Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

Name: Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 82.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.81 (1107 reviews)

4.8 (1,107 verified reviews)

A young family reaching through a rail to touch Scottish Highland cattle at Walter Peak High Country Farm

The TSS Earnslaw under steam on a still Lake Whakatipu, mountains fading into mist behind her

A family standing on the Walter Peak foreshore watching the steamship approach across the lake

A tray of afternoon-tea savouries, cupcakes and small tarts served at Walter Peak

Scones, slices and preserves laid out with flowers for morning tea in the woolshed

About This Experience

The farm half of Walter Peak without the BBQ. You cross Lake Whakatipu on the vessel of your choice, spend your time at the station on a guided farm tour rather than in the dining room, and take morning or afternoon tea in the old woolshed before heading back.

It is the better-value way to see Walter Peak if the working farm is what you actually came for. A rural host walks the group through the farmyard and the holding pens, and the animals — sheep, red deer, alpacas and Scottish Highland cattle — are close enough to feed rather than photograph from a fence.

The demonstrations are the anchor: working dogs bringing sheep down off the paddocks into the amphitheatre, and a shearing display that explains what the wool clip actually involves. Both are short, both are genuinely done rather than staged for the boat.

Tea in the woolshed is scones, cakes and slices, and it is included. The whole trip runs three and a half hours with daily departures, which makes it an easy half-day around other Queenstown plans.

Highlights

Scenic lake cruise across Lake Whakatipu on vessel of your choice
Guided farm tour at Walter Peak High Country Farm with a warm rural welcome
Live farming demonstrations showcasing authentic Kiwi farm life
Freshly baked afternoon tea served in peaceful farm surroundings
Meet friendly animals like sheep, alpacas, highland cows, and farm dogs

What's Included

✓ Round-trip cruise across Lake Whakatipu on vessel of your choice
✓ Morning or afternoon tea
✓ Walter Peak Farm tour
✓ Nature guide

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Camera
Sunscreen
Weather-appropriate clothing

Good to Know & Caveats

Cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
If you require more information on the wheelchair accessibility both on vessels and Walter Peak farm, please do not hesitate to ask
Non-slip shoes are recommended
Parking is not available, please leave your car at your accommodation or in a Queenstown CBD carpark

Meeting Point

Board at Steamer Wharf beside the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street. The berth depends on whether you booked the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown — your voucher names it. Arrive 30 minutes early.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.8/5 by 1,107 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

The piano performance was fantastic!! I enjoyed a lot, but I wish I could see the sheep shearing.
— Hisayo, Septemb

All round Great farm tour, shearing/dog show and afternoon tea. Our kids had a great day out. The boat cruise over is an added bonus on an amazing old boat with great views around the lake.
— Nathan, August

Great trip on the old steam boat to the farm. Beautiful view and lovely high tea and the lady performing the show with dog was brilliant. Credit to the girls that did the guided walk and show as they made it worth every second.
— Rebecca, August

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between this and the BBQ cruise?

This is the farm tour with morning or afternoon tea in the woolshed. The BBQ cruise replaces the tea with a full wood-fired buffet at the Colonel's Homestead and costs more. Both cross the same lake and both include the farm demonstration.

Do I get to choose the boat?

Yes — the booking options cover both the 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship and the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. Choose before you pay.

Can I feed the animals?

Yes. The walking tour visits the holding pens where you can help feed sheep and deer, and get close to the Highland cattle.

Is there parking at the wharf?

No. Leave your car at your accommodation or in a Queenstown CBD car park and walk down to Steamer Wharf.

Is the farm tour suitable for wheelchairs?

Parts of it are, but the farmyard is a working surface with gravel and slopes. Ask RealNZ before booking — they will tell you honestly what your party can and cannot reach on both the vessel and the farm.