Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown

Queenstown’s Walter Peak High Country Farm Dinner & Cruise: A Complete Guide

Imagine cruising across Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship or a sleek modern vessel, then arriving at a charming sheep farm for a hearty buffet dinner and sheepdog demonstrations. That’s exactly what the Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise offers — a blend of scenic travel, delicious food, and authentic farm entertainment that keeps travelers returning.

This experience, costing around $90.86 per person, lasts roughly four hours and is available with either the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship or the more contemporary Spirit of Queenstown. We love how it combines stunning lake views with the chance to see real-life working farms, making it a favorite among visitors seeking a mix of leisure, scenery, and local flavor. One of the things that stands out is the quality of the buffet, often praised as a standout meal in New Zealand, and the farm demonstrations that add a lively touch to the evening.

A small consideration is that if you’re hoping for an intimate experience, the tour can accommodate up to 100 travelers, which makes it lively but still manageable. Also, since most reviews highlight the delicious food and entertainment, it’s well suited for those who enjoy hearty meals, scenic cruises, and family-friendly activities. This tour really shines for travelers wanting a well-rounded, enjoyable evening without too much hassle.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors to Queenstown, those looking for a relaxing yet engaging evening, or anyone wanting to combine scenic travel with a taste of New Zealand’s rural life. Food lovers and folks interested in sheep herding demonstrations will find it especially rewarding. If you’re traveling with family or friends, this is a lively, inclusive activity that’s likely to appeal across generations.

Key Points

• Stunning Lake Views: Cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship or modern vessel, enjoying alpine scenery.
• Hearty Buffet Dinner: Savor a delicious buffet featuring local meats, salads, vegetables, and homemade desserts.
• Farm Demonstrations: Watch sheep shearing and herding shows, adding lively entertainment to the evening.
• Authentic Experience: A perfect blend of scenic travel and farm life, showcasing New Zealand’s rural charm.
• Flexible Vessel Choice: During scheduled maintenance of the TSS Earnslaw, the modern Spirit of Queenstown provides an equally immersive cruise.
• Good Value: For around $90, you get a full evening of food, scenery, and entertainment, making it a worthwhile investment.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Cruise: Vintage Charm or Modern Comfort

Your journey begins at 88 Beach Street in Queenstown, where you choose between the historic TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 coal-powered steamship, or the Spirit of Queenstown—a sleek, modern vessel. We love the nostalgia of the TSS Earnslaw, often described as the “grandest vessel” cruising Lake Wakatipu. Watching the coal being added to the engines or feeling the gentle rocking of the old ship transports you back in time, making the cruise itself a memorable part of the experience.

If you prefer a more contemporary vibe, the Spirit of Queenstown offers a smoother, quieter ride, still providing breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountains and the surrounding landscape. Either way, the cruise lasts about 30-40 minutes and includes live commentary from the skipper, highlighting local points of interest and the history of the vessel. Several reviews mention the stunning scenery, which makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunset cruises.

The Arrival at Walter Peak Farm

Once docked at Walter Peak, the scenery shifts from lakeside to countryside. The farm, with its charming Colonel’s Homestead, feels authentically rustic yet welcoming. Here, you’re invited to settle in for a buffet-style dinner that many reviews describe as “fabulous” and “delicious.” The spread includes a variety of local meats such as lamb and venison, alongside antipasto salads and vegetables. The desserts often receive praise for being homemade and plentiful, with options like cakes and cheeseboard selections.

Dinner and Farm Show Highlights

The farm demonstrations add a lively, educational element to the evening. The sheep shearing and sheepdog herding are crowd-pleasers, with Kim, the sheepdog, impressing everyone with his quick thinking and agility. Guests often comment on the entertaining and informative nature of these shows, with several describing them as “a real bonus” and “highlights” of the night.

Post-dinner, you’re free to purchase drinks at the bar and relax, soaking in the peaceful farm surroundings. Some reviews mention enjoying the lively piano singalong during the return trip, which adds a fun, communal atmosphere.

Practicalities and Tips

Since the experience is cash-free, be prepared to pay with card. Bringing layers is wise, especially if you’re on the Sunset cruise — the open farm show can be chilly. The tour is suitable for most ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and alcohol is only available to those 18 and over.

If your schedule allows, opting for the sunset cruise offers especially spectacular scenery, but be aware that you’ll be returning after dark, so plan your evening accordingly. During scheduled maintenance (from May 19 to October 1, 2025), the vintage steamship is unavailable, but the Spirit of Queenstown operates as a comparable alternative.

Reviews and Authentic Feedback

Many travelers find this tour to be a highlight of their trip. Cherie, for example, called it “the highlight of our trip,” praising the food and farm show, while Richard described the meal as “out of this world good.” Others appreciated the value for money, noting that the buffet was “fabulous,” and the farm demonstrations added a fun, educational twist.

Several reviews emphasize how well-organized and friendly staff make the experience smooth and enjoyable. The scenery, especially during the Sunset cruise, often earns rave reviews, with some describing it as “spectacular.” The friendly atmosphere on the boat and at the farm, combined with the delicious food, makes this tour one of the most memorable in Queenstown.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 4 hours
• Price: $90.86 per person
• Includes: Buffet dinner, lake cruise (vessel of your choice), live commentary, farm show
• Not included: Drinks (available for purchase)
• Meeting Point: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
• Minimum age for alcohol: 18 years
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours in advance
• Group size: Max 100 travelers

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxing evening with fantastic scenery and a hearty meal, this experience hits the mark. It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Queenstown’s natural beauty combined with a lively farm visit. Food lovers will appreciate the fabulous buffet, while families and groups will enjoy the farm demonstrations and the casual, friendly atmosphere.

Those looking for a romantic sunset cruise or a fun family outing will find this tour offers both. It’s also a good option during the TSS Earnslaw’s scheduled maintenance period, as the Spirit of Queenstown maintains the same charm and scenic appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred cruise time and vessel choice.

What’s included in the cost?
The price covers the lake cruise (either vintage steamship or modern vessel), a buffet dinner, live commentary, and the farm show.

Can I buy drinks on board or at the farm?
Drinks are available for purchase at the bar, but the experience itself is cash-free, so card payment is preferred.

What should I wear?
Layers are advisable, especially if you’re on the sunset cruise or during cooler months. The farm can be chilly in the evenings, and the open-air sections of the boat may require warmer clothing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Be mindful that alcohol is only served to those 18 and over.

What’s the best time of day for the cruise?
The sunset cruise offers the most dramatic scenery, but any cruise during daylight hours will provide gorgeous views and better lighting for photos.

What are the main highlights?
Most travelers rave about the stunning lake views, delicious buffet, and sheepdog demonstrations. These elements combine to create a fun and educational experience.

What if the vintage steamship is under maintenance?
The Spirit of Queenstown replaces the TSS Earnslaw during scheduled maintenance, providing a modern but equally scenic cruise.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, Queenstown has several parking options near the meeting point at 88 Beach Street.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a thoughtful mix of scenic cruising, hearty local food, and farm entertainment—a true taste of Queenstown’s rural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind in a gorgeous setting, it delivers on all fronts.

The stunning views of the Remarkables, combined with the delicious buffet and the fun farm demonstrations, make it a well-rounded experience that many travelers describe as a highlight of their trip. Plus, the friendly staff and well-organized setup ensure a smooth, enjoyable evening from start to finish.

If you’re in Queenstown and want an accessible, authentic, and scenic evening activity, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate good food, beautiful scenery, and engaging local culture—all in one comfortable package. It’s a memorable way to end a day exploring New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

In essence, this combination of cruise, food, and farm show offers remarkable value for the price. It’s a great choice for travelers seeking a relaxed, enriching, and uniquely Kiwi experience that captures the essence of Queenstown’s rural charm with a touch of nostalgia.