Queenstown is renowned for its stunning scenery and adventurous spirit, but it also boasts some fantastic BBQ experiences that combine great food with breathtaking views. Whether you’re cruising across Lake Whakatipu on a vintage steamship or enjoying a farm show on the shores of Walter Peak, these tours offer a perfect blend of authentic Kiwi cuisine and scenic indulgence. We especially like the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise, which features a delicious buffet and a lively farm dog show—an experience that truly captures Queenstown’s charm.
If you’re after a straightforward, high-rated experience, these tours are worth considering. Each offers a different flavor of Queenstown’s outdoor and culinary delights, from relaxed lake cruises to interactive farm demonstrations. Read on for a detailed look at the best BBQ excursions in Queenstown.
Quick Overview
This list showcases four top BBQ experiences around Queenstown, each with its own appeal. The first two combine scenic lake cruises with gourmet BBQ buffets, offering a seamless mix of sightseeing and feasting. The third adds a shorter, slightly more budget-friendly option with a focus on the farm experience, while the fourth pairs a classic vintage steamship cruise with a chef-prepared BBQ lunch. Find the one that suits your style and schedule.
Now, let’s get into the details of each tour.
1. Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise
At number one, this Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise combines a scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu with a generous gourmet BBQ buffet. Starting with a return cruise aboard your vessel of choice, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged mountains and shimmering water—making the journey part of the experience. Once at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’ll dine lakeside on a buffet made from local and homegrown produce, with meats, salads, and desserts that showcase New Zealand’s best ingredients.
This tour is highly rated at 4.8/5 based on 2,339 reviews, which speaks to its popularity. The farm hosts a dog show demonstrating the skills of working farm dogs—an entertaining highlight for all ages. Plus, you can enjoy morning or afternoon tea at the charming woolshed, adding a touch of rustic elegance. The $87 price includes the cruise, meal, and farm show, making it good value for a full afternoon of activity.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a combination of scenic beauty, hearty food, and farm fun. It’s ideal for those who want everything in one package and love seeing New Zealand’s rural side.
2. Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
For a more intimate experience, the Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet offers a delicious buffet lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. It’s similar in scope to the first but emphasizes the fine dining atmosphere. You’ll cruise across Lake Whakatipu on a modern catamaran, enjoying a licensed bar and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Once ashore, the colonial architecture and sweeping grounds of the farm make for an excellent backdrop for your meal. The buffet features local meats sizzling on the grill, salads, and desserts, with an emphasis on fresh, regional ingredients. The farm demonstration shows are lively and engaging, making this a great choice for families or groups wanting a relaxed, scenic day.
The tour runs for about 3.5 hours and costs $87 per person. Reviews praise the delicious food, stunning scenery, and friendly staff, with one visitor noting: “Outstanding local produce & wine, fabulous staff, fantastic sheep-shearing show.” The mix of gourmet food and scenic cruising makes this ideal for those who want a comfortable, well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for food lovers and those who appreciate a polished, scenic cruise combined with a hearty farm meal.
3. Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet
At number three, this Queenstown Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet offers a half-day outing at a slightly lower price point—about $91. It includes a cruise across Lake Whakatipu, with views of craggy mountains and dense forests. Once at Walter Peak, you’ll enjoy a buffet meal at the Colonel’s Homestead, featuring a range of BBQ treats.
This tour is slightly shorter at around 3 hours 30 minutes and has fewer reviews, but it retains the core experience: relaxing boat ride, scenic environment, and a tasty meal. Reviewers highlight the beautiful setting for photos and the delicious buffet, with one noting, “The meal was fantastic, and the cruise over was so smooth.” It’s a good pick for travelers wanting a more budget-friendly option or fitting the experience into a shorter afternoon.
While it’s less detailed on farm demonstrations, it offers the same authentic Kiwi feel and stunning scenery, making it suitable for those with limited time or looking for a straightforward, enjoyable day.
Bottom Line: This option is best for travelers who want a shorter, budget-friendly cruise with a tasty BBQ and great views.
4. Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise
Finally, the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise offers a classic combination of vintage steamship travel and a chef-prepared BBQ lunch. The iconic TSS Earnslaw steamboat, operating since 1912, takes you across Lake Wakatipu in style. Once at Walter Peak, you’ll enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch featuring local salads, cheeses, and desserts, along with sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations.
Rated 5.0/5 from over 1,000 reviews, this tour is praised for its atmospheric vessel, excellent food, and engaging farm shows. The lunch menu has been updated with seasonal offerings, ensuring freshness and variety. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, with the cruise itself lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes. Its blend of historic charm and culinary excellence makes it a favorite for many visitors.
This experience is ideal for history buffs, foodies, and families who want a well-rounded, immersive tour. The value for money is evident given the quality of the vessel, food, and farm entertainment.
Bottom Line: If you want a timeless Kiwi cruise experience with gourmet food and farm shows, this is the pick.
$90.86 per person
How to Choose Your Best BBQ Experience in Queenstown
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you love historic vessels and detailed farm demonstrations, the Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise should be your top choice. For a more relaxed and intimate experience, the Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet offers excellent scenery and cuisine.
If you’re on a tight schedule or seeking the best value, the shorter tour at number three provides a quick yet memorable taste of Queenstown’s farm and lake scenery. For those wanting a luxurious, full-day experience with a historic steamship and a gourmet meal, the last tour can’t be beat.
In all cases, booking early is recommended during peak seasons. Check the weather forecast—these tours are outdoor adventures, and Queenstown’s weather can change quickly.
Queenstown offers a variety of BBQ experiences that mix scenic travel, hearty local food, and farm charm. Whether you choose a classic steamship cruise with a gourmet lunch or a lively farm demonstration with stunning lake views, each tour promises a memorable taste of New Zealand’s culinary and natural beauty. Pick the one that best matches your style, and enjoy a true Kiwi feast with a view.