Queenstown Lake Cruise on the Earnslaw
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
Highlighted reviews
I booked this last minute at around 10pm for the next day at 1pm. Everything NZ processed my booking first thing the next morning and confirmed all was in order for our booking. The team is really helpful and immediately responsive on live chat via their website. Super happy and impressed with their service.
The cruise was absolutely amazing
What you can expect
A Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is akin to stepping back in time - the steam-driven vessel dubbed "The Lady of the Lake" provides the venue for a one and a half hour cruise that showcases some of the best of New Zealand's alpine scenery. You'll have ample time to explore the decks and bridge of this historical cruise ship, visit the engine room and view the historical collection of photos in its gallery.
With such facilities on board as a licensed café and bar that serves both a selection of café-style food, beer, wine and spirits, you'll have access to everything you need to enjoy the cruise on these scenic waters in comfort while soaking in the natural majesty that surrounds you in every direction. The cruises depart regularly throughout the day and are suitable for all ages.
Add on a delicious buffet barbecue lunch or dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station. To find out more please click on the following links: Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise or Walter Peak BBQ Dinner & Lake Cruise
Location
What you need to know
- Return cruise on the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw, across Lake Whakatipu
- Access to the open engine room to see the steam engines in action
- Onboard Promenade Café with drinks and snacks available for purchase
- Stunning alpine and lakeside views throughout the journey
- Passengers do not disembark at Walter Peak, this is a cruise only option
- Winter Departure Times
- 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm (Oct - Sep)
- 1 Oct 2026 - 30 Apr 2027
- 9am - 10.30am
- 11am - 12.30pm
- 1pm - 2.30pm
- 3.00pm - 4.30pm
- 5.00pm - 7.00pm
- 7.00pm - 9.00pm
- 9.00pm - 11.00pm
- Allow up to 1.5 hrs
- Cruises depart from the Earnslaw Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown daily at (excluding survey period)
- Please ensure you check-in at least 20 minutes prior to departure
- When does the TSS Earnslaw Steamship go on its annual maintenance period in Queenstown? The TSS Earnslaw Steamship in Queenstown usually goes on its annual survey in May or June each year. During this time a motorised vessel will operate as a substitute.
- Does the TSS Earnlaw Steamship cruise include any time at Walter Peak Farm Station? For the TSS Earnslaw Steamship cruise only option, you do not disembark at Walter Peak and must stay on board the vessel. However, you can add on the Walter Peak Farm Tour or the BBQ Dining option, which allows you to explore Walter Peak Farm.
- Is there access for a pram on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship from Queenstown? There is a ramp on and off the TSS Earnslaw Cruise at Queenstown & Walter Peak, which allows access for prams.
- How long is the TSS Earnslaw Steamship in Queenstown? The cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is 90 minutes return.
- Is there access and facilities for a wheelchair on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship? There is wheel chair access to board the Earnslaw steamship in Queenstown as a ramp is used by all customers getting on and off the boat. You would however have to stay on the one level once on board the boat as there are stairs to get up and down the 3 different levels.
- Is there a bar on board the TSS Earnslaw Steamship in Queenstown? Yes the Earnslaw Steamship does have a fully licensed bar on board, they also serve tea and coffee and some snacks.
- Includes a 1 hr 30 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm
- Child rate is 5 -15 years (4yrs & under are free)
- Please wear non-slip shoes, bring warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen and sunglasses
- We recommend bringing a camera
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
Recent reviews
I booked this last minute at around 10pm for the next day at 1pm. Everything NZ processed my booking first thing the next morning and confirmed all was in order for our booking. The team is really helpful and immediately responsive on live chat via their website. Super happy and impressed with their service.
Nice trip across the lake to the Farmhouse, good views all round. What makes it better the Steamship Earnslaw.
Review for TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining
A trip on the Lake on the Earnslaw is a MUST for all visitors to Queenstown. To experience such an old steamship on a beautiful Lake is 'something else'. We did not include the optional Farm visit and from the comments of some who did we are glad we didn't stop there. They said the stopover was "far too long for what is on offer there".
