Walter Peak Farm Experience: What You See and Do
A walk-through of the Walter Peak Farm Tour: the cruise, the animals, the sheepdog demonstration, afternoon tea in the woolshed and the gardens, and who the tour suits.
The Walter Peak Farm Tour takes you across Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It combines the crossing with farm animals, working sheepdogs, a farm demonstration, afternoon tea and the gardens, in around 3½ hours including the return cruise.
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What happens on the tour
The Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour costs from US$82 on GetYourGuide and holds a 4.80/5 rating from 1,148 reviews. The visit runs in this order:
- Cruise from Queenstown.
- Meet your rural host.
- See the farm animals.
- Watch the working sheepdogs.
- See the farm demonstration.
- Have afternoon tea.
- Walk through the gardens.
- Cruise back to Queenstown.
If you want to know what you are booking before the day, our Walter Peak Farm Tour guide covers prices, departure times and booking.
What animals can you see?
On the current tour you can meet:
- sheep
- cattle
- Highland cattle
- alpacas
- deer
- working farm dogs
Your host leads the visit, so you meet the animals as a group on a guided walk, not wandering the paddocks on your own. Hand-feeding is often offered at the holding pens, although it is not in RealNZ’s published list of inclusions.
The sheepdog demonstration
For many visitors this is the best part of the tour. You watch trained working dogs respond to the handler’s whistles and calls and move a mob of sheep across the paddock.
It shows you how a high-country station runs, and both adults and children tend to follow it closely. To learn more about the station itself, read Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Sheep shearing
Sheep shearing can form part of the farm-show programme, but RealNZ’s Farm Tour inclusions do not promise it. If you specifically want to see shearing, check the current programme before you book.
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is included and served in the old woolshed, with freshly baked scones, cakes, sandwiches and slices. It is not a full lunch, so plan a proper meal before or after the tour. Our afternoon tea and Farm Tour guide describes the woolshed and the baking.
How hands-on is it?
The Farm Tour keeps you moving more than the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ does. You walk around the farm, meet the animals and watch live demonstrations, while BBQ guests spend most of their time ashore at the Colonel’s Homestead restaurant.
Is it a real farm?
Yes. Walter Peak is a working high-country station, and the visit is also run as a professional visitor attraction. Expect a genuine farm setting, with paths, a host and a set programme to make the visit easy.
Is it good for adults?
Yes, especially if you like animals, rural history, working dogs or the TSS Earnslaw. Couples who mainly want a good meal may prefer the Gourmet BBQ, which starts from US$99; read is the Gourmet BBQ worth it before you choose.
Is it good for children?
Very much so. The tour keeps changing between the boat, the animals, the demonstrations, afternoon tea and the gardens, so children stay busier than they would on a long sightseeing trip where they mostly sit and watch.
Farm Tour vs BBQ
Choose the Farm Tour for animals and a hands-on visit.
Choose the Gourmet BBQ for a full meal and a slower pace. Our Farm Tour vs Gourmet BBQ comparison compares price, time and what you do ashore.
FAQ
How long does the Farm Tour take?
Around 3½ hours, including the return cruise.
Is the cruise included?
Yes. The crossing to Walter Peak and back is part of the ticket.
Can you feed the animals?
Hosted hand-feeding is often offered at the holding pens, but it is not in RealNZ’s published list of inclusions, so treat it as a bonus.
Is afternoon tea included?
Yes. It is served in the woolshed, with scones, cakes, sandwiches and slices.
Is it only for families?
No, although families are one of its strongest audiences. Adults who enjoy animals, working dogs or farm history get plenty from it too. Check your date on the booking calendar, because sailings fill up in summer.
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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