TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm Queenstown -
New Zealand
Relive the elegance of
turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise from Queenstown aboard
the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger
carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere.
Affectionately known as the
“Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the
hearts of Queenstown people. She has been transporting goods to
remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake
Wakatipu since 1912. What better way to view the magnificent
scenery than by taking a cruise a board the TSS Earnslaw.
Walter Peak High Country Farm,
on the western shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, provides
visitors with the opportunity to relax and experience New Zealand
high country life. Upon arrival at Walter Peak join a farm or
heritage excursion. Alternatively, saddle up for a horse trek
across the stunning countryside or enjoy a delectable barbecue
lunch or evening dining in the Colonel’s Homestead. All Walter
Peak excursions include a cruise on the vintage steamship TSS
Earnslaw.
THE TSS EARNSLAW WILL BE ON SURVEY LATE MAY – EARLY JULY AND
DURING THIS PERIOD A LAUNCH WILL SUBSTITUTE FOR THE TSS
EARNSLAW.
Walter Peak Farm Tour
Disembark from your TSS Earnslaw cruise to a warm
kiwi welcome!
Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a
walking tour of the farmyard. You can help feed the sheep and get
close to the red deer and Scottish Highland cattle.
Watch the sheep dogs in action rounding up a mob of
ewes, watch a sheep being shorn and maybe try your hand at
spinning wool.
Then stroll through the lakeside gardens to the
charming Colonel’s Homestead for a traditional high country
morning or afternoon tea.
Scrumptious morning or afternoon tea provided
(scones, pikelets, tea/coffee/fruit juice)
Barbecue lunch option (at extra cost)
Duration 3hrs 30mins
Suitable for all ages
Walter Peak Evening Dining
An evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw followed by
dining at the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak is the perfect
way to end an action packed day in and around Queenstown.
Enjoy high country hospitality and a carvery style
buffet, featuring the best of local and New Zealand meats and
seafood, along with fresh vegetables and garden salads. You wll
find the desserts hard to resist, especially the creamy pavlova!
An entertaining after dinner farm show provides a
glimpse into high country farming life.
Then on your return cruise to Queenstown on the TSS
Earnslaw, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along
with the ship's pianist.
Duration 4 hours
Suitable for all ages
Heritage tour (seasonal)
Gain an insight into Queenstown’s unique heritage
with this fascinating excursion.
Highlights include a guided tour of the TSS
Earnslaw with our on board historian and a visit to the Colonel’s
Homestead and gardens at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Learn about pioneering life as you view the
photographs of early farming families and memorabilia from the
steamship’s early cargo carrying days.
Indulge in a central Otago wine and cheese tasting,
plus an antipasto platter on the lakeside terrace.
Then stroll around the farmyard or simply relax in
the gorgeous surrounds over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or rich
Pinot Noir before cruising back across beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Duration 3hrs 30mins
Suitable for all ages
Horse Trek (seasonal)
At Walter Peak High Country Farm disembark from the
steamship TSS Earnslaw and join a guided horse trek.
Following your TSS Earnslaw cruise, join a guided
horse trek with a local horseman at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Your experienced guide will take you across rolling farm terraces
to an outlook with spectacular views of the Wakatipu scenery. Your
horse trek takes around 40 minutes and is followed by morning or
afternoon tea.
Safety helmets and wet weather clothing are
provided
Suitable for inexperienced riders (40 mins trek)
Suitable for children 8 years and over (40 mins
trek)
Duration 3 hours 30 mins
Walter Peak Guided Cycling (seasonal)
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on board the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship to
Walter Peak and then join our small group guided cycling tour. On arrival you
will be met by an experienced guide and then driven by van to Mavora Lakes where
your cycling adventure begins.
Cycle along a quiet country road through beautiful tussock high country and
enjoy stunning views of the Von River, surrounding mountains and snow covered
Mount Earnslaw at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Cyclists are accompanied by a van
with cycle trailer enabling them to cycle as little or as much as they choose.
Along the way visit Pretty Hut and Old Nic (traditional musterers’ huts) and
learn about the neighbouring high country sheep and cattle stations. On arrival
back at Walter Peak visit the Colonel’s Homestead before boarding the TSS
Earnslaw for the return cruise back to Queenstown.
Group size limited to 9 per guide
Picnic lunch, hot drinks and afternoon tea included
3 - 4 hours leisurely cycling (15-35 kms depending on fitness)
Quiet back country road through mostly gently rolling terrain
Moderate fitness required
Suitable for children 10 years and over
We supply:
- Good quality mountain bikes and safety helmets
- Picnic lunch, afternoon tea and hot drinks
What to bring:
Day pack, drink/snacks, walking shoes, waterproof jacket, warm sweater/fleece
jacket, suncream/sunglasses/sunhat, insect repellent and camera
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