From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise at RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, CBD, Queenstown...
From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise
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Visitors rave about the TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise, with many praising the scenic views and historic significance of the steamship. The modern Spirit of Queenstown is also a hit, offering a sleek and comfortable alternative. With a 4.80/5 rating based on 794 reviews, this experience is a must-do for anyone visiting Queenstown.
Choose your experience
TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise
Experience Lake Wakatipu aboard two distinctly different vessels, each offering their own perspective on Queenstown's alpine scenery. The historic TSS Earnslaw steamship provides traditional charm with its visible steam engines, timber lounge, and sing-along sessions around the grand piano. Alternatively, the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran delivers 360-degree views from its open top deck and a smooth, swift crossing of the lake.
Your cruise departs from central Queenstown's Steamer Wharf and showcases panoramic vistas of the Remarkables mountain range throughout the journey. The lake itself holds local intrigue with its unusual rhythmic water movement every 25 minutes, known as the heartbeat of a giant. You can enhance your experience with optional visits to Walter Peak High Country Farm for guided tours, gourmet BBQ meals, or horse trekking across the farm's rolling paddocks.
What is Included
- Lake Wakatipu cruise on TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown
- Live onboard commentary
- Walter Peak Farm tour and afternoon tea (if selected)
- Gourmet BBQ buffet meal at Walter Peak (if selected)
- Sheepdog demonstration (if selected)
- Guided horse trek with gear and small group (if selected)
- Safety helmet and weather gear (for horse trek)
Good to Know
Arrive at Steamer Wharf at least 20 minutes before your sailing time. The Spirit of Queenstown catamaran offers better accessibility than the TSS Earnslaw for passengers with mobility needs. Farm tours involve gravel paths and uneven surfaces which may limit accessibility.
Bring comfortable, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. A cashless payment method is recommended for additional purchases onboard or at Walter Peak. Meals are only included if you select the BBQ meal option with your cruise booking.
If your cruise is cancelled due to severe weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund. The Walter Peak farm experience includes interactions with sheep, Highland cattle, and working farm dogs, plus homemade afternoon tea treats.
For more Queenstown adventures, consider exploring the region's thrilling activities or discovering other scenic lake experiences that showcase the area's dramatic landscape and mountain vistas.
Why you'll love it
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship
- Watch the working steam engines throughout the crossing
- Enjoy sing-along sessions around the grand piano in the timber lounge
- Board the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for 360-degree open-deck views
- Surrounded by Queenstown's dramatic alpine mountain scenery throughout
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Children under 5 years old are not recommended for this experience due to the duration and type of activities. Children between 5-12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
- Know before you go
Arrive 20 minutes before departure for stress-free boarding and ticket checks
Bring cashless payment for onboard or farm purchases
Horse treks suitable for guests over 7 years old, minimum height 1.2m, maximum weight 100kg
Farm tour includes uneven and gravel surfaces; wear sturdy footwear
Cruises run in most weather, but severe weather may lead to cancellations and rescheduling or full refunds
- Visitor guidelines
Lake Wakatipu Cruise Experience
Board either the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship or the sleek Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for a lake adventure departing from central Queenstown. Revel in panoramic vistas, whether inside the classic charm of Earnslaw’s timber lounge or outdoors on the open decks of the modern catamaran. Throughout the voyage, gaze at the iconic Remarkables and the ever-changing views of Queenstown’s dramatic landscape.
What your journey includes
On the TSS Earnslaw, step back in time with visible steam engines and heritage touches, including sing-along sessions around the grand piano.
The Spirit of Queenstown catamaran features 360-degree views from its top deck and a smooth, fast ride across the lake.
Personalise your cruise experience
Walter Peak Farm visit: Extend your adventure with a guided tour at this working high country farm. Learn about sheep and Highland cattle, watch farm dogs at work and interact with local animals. Homemade scones, cakes and sandwiches are served for afternoon tea.
Gourmet BBQ meal: Choose a lunch or dinner barbecue served in the lakeside homestead restaurant. Taste a variety of grilled meats, fresh salads and pastries with unrivaled lake and peak views.
Guided horse trek: Add a horse riding experience across the rolling, open paddocks of Walter Peak farm. An experienced guide leads small groups and provides all safety gear and training.
Onboard and practical details
Arrive at the Steamer Wharf at least 20 minutes before your sailing.
Present your ticket for scanning; there are no ID checks or strict bag inspections but security may review luggage randomly.
A cash-free payment method is advised for extra purchases onboard or at Walter Peak.
Discover Lake Wakatipu
This lake is renowned not only for its alpine setting but also for an unusual rhythmic rise and fall of the water every 25 minutes, known locally as the heartbeat of a giant.
Your return
After a day of sightseeing and tailored experiences, your cruise will bring you back to Queenstown with new perspectives on both the landscape and rural life by the water.
Book your From Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw/Spirit of Queenstown Cruise tickets now!
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
Frequently asked
What is the difference between the TSS Earnslaw and the Spirit of Queenstown?
The TSS Earnslaw is a historic steamship with traditional charm and a visible engine room, while the Spirit of Queenstown is a modern catamaran with an open deck for panoramic sightseeing.
Is the cruise experience accessible for people with mobility needs?
The Spirit of Queenstown is more accessible than the TSS Earnslaw. The farm tour involves gravel paths and some uneven surfaces, so accessibility may be limited.
Are meals included in every ticket?
Meals are included only if you select the BBQ meal option with your cruise. Otherwise, food is not included by default but available for purchase.
What should I bring for the cruise and farm visit?
Bring comfortable, sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing and ensure you have a cashless payment method for extra purchases.
What happens if my cruise is canceled due to weather?
If the cruise is canceled for severe weather, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Where you'll be
RealNZ Visitor Centre 88 Beach Street, CBD, Queenstown..., 88 Beach Street
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