Queenstown

15 Best Lake Wakatipu Cruises

The lake crossings compared: the TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 coal-fired steamship still on schedule, scenic ninety-minute loops and the Walter Peak runs that end at a gourmet barbecue on a high-country farm. The steamship is the same age as the Titanic and having a better century.

1.Queenstown: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

Experience scenic lake cruises, a gourmet BBQ, and lively farm demonstrations at Walter Peak in Queenstown—perfect for food lovers and families alike.

Most Popular★ 4.8

“What a lovely steam boat to travel on, TSS Earnslaw. You even can stand on a viewing platform above the guys in the engine room and watch them shovelling coal etc. Beautiful ride. Walter peak ,so pretty English style gardens by venue where you dine.…”

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3.Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

Experience Queenstown’s iconic steamship, TSS Earnslaw, on a scenic Lake Wakatipu cruise. Enjoy historic sights, mountain views, and onboard charm for $67.

★ 4.6

“Great experience on steam powered ferry boat. Beautiful day and well preserved boat. Even see stokers shovelling coal to the boilers. Sorry we didnt do the meal experience as venue is magnificent viewed from ferry deck”

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6.Queenstown: Lake Whakatipu Boat Trip

Discover Queenstown's stunning Lake Whakatipu on a 1.5-hour boat cruise. Enjoy panoramic views, expert commentary, and a relaxed vibe for all ages.

★ 4.7

“This trip to lake Wakatipu was filled with gorgeous stunning scenery! The information shared by the guide about the mountains, the peaks, islands, geography, the flora & birds, was very insightful! Must do in Queenstown.”

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8.Queenstown Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Farm Adventure

Discover Queenstown’s charm with a scenic lake cruise aboard a vintage steamship and a lively farm visit featuring animal encounters, demonstrations, and high tea.

★ 4.5

“This was a great experience! We went with our four year old niece and the entire family loved it. The boat ride over is beautiful and getting to feed and learn about the farm animals is awesome. The afternoon tea is a perfect break to…”

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9.TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown

Experience Queenstown’s beauty aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Enjoy scenic lake views, engine room tours, and a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise.

★ 4.5

“We loved this lake cruise. The staff were outstanding and the onboard cafe had a lot of good choices for snacks and sandwiches. We just wish we could have done the Farm tour!”

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11.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

Experience a thrilling helicopter tour over Queenstown’s glaciers and Mount Aspiring National Park, including a glacier landings and stunning alpine views.

★ 4.9

“fantastic experience, well worth the money. the pilot, Jeremy was excellent, calm and full of local knowledge & fun facts. absolutely great, would thoroughly recommend”

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12.Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience stunning lake views, gentle horse treks, and afternoon tea on this 3.5-hour Queenstown tour combining a scenic cruise and farm adventure.

★ 4.7

“This was so much fun and well worth money. As someone who has ridden for years it’s always been a dream to ride through terrain like this. You definitely don’t need to know how to ride though, it was a nice slow plod. Followed by…”

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14.Queenstown: Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

Experience stunning lake views, a delicious BBQ buffet, and farm demonstrations on this 3.5-hour Queenstown cruise to Walter Peak. Perfect for food lovers and families.

★ 4.8

“Very good, I hope can stay there longer, so I can go mountain climbing or hanging around, and I hope can post the schedule of itinerary, so I can know when to eat and when to shopping, etc…”

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15.Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Tour and Lake Cruise

Discover the scenic Lake Whakatipu cruise, sheepdog show, and farm tour at Walter Peak, offering a genuine taste of New Zealand’s high country life for $76.

★ 4.7

“Lovely boat trip and farm tour. Plenty of blankets on the boat trip to keep warm. Unfortunately the commentary from the skipper was not very easy to hear clearly. Plenty of opportunities to feed the animals on our tour of the farm. Sheep shearing and…”

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More Lake Wakatipu Cruises

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Jet boats, bungy history and Milford Sound up the road.