Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise
About This Experience
The catamaran-only farm tour. You cross Lake Whakatipu on the Spirit of Queenstown, meet a rural host at the Walter Peak jetty, and spend your time at the station on the farm rather than in the restaurant.
From the amphitheatre you watch the working dogs bring sheep down off the paddocks — the part of the day almost every review singles out — then walk the farmyard with the host, feeding sheep and deer at the holding pens and meeting the Scottish Highland cattle.
Morning or afternoon tea in the old woolshed closes the visit: scones, cakes and slices, included in the fare. If the timetable leaves room you can walk the lakeside gardens before re-boarding.
Book this option over the vessel-of-your-choice listing when you want the modern boat confirmed in advance — quieter, faster to board, and easier if anyone in your group would rather not manage the steamship’s stairs.
Highlights
- Discover the farming way of life in the New Zealand high country at Walter Peak
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride across Lake Whakatipu aboard modern catamaran
- Watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks
- Visit the holding pens and help feed the sheep and deer on a walking tour of the farm
- Savor morning or afternoon tea at the charming old woolshed on the farm
What's Included
- ✓ Scenic boat ride on Lake Whakatipu
- ✓ Farm tour
- ✓ Sheep shearing demonstration
- ✓ Morning or afternoon tea
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Comfortable clothes
Good to Know & Caveats
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
- Arrive at the departure point 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time
Meeting Point
Board the Spirit of Queenstown at Steamer Wharf, beside the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street. Be there 20 minutes before departure.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.8/5 by 33 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Well worth every cent. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience!
— Abbey, March 2
Excellent experience from the boat to the farm tour to the afternoon tea. Well worth the trip and definitely recommend doing this.
— Tania, March 2
Great day out with the family! Thoroughly enjoyed all of it! The views were breathtaking.
— Casandra, July 24
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sheepdog demonstration guaranteed?
It runs on every scheduled departure as part of the farm tour. Like anything on a working farm it depends on the animals and the weather on the day, but it is a core part of the product, not an extra.
What is included in the tea?
Morning or afternoon tea in the old woolshed — scones, cakes and slices, with tea and coffee. Other food and drinks are available to buy.
Does this include hotel pickup?
No. Make your own way to Steamer Wharf on Beach Street; it is a short walk from central Queenstown.
How much walking is involved?
Not much — a farmyard loop on gravel and grass, mostly flat, at an easy pace. Wear closed shoes you do not mind getting dusty.
Can I upgrade to the BBQ on the day?
No. The buffet sittings are booked and catered in advance. If you want the Colonel's Homestead meal, book one of the BBQ options instead.
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: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
Queenstown: Walter Peak Garden to Table Experience
Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise
