Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
About This Experience
The steamship on its own — 90 minutes on Lake Whakatipu with no farm stop, and the cheapest way onto the TSS Earnslaw. Built in 1912 and still coal-fired, she is the last working steamship of her kind in the southern hemisphere, which is the reason to take this rather than any other cruise on the lake.
The ship is the attraction, so you are free to move around her. The engine room is open: you stand above the twin steam engines and watch the stokers shovel coal into the fireboxes, which is loud, hot and entirely unlike a modern boat. The wheelhouse and a small museum of historic photographs are open too.
On deck, the captain’s commentary points out what you are looking at — Cecil Peak, Walter Peak Station, the Remarkables — and there is a cafe and licensed bar below if you want a wine while the mountains go past.
If you want the farm and the food as well, the same ship runs combination trips to Walter Peak. This listing is the cruise alone, back at the wharf 90 minutes later.
Highlights
- Sail aboard the historic, coal-powered TSS Earnslaw on a scenic cruise
- Admire spectacular alpine scenery from the vantage point of the lake's waters
- Explore the engine room below decks where stokers feed the roaring coal fire
- Discover a fascinating collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum
- Savor morning or afternoon tea at the charming old woolshed on the farm
What's Included
- ✓ Sightseeing cruise
- ✓ Knowledgeable guide commentary
Not Included
- Food and drinks
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Jacket
- 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 a full refund
- If you require more information on the wheelchair accessibility on the TSS Earnslaw, please do not hesitate to ask
- Parking is not available, please leave your car at your accommodation
- Non-slip shoes are recommended
Meeting Point
Meet at the TSS Earnslaw, berthed alongside Steamer Wharf next to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 1,391 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
was a nice and relaxing cruise, views were stunning
— Charanjit, Septemb
absolutely amazing. Staff were so awesome 👌 fantastic experience
— Leanne, August
Highly recommend if in Queenstown NZ, great experience, well worth the money!
— Mary, July 12
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the TSS Earnslaw cruise?
Ninety minutes return, leaving from and coming back to Steamer Wharf in Queenstown. There is no stop at Walter Peak on this option.
Can I see the engine room?
Yes — it is one of the main reasons to sail her. The engine room is open to passengers and you can watch the stokers feeding coal into the fireboxes while the engines run.
Is food included?
No. There is a cafe and licensed bar on board where snacks, wine and beer can be bought.
How old is the TSS Earnslaw?
She was launched in 1912 and has worked Lake Whakatipu ever since, which makes her the same age as the Titanic and one of very few coal-fired passenger steamships still in regular service anywhere.
Should I book this or a Walter Peak combination trip?
Take this one if the ship itself is what you want and you have 90 minutes. Take a Walter Peak option if you want to land at the farm for a meal, the animals or the sheepdog demonstration.
Other Walter Peak & Lake Whakatipu Trips
Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise
Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour
Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise
Queenstown: Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience
Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise
