Category Wakatipu Steamer & Lake Cruises

Queenstown · WAKATIPU STEAMER & LAKE CRUISES

The 10 Best Lake Wakatipu Cruises

10 reviewed

Lake Wakatipu is the reason the town has its view, and the water is the calmest way to take it in. Below are the best cruises: the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamer to Walter Peak, short scenic loops, and evening sailings with dinner at the far shore. Choose by how long you want aboard and whether a meal is part of the plan.

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise - The BBQ buffet at Colonel’s Homestead: what you should expect

1.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95Our pick

Cruise Lake Whakatipu to Walter Peak for a wood-fired gourmet BBQ, farm dog and sheep show, plus tea at the woolshed.

“Had a great day out on the TSS Earnslaw. Arrived at 10.30am for 11am boarding and arrived back about 3pm. Onboard had plenty of areas to sit and was able to move around. Was able to see the steam room for the boat which was amazing! We arrived at the farm/station and debarked the boat. Absolutely beautiful spot, with flowers and buildings along the lake. Signage/instructions was poor: no clear area to head to or where to go so everyone just followed each other, but wasn’t a big deal! The food was a BBQ buffet, beautifully cooked with decent variety. We then were given a short period to explore the…”

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Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes) - Following the Route: Queenstown Gardens, Kelvin Heights, and the Remarkables

2.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,462 reviews · from $49Top rated

A 90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise from Queenstown Bay with live captain commentary, heated cabin comfort, and great photo stops along the lake.

“Captain and staff were excellent and courteous, information from captain was both interesting clear and informative mixed with a little humour to brighten up and already sunny day.”

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Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu - Engine room access: watching coal and steam do their job

3.TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,255 reviews · 1h 30m · from $68

Ride Queenstown’s iconic TSS Earnslaw on Lake Whakatipu. See coal-fired engines, explore the ship, and enjoy mountain views.

“nothing to improve. An experience of a lifetime. Awesome, thanks everyone for making it such a wonderful time. I loved every minute. 😁”

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Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise - Walter Peak Farm: the best way to “feel” Central Otago

4.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,196 reviews · from $98

Vintage steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for chef BBQ lunch, sheep herding, and sheep shearing in Queenstown.

“Amazing views of the lake. Great hospitality both on the boat and off. The bbq lunch was fab! Plenty of options. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking! The show at the end was also really spectacular.”

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Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

Queenstown: Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour - Picking Your Vessel: TSS Earnslaw Steamship vs Spirit of Queenstown Catamaran

5.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 950 reviews · 3h 30m · from $80

Cruise Lake Wakatipu and tour Walter Peak High Country Farm in Queenstown. Meet sheep-dogs and alpacas, then enjoy afternoon tea.

“Awesome few hours on the farm - Josh was excellent, and the afternoon tea was great. Highly recommend if you love animals - they’re all absolutely adorable”

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Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure - The TSS Earnslaw steamship crossing: engines, views, and onboard fun

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown - Getting on board at Queenstown’s steamer wharf (without stress)

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise - The 360-Degree Panorama You Actually Get

9.Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 264 reviews · 1h 30m · from $47

90-minute Lake Wakatipu cruise from Queenstown’s main jetty with live captain commentary, 360° views, and a licensed bar.

“our trip was great Troy the skipper was great and done a very good commentary as we went around the lake he got close to shore and stopped the boat and different locations for passengers to take some great photos he also had a lot of interesting information about lake wakatipu .we had come from Perth Ozzy and he told us he was actually from Perth small world overall the boat trip was well worth taking and Troy was a great skipper who really looked after his passengers.cheers William n Kaye Edwin Perth”

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Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise - Cruise Time: TSS Earnslaw Steamship or Spirit of Queenstown