Walter Peak Restaurant: Colonel's Homestead, Gourmet BBQ Menu, Lunch & Dinner

What is Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant?

The Colonel’s Homestead is the main restaurant at Walter Peak High Country Farm, on the western shore of Lake Whakatipu. The homestead sits among extensive gardens beside the lake, with views back towards Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. An accidental fire badly damaged the original in 1977, and the homestead was carefully reconstructed on the same site. Our Colonel’s Homestead history guide tells the story of the house and its 1870s gardens.

Today it is best known as the setting for Walter Peak’s Gourmet BBQ dining.

Can you walk in without booking?

Not in the usual sense. Walter Peak is separated from Queenstown by Lake Whakatipu, and its dining experiences run as scheduled packages tied to the boat timetable. When you book, you are reserving a seat on the boat and a place at the buffet at the same time, so book ahead instead of planning to turn up.

How do you get there?

Most visitors leave from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, beside the RealNZ Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street.

The classic option is the TSS Earnslaw, a steamship that made her maiden voyage in 1912 and takes about 45 minutes to cross. The Spirit of Queenstown catamaran is the modern alternative, at about 35 minutes. Either way you arrive at the same jetty below the homestead. There is no practical road for a lunch trip: see whether you can drive to Walter Peak.

What’s on the menu?

The signature meal is the Gourmet BBQ buffet. The menu changes with the season and at the chef’s discretion, but it typically includes:

• wood-fired meats
• seafood
• fresh salads
• seasonal vegetables
• vegetarian dishes
• breads and accompaniments
• desserts

RealNZ’s dining page credits the seasonal menu to its executive chef, Will Eaglesfield, and links a sample menu.

Is it a buffet?

Yes. Instead of ordering a starter, main and dessert, you help yourself from the buffet during the service, and you can go back for more.

Lunch or dinner?

Choose lunch for the most daylight, the gardens, photography, families and winter visits.

Choose dinner for couples, celebrations and atmosphere, and if you want Walter Peak to be your main evening out. Our lunch versus dinner comparison goes through the trade-offs.

TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown?

Choose the TSS Earnslaw for heritage and atmosphere.

Choose Spirit of Queenstown for modern comfort and a somewhat faster crossing. Select the vessel within the BBQ cruise booking options; either choice takes you to the same restaurant. Check for maintenance substitutions before paying: during the Earnslaw’s annual maintenance, Walter Peak trips use the Spirit of Queenstown.

Is it fine dining?

Not in the conventional sense. This is premium destination dining, but the food is a buffet-style Gourmet BBQ, not a formal multi-course tasting menu.

Think relaxed, scenic and historic, not intimate white-tablecloth dining.

What is the setting like?

The Colonel’s Homestead sits among mature gardens right beside Lake Whakatipu. The colonial-style building and long-established planting make the restaurant feel like part of the farm. After the meal there is a farm dog demonstration, and time to walk the gardens before the boat back.

Dietary requirements

Vegetarian dishes are normally part of the buffet. Vegan, gluten-free and allergy requirements should be communicated in advance because the seasonal menu changes. Confirm suitable choices with the operator instead of assuming every dish can be adapted. The operator’s dining information describes the seasonal offering; individual dishes are not guaranteed.

Is the Walter Peak restaurant worth it?

It makes the most sense for people who value the journey as much as the meal. The value comes from the whole combination:

cruise + Walter Peak + Gourmet BBQ + farm demonstration + return cruise.

Choose Walter Peak if you like the idea of crossing Lake Whakatipu, sailing on the TSS Earnslaw, visiting a high-country farm, eating in a lakeside homestead and watching the farm dogs work. For first-time visitors already planning to take the Earnslaw, the combined package can be one of the most efficient ways to spend half a day. Our verdict on whether the Gourmet BBQ is worth it weighs the downsides too.

Choose a restaurant in central Queenstown if you want a shorter meal, à la carte dining, nightlife straight afterwards or more flexibility.

Is it good for families?

Yes. The buffet format helps, because children aren’t stuck with one set dish, and the farm demonstration gives them something to do besides sitting through lunch. RealNZ describes the experience as suitable for all ages.

Is it romantic?

It can be, particularly at dinner. The romance comes mainly from the lake crossing, the mountain backdrop, the historic steamship, the gardens and the remote setting.

Dress code

There is no formal dress code. Practical smart-casual clothing works well, with non-slip shoes for the walk up from the jetty.

Remember that the trip includes an alpine lake crossing, so bring a warm layer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the restaurant at Walter Peak called?

The Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Its signature meal is the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ.

Can you eat at Walter Peak without booking?

Not in the usual sense. Dining is sold as a package that includes the boat, so you book the Gourmet BBQ in advance; there is no walk-in service in the way a town restaurant has one.

Can you drive there for a meal?

Dining is designed around boat access from Queenstown. The only road in is a long gravel backcountry route (RealNZ puts the drive from Te Anau at around four hours), so the boat from Steamer Wharf is how almost every guest arrives.

How much does the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ cost?

RealNZ listed it from NZ$175, including the return cruise, when we checked on 4 October 2026 (what the price includes). The GetYourGuide listing shows the price for your date in your own currency.

Is the BBQ served on the ship?

No. The main meal is served ashore at the Colonel’s Homestead. Both boats have a café and bar for drinks and snacks during the crossing.

Is it a buffet?

Yes. You help yourself from a seasonal buffet of grilled meats, seafood, salads, vegetables, vegetarian dishes and desserts.

Is the boat included?

Yes. The return cruise is part of every Gourmet BBQ booking, on the vessel in the option you choose.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, although younger children primarily interested in animals may prefer the Farm Tour. That is a separate experience with animal encounters and tea instead of the full BBQ buffet; see our farm visit guide.

Should I book ahead?

Yes, especially during peak travel periods.

For the wider visit, read our Walter Peak High Country Farm guide, or, if you would rather ride than dine, our Walter Peak Horse Trek guide. Meal format and inclusions checked with RealNZ on 4 October 2026; use the selected booking option for current prices and departure times.