Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience Queenstown’s Charm: Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise

Imagine cruising across Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, with steam puffing out of its stacks as you drift toward a rustic sheep farm. For roughly 3.5 hours, this tour combines stunning scenery, a hearty gourmet barbecue, and the lively antics of sheepdogs and shearers. Costing about $90.86 per person, it offers a hearty dose of classic New Zealand flavor—literally and figuratively.

Two things we particularly love: First, the timeless charm of the vintage steamship—it’s an atmospheric voyage that feels like stepping back in time. Second, the delicious farm-to-table BBQ, showcasing local produce cooked right in front of you, with a view that’s just as memorable as the food.

One aspect to consider is the schedule: While the tour offers morning or afternoon departures, it’s best to plan ahead if you’re tight on time or want to match other activities. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy scenic cruises, good food, and authentic farm demonstrations—perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to experience a slice of rural Kiwi life with a side of Queenstown’s famous scenery.

Key Points

• Scenic Lake Cruise: Enjoy a vintage steamship ride on Lake Wakatipu, with picturesque views and a chance to experience Kiwi maritime history.
• Farm Show & Sheep Demonstrations: Watch sheep shearing and herding, with lively sheepdogs demonstrating their skills.
• Gourmet BBQ: Savor freshly grilled local meats, salads, vegetables, and desserts, with vegetarian options available.
• Expert Commentary: Live English narration and multilingual handouts provide insight into the farm and region.
• Flexible Schedule: Choose from morning or afternoon departures to suit your plans.
• Great Value: For around $90, you get a memorable cruise, farm experience, and a hearty meal—all in one package.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Queenstown draws travelers for its jaw-dropping scenery, adventure sports, and luxurious lodges, but this tour offers something different: an authentic taste of New Zealand’s pastoral traditions set against a stunning lakeside backdrop. The TSS Earnslaw, built in 1912, is one of the few remaining coal-fired passenger steamships in the world, making the cruise itself a nostalgic highlight—”The boat ride was so smooth,” one traveler noted, “and the scenery around the Lake was breathtaking.”

Once you arrive at Walter Peak, the Colonels Homestead restaurant becomes your vantage point. As you sit outside, the aroma of fresh grill-fired meats fills the air, and the chef’s seasonal menu offers a wide array of options. One guest raved, “The BBQ lunch was AMAZING. So much variety & the food was delicious,” confirming the high quality of the farm-to-table fare.

The farm demonstrations add a lively, educational element. Sheep shearing might seem simple, but it’s surprisingly skillful, and the sheepdog show showcases the talent and agility of New Zealand’s working dogs. Several reviews mention how engaging and informative these shows are—”The farm is quaint and somewhat other worldly,” one visitor said, capturing the sense of stepping into a different world, even if just for a few hours.

The Itinerary in Detail

Lake Wakatipu Cruise

Your journey begins at the Queenstown Visitor Centre, where you’ll board your vessel—either the historic TSS Earnslaw or the modern Spirit of Queenstown if the steamship is undergoing scheduled maintenance (from May to October 2025). The cruise itself takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lakeside homes. Some reviews highlight the “stunning scenery” and appreciate the informative commentary, which adds depth to the experience.

The TSS Earnslaw is an iconic vessel, with a charming Victorian-era ambiance that makes the journey special. Travelers love the atmospheric steam engine sounds and the nostalgic feel, immersing you in New Zealand’s maritime history. If the weather is chilly, don’t worry—blankets are provided, making even a cool day comfortable.

Walter Peak Farm & Lunch

Upon arrival at Walter Peak, the farm shows its true colors. It’s a working sheep station that welcomes visitors with demonstrations, sheep shearing, and sheepdog shows. The Colonels Homestead Restaurant opens its doors for a gourmet BBQ lunch. Here, you’ll find an array of seasonal salads, grilled meats, vegetables, and desserts, all prepared by a skilled chef.

For vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions, the menu has options—just be sure to communicate in advance. One reviewer pointed out, “The food was exquisite. All the meats, veggies, salads, seafood you can eat,” emphasizing the generous, high-quality spread.

Farm Demonstrations

The sheep shearing and sheepdog shows are lively, educational, and often humorous. Visitors enjoy seeing the agility of the sheepdogs, and many find the demonstrations surprisingly engaging—even if they initially thought sheep herding was simple. As one guest said, “The sheep shearer admitted he’s not the fastest,” showing that even the professionals have a sense of humor.

Authenticity and Value

This tour consistently receives glowing reviews, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 from over 1,090 reviews. Many travelers mention how the experience “feels genuinely Kiwi”—from the vintage cruise to the farm show—and appreciate the value for money. At around $90, you get a full lake cruise, a farm demonstration, and a delicious, hearty lunch. Several reviews mention the quality of the food, with one describing the blueberry cheesecake as “the most amazing I’ve ever tasted.”

The multilingual commentary and interpretive handouts in languages such as German, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese make this accessible for international visitors. The well-organized nature of the trip—smooth transitions and friendly staff—further enhances its appeal.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is the scheduling—the scheduled maintenance of the TSS Earnslaw from May to October 2025 means the tour is slightly different during that period, with the modern Spirit of Queenstown vessel replacing the steamship. Also, some travelers felt the tour was “a little rushed,” wishing it lasted longer at the farm or allowed more time to soak in the views.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits families, couples, or groups seeking a blend of scenic beauty, authentic farm life, and delicious food. It’s particularly appealing to those who enjoy historic ships and want a taste of rural New Zealand without venturing far from Queenstown. Adventure travelers looking for adrenaline might prefer other tours, but for those craving relaxed, memorable moments, this hits the mark.

Travelers who enjoy learning about local culture and sampling regional cuisine will find this tour satisfying, especially given the high praise for the quality of the BBQ and farm demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians are well catered for with options on the seasonal menu and can enjoy the farm experience and cruise just as much as meat-eaters. Just notify the provider in advance.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the cruise, farm demonstrations, and lunch.

What is the cost?
The tour is priced at around $90.86 per person, offering good value given the inclusive cruise, farm show, and a full hearty lunch.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic drinks are not included but are available for purchase at the farm or onboard.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise is weather-dependent, but the operator guarantees the trip will go ahead if possible, and blankets are provided for cold days. If weather is severe, check the policy for potential rescheduling.

What vessels are used?
The traditional TSS Earnslaw in good repair, or the Spirit of Queenstown during scheduled maintenance periods, both offering smooth and scenic journeys.

Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less notice means no refund, so plan ahead.

Final thoughts

This tour delivers on its promise of scenic beauty, authentic farm demonstrations, and hearty local cuisine. It’s a well-organized, family-friendly outing that offers a genuine slice of New Zealand’s rural charm, all with a backdrop of some of Queenstown’s most spectacular views. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of a relaxing day on the lake, this experience offers a satisfying balance of entertainment and relaxation.

For those who value well-curated experiences with a touch of nostalgia, this tour is a winner. Its combination of vintage ships, scenic lakeside vistas, and lively farm shows makes it a memorable addition to any Queenstown itinerary. Just be sure to check the schedule, especially during the ship’s maintenance period, and enjoy one of New Zealand’s most authentic and scenic tours.