price can vary by departure and date. Check live availability for your sitting.
Which is cheaper: the Farm Tour or the BBQ?
The Farm Tour, from NZ$139 against NZ$175 for the BBQ.
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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