tss earnslaw cruise prices

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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

Take a scenic cruise of Lake Whakatipu from Queenstown on board the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw.

There is plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge, view the engine room or sit back and relax while enjoying food and a drink from the Promenade Cafe (extra cost). The TSS Earnslaw makes several daily trips across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

• Duration: 1hr 30 mins
• Departures: daily, all year*
• Visit the Fo'c'sle Gallery
• Watch the giant steam engines at work 
• Drinks & food available from the Promenade Cafe

*The TSS will undergo annual maintenance from 3 June - 28 June 2024- and will not be operating during this time.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf,

88 Beach Street

Queenstown, 9300

• Valid until 30 September 2024.
• Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Months of Operation: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
• Group Capacity: 0

TSS Earnslaw Cruise Queenstown: Worth it or Not? (2024)

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

When visiting Queenstown, I heard a lot about the TSS Earnslaw cruise as one of the most popular tourist activities in Queenstown. Many blogs and even local friends talked it up, but at first, it seemed a bit too touristy to me. I wasn’t sure if it was just hype, or if the Earnslaw lunch/dinner cruise truly was something worth doing. 

The TSS Earnslaw is an old steamship built in the early 1900s that still operates on coal with its original (renovated) machinery, which you can view on the boat. The cruise enables you to see spectacular views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and experience a meal on a farm across the lake if you choose.

Traveling on a reunion trip with my parents at the time, they decided they wanted to try the TSS Earnslaw cruise. As we had other plans in the morning, we opted for the dinner/evening cruise (although 5 pm in the summer is hardly the evening; it’s the middle of the afternoon with a 9:30-10 pm sunset time)!

We lined up with dozens of other tourists to get on the ship and set off on the evening dinner cruise. And now I’m going to tell you ALL my honest opinions about it! But first a few FAQ’s:

TSS Earnslaw Queenstown FAQ

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise goes to the Walter Peak Station, a sheep station across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. Those who booked a buffet meal will disembark here and those who did not will cruise back to the city.

YES there is a bar and cafe on the TSS earnslaw! You can begin buying drinks as soon as you get onboard, and there are snacks too. Expect an average of $15 for basic alcoholic drinks. But don’t fill up too quickly if you have booked a dinner cruise because the buffet is top-notch.

A simple cruise is $80, a Farm Tour + Afternoon Tea Cruise is $130, a Lunch buffet + Cruise is $145, and a dinner buffet + cruise is $165. The dinner cruise is pricier because it includes seafood!

TSS Earnslaw Cruise Options

If you are looking up options for the TSS Earnslaw cruise and are confused about the options, I’ll help clear that up for you as simply as possible.

There are four options: a 90-minute cruise, a farm tour cruise, a lunch cruise, and a dinner cruise. These all happen mostly simultaneously. The boat takes 45 minutes to get to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where ‘cruise + meal/tour’ people get off for their meal or tour, and ‘cruise only’ people stay on the ship and head back to Queenstown. When the boat gets back with the next cruise, meal/tour people get back on, etc.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise Only

Price: $99NZD

Timings: 11am (not always), 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, (seasonal) 7pm

Length: 90 minutes

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise

If you book the cruise only, it is the cheapest option where you will be able to sail beautiful Lake Wakatipu and get unique and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can get snacks and drinks at the bar and enjoy viewing the steamship machinery.

You will, however, not be able to disembark the boat across the Lake and miss out on local meals and farm experiences at the Walter Peak Station.

TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour + Afternoon Tea

Price: $145NZD

Timings: 1pm, 3pm

Length: 3.5 Hours

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Farm Experience + Tea

The next cheapest option is great for families with kids or those who are curious about the workings of a farm and not too excited about a buffet.

The TSS Earnslaw cruise, farm experience, and afternoon tea includes all the great views of the cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm and back, as well as a tour of the farm and a lighter afternoon/morning tea with pastries and hot drinks.

The farm tour allows you into parts of the farm that others don’t access, where you can feed cows and sheep and also see the farm show demonstration, including shearing a sheep and sheepdog herding.

TSS Earnslaw Lunch Cruise

Price: $175 NZD

Timings : 11am, 1pm

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise + Lunch BBQ

The TSS Earnslaw lunch cruise includes all the fabulous views and commentary on the boat cruise as well as a massive, incredible and varied BBQ lunch buffet at Walter Peak Station and a farm show.

The BBQ lunch includes lots of local meats, charcuterie, salads, warm dishes, desserts, and more – the only thing it does not include, which the dinner cruise does, is seafood. Drinks are available for purchase. The farm show will show guests how a large sheep station works and demonstrate sheep shearing and sheepdog herding.

TSS Earnslaw Evening/Dinner Cruise

Price: $189NZD

Timings: 5pm, (seasonal/day dependent) 7pm

Length: 4 hours

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise + Dinner Buffet

The TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise + BBQ Buffet also includes the wonderful lake and mountain views from the steamship as well as one of the most amazing buffets I (and many people I speak to) have had!

The dinner buffet includes everything from the lunch buffet as well as seafood – which is why it’s a tad more expensive. You can expect local/farm raised chicken, pork, lamb, locally caught fish, mussels, clams, prawns, smoked salmon, and tons of salad, charcuteria, veggie, and warm sides options.

The desserts are extensive and drinks are available for purchase. This tour also includes a farm show demonstrating sheep shearing, sheep dog herding and training, and more.

Here is my video recap below of our experience on the TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise! There’s even a comment from the coal shoveler saying that he does indeed love his job (no joke):

@kimmconn TSS Earnslaw Queenstown steamship tour: worth it?? Here’s what go expect in the tss Earnslaw cruise and dinner buffet (with seafood) and farm show too 🙂 one of the best things to do in Queenstown! #tssearnslaw #earnslaw #queenstown #nz #nztiktok #newzealand #tiktoktravel #travelvlog #fyp #cruise #buffet #dinner #view ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise Review: Is it Worth it?

So, as I mentioned, we did the dinner cruise, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when we stepped onto the ship, it was like stepping back in time. It was definitely crowded, which put me off at first, but after walking around the boat a bit and feeling the breeze in my face and the UNBELIEVABLE views, it was honestly really cool.

I was shocked to see the viewing platform inside the ship where you can stand over all the incredibly complicated and old steamship machinery still working the same way it did when it was built in 1912.

There are even a few men shoveling coal into various furnaces (apparently they are paid well – as they should be!) and watching all the cogs turning was unlike anything I have seen before. It sure was hot in there, but seeing this was a unique experience by itself.

I couldn’t really hear much of the commentary on the boat due to the noise from the ship, but I think there were places where it was more audible. There is also a museum-type section on one floor where you can see old photos of the Earnslaw from when it carried sheep and cargo.

Walter Peak High Country Farm Buffet Dinner Review

After arriving at Walter Peak Station (which also has a fascinating history ) for the buffet, we easily got our table number and sat down. I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever forget that view; the gardens at the station are remarkable and colorful and the view of the lake is breathtaking. It truly is a beautiful place worth visiting.

And let’s just say that this buffet was truly one of the best of my life – and I’ve been to Vegas 😉 Honestly though, the food here was so fresh, and you could tell all the meat and fish was recently caught. The cheese board supplies were so extensive it almost made me anxious that I could only choose a little bit of everything if I still wanted to eat other warm sides and meats (haha, I love cheese a lot).

Warm sides included a vegan mac and cheese, flavorful baked veggies, delicious broccoli and feta dish, potato bake, and more, and there were 5+ kinds of salads next to smoked salmon, mussels, clams, huge prawns, and local chicken, lamb, pork, fish, and more.

Walter Peak Station Farm Show

I got a little bit delayed to the farm show because I was taking artsy pictures in the garden, but I arrived at the end of the sheep shearing (which is fine because I have actually spent a day shearing sheep in Western Australia , lol).

How the farm show works is this. There’s a small stage with retractable shades and a little amphitheater where one of the farmers fills you in on the history of Walter Peak High Country Farm and demonstrates a few things. He lets you know how a big station like this functions and how they maintain it, and how they have done so through history.

He demonstrates the shearing of a sheep and explains how the wool business works. He then gets into a big demonstration about sheep and cattle dogs, how the whole industry works, what the dogs are like, and some stories. He will then let the dog (who is onstage the whole time just raring to go and chase some sheep) go off into the paddock and herd some sheep into the smaller field.

If you have never seen anything like this before, it will surely be fascinating and a true NZ experience ass much of this country functions on farming. I had never seen a sheepdog at work before, and I thought it was the most incredible thing.

Is the TSS Earnslaw Worth it?

My verdict is that I would indeed travel to Queenstown to eat this meal and see these views again. Is the TSS Earnslaw worth the hype? In my opinion, they have created an incredible product, and while still touristy, it is popular for a good reason, and it exceeded everyone’s expectations. So, YES, it’s worth the hype (and worth upgrading to the dinner cruise to try the seafood).

HOWEVER – and this is a BIG HOWEVER – I would not do the cruise only without a meal. While the views were great from the boat, I think the most spectacular part of the evening was eating the delectable meal and enjoying a local wine while strolling through the prolific colorful flowers and manicured gardens (and I’m not even a garden person normally). The whole setting with the gardens, mountain view, lake, food, and ship was the best part for me.

So if you’re going to spend money on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise anyway, spend a bit more for one of the most memorable meals ever. We booked the dinner cruise on Viator and it was a simple and easy process.

TSS Earnslaw History

Now that we’ve gotten my review and specific info out of the way, why is this old steamship here in the first place? The TSS Earnslaw is actually one of the oldest remaining/still running coal-fired steamships on the planet.

The ship was built in Dunedin, NZ, and transported to Lake Wakatipu in parts, reassembled on the lake, and has been there ever since. The TSS Earnslaw’s function was to transport people, cargo, and stock around different parts of the Lake (mostly farms/stations) that were not reachable as there were no roads.

However, with the construction of roads, these steamships became obsolete. That is until a travel company purchased the Earnslaw and renovated her into the tourist vessel that you see today. Read more about the Earnslaw’s history, fun facts, and even celebrities who have cruised on her here.

Who Should Book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise?

At first, I thought that this kind of cruise would be the best for older people/boomers, which is what I assumed the target audience was. But after going on the cruise, I realized that it’s a great activity for pretty much anyone.

This activity is, of course, great for older people or those with limited mobility, as there isn’t too much moving that needs to be done. The cruise is especially great for families as the farm animals and gardens may excite children, and the food is good for all ages. It would even be great for a romantic trip and date evening to impress your significant other.

I am unsure if I would have booked this solo (as I travel solo often), but I am sure the restaurant would place you somewhere along a bar or at a smaller table where you can still enjoy the views. Solo travelers could easily move around the ship, find places to sit, and enjoy the gardens and farm show alone.

This was also great for groups, and on my evening, there were big groups sitting at longer tables inside celebrating different kind of events.

More on Queenstown

This is a great tour in Queenstown, but if you choose one tour to do, make it a day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown . Trust me!

Also read this if you take the ferry from Picton to Wellington.

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TSS Earnslaw Cruises to Walter Peak Farm Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises on Lake Wakatipu

Enjoy Queenstown's stunning alpine beauty aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw

A 45-minute sail over Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw kicks off and caps out this half-day excursion. You are welcome to explore the ship at your leisure; the great steamship is essentially a floating museum dedicated to its history. 

The engine room of the TSS. Earnslaw is a fascinating place to see how our hardworking coal-stokers keep this beautiful lady of the lake gliding across the waters of Lake Wakatipu. 

The farm demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Station is interesting for the whole family, and you can spend a few hours there sampling their delicious cuisine. Various salads, veggies, and exquisite locally sourced meats cooked on the outside rotisserie or barbeque make up the BBQ buffet. A variety of desserts, including fresh bread and cheese, are available.

The Colonel’s Homestead atop Walter Peak in Queenstown is a beautiful site to spend a sunny day as it looks out over Lake Wakatipu and the breathtaking alpine beauty of Queenstown. The colonial-style building and expansive gardens are reminiscent of a more refined time. Wander the beautiful gardens that have won awards and meet the creatures who make the station home. 

Cruises on the TSS Earnslaw leave on a daily basis. You may select between a cruise and a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek excursion, guided cycling ride, BBQ lunch, or evening dinner.

We're passionate about sharing this stunning part of New Zealand with the world.

Which is why we've developed a range of experiences for you to choose from , tss earnslaw vintage steamship cruises.

Price:  Adults: $99 pp – Children $49 Duration: 1 hour 30 mins Departs: 12:oo pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Take in the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown on a voyage across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamer launched in 1912.

The leisurely 90-minute voyage around the lake takes in some of Queenstown’s most beautiful alpine scenery while providing ample opportunity to discover a bit of Queenstown’s living history.

You may tour the engine room and observe the massive steam engines in action, peruse our mini-collection museum’s of historical photographs, inspect the bridge, or even join in on a sing-along with the pianist.

Alternatively, you may relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, as well as café-style fare, at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.

Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours 

At Queenstown’s Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western banks of Lake Wakatipu, visitors may experience New Zealand’s farming lifestyle.

The farm is an ideal location to spend a few relaxed hours and get a taste of High Country farming life.

The first visit is to observe farm dogs gathering up sheep in hill paddocks and to witness a farmer shear a sheep. Our rural demonstration will next lead you on a walking tour of the farmyard, where you can assist in feeding the alpaca, sheep, and deer, as well as get up up and personal with the Scottish Highland Cattle.

Enjoy a freshly baked afternoon tea following a stroll through the lakefront gardens. After that, you’ll board the TSS Earnslaw for the return trip to Queenstown.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

Enjoy a classic steamer lake trip, a delicious BBQ lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, plus a farm demonstration following the meal.

Lunch begins with a journey across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Once there, you may relax on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and inhale the delectable scents emanating from our chef’s grilling of the freshest local ingredients.

• Gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant
• Enjoy lakeside dining at Walter Peak High Country Farm, away from the bustle of Queenstown
• Includes the return scenic cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
• Be entertained by the farm demonstration, see the farm dogs at work 

Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

Supper with a twist — a classic steamship lake cruise followed by a delicious BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, followed by a farm demonstration and opportunity to browse the gift store.

Relax in the unique atmosphere of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, located in the heart of Walter Peak’s majestic homestead.

Here, you’ll experience a Gourmet BBQ supper including an abundance of New Zealand and local cuisine, from exquisite grilled meats to a variety of delectable veggies and salads. Then indulge in our delectable desserts, New Zealand cheeses, and freshly made tea and coffee to round out your meal.

On your return night voyage, you may enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist or take in the fresh night air on the moonlight decks as the lights of Queenstown approach.

Walter Peak Horse Treks

Enjoy Queenstown’s stunning scenery on a lake cruise on board the TSS Earnslaw, then a relaxing horse trek at Walter Peak and return to the farm for morning/afternoon tea.

This 40 minute trek takes you across beautiful rolling terraces to a lookout with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The riding is easy, picturesque and suitable for even first-time riders.

There’s time to explore the glorious gardens and farmyard before heading back to Queenstown.

Tours to Milford & Doubtful Sound

Real Journeys also provide a coach and cruise tours to Milford Sound, Combine a cruise (day or overnight) on Milford Sound with a drive through spectacular alpine roads in our luxury coaches.    MORE INFORMATION.

Coach tours to Doubtful Sound.  Let us take you to Manapouri to join your Doubtful Sound cruise (day or overnight) onboard one of our coaches. MORE INFORMATION.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship.

       Return to Queenstown Page 

Booking for TSS Earnslaw Cruises to Walter Peak Farm Queenstown

• TSS Earnslaw

Things To Do

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.

View the magnificent scenery of Queenstown by taking a cruise and as you relax on board enjoy delicious cafe style food or a drink from the bar.

PO Box 94, Steamer Wharf Queenstown, New Zealand

Freephone 0800 65 65 03 (within NZ) Tel +64 3 442 7500 Fax +64 3 442 7504

Web: www.realjourneys.co.nz

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• Lake Cruises Tss Earnslaw Steamship & Walter Peak Farm Tour

Lake Cruises - TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

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Earnslaw Lake Cruise & Guided Farm Tour

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• Historic 1912 TSS Earnslaw Steamship
• Cruise on Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu
• Farm tour at Walter Peak station
• Delicious homemade afternoon tea

Description

The grand old TSS Earnslaw, which has earned the affectionate nickname of the ‘Lady of the Lake’, is a favourite amongst the people of Queenstown. Since 1912, the vessel has been sending goods to inaccessible settlements and carrying passengers on the lovely Lake Wakatipu. Taking a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw enables you to view breathtaking scenery from the decks of a wonderful vintage steamship.

Soak in the nostalgic atmosphere as you board the steamship, catch sight of stokers adding fuel to the fireboxes and listen to the puffing of the steam engines. In between gasping at stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, you will have ample time to tour the bridge and decks of the TSS Earnslaw, visit the engine room and view displays on history in the Gallery. You might even like to join a singalong session accompanied by the TSS Earnslaw’s resident pianist.

This cruise includes a stop at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will disembark and experience an iconic New Zealand farming tour – relax and get to know the farm animals with this interactive guided tour. First, you will experience a demonstration of working sheepdogs rounding up the sheep, which you will then the farmer sheer the sheep and tell you about the wool industry. You will have plenty of time cruising around the farm, visiting the animal holding pens, feeding the sheep and deer and don’t forget to stop in to visit the Scottish Highland Cow! After you’ve spent time wandering through the farmland, visit the pristine lakeside garden and stop in for some morning or afternoon tea served in the old woolshed.

Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise Add on a delicious barbecue lunch at Walter Peak High Country Station. To find out more please click on the following link: Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise .

Trip Includes

• Return cruise onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to/from Walter Peak High Country Farm
• Guided walking tour of the farmyard to view and feed sheep, deer, cattle, and alpacas
• Demonstrations of sheepdogs working and sheep shearing
• Enjoy a morning or afternoon tea including scones, cakes, and slices freshly baked at the farm
• Allow 4 hours
• 9:00am, 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm
• Departs from the Steamer Wharf on Queenstown's lakefront
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• The tour is suitable for all ages – children love watching the dogs at work!
• A licensed cafe on board the TSS Earnslaw provides great refreshments
• There’s time to relax in the lakeside gardens, in the sunny courtyards, or peruse the gift shop for a memorable take home souvenir
• Child rate is 5 -15 years (4yrs & under are free)
• Please wear non-slip shoes, bring warm clothing/jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses 
• We recommend bringing a camera 

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$145.00
• Child (5-15yrs): NZD$65.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

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Reviewed 20-Apr-2024

Amazing, Beautiful old ship. Family really enjoyed the whole experience A+

A+ Great day! awesome farm visit.

Reviewed 31-Mar-2024

Easy to book, great price, fantastic experience.

The boat ride and farm experience were fantastic. The whole process was relaxing and organised. We learnt a lot and got to experience the lovely Walter Peak Farm as well as the boat. I think the farm is a must add on if going on the boat. It was beautiful there and you get up close to the animals. All the staff were lovely and the morning tea was nice.

Reviewed 28-Mar-2024

I booked the tickets after their operating hours but was able to obtained the e-tickets first thing in the morning. Good job,

Quick response and very professional

Reviewed 22-Mar-2024

Excellent staff, all on time and a terrific farm tour with Phillip

Great to see an iconic steam ship maintained and available to all plus Walters Peak far/homestead is excellent

Reviewed 09-Jan-2024

They always have service agents helping u with bookings, preparation for upcoming tours and refunding just in the case that is necessary. Fair.

Nimble services😊😊😊😊😊

Reviewed 05-Sep-2023

Helpful and friendly staff. Great experience, splendid views.

Great value for money. Lovely afternoon tea.

Reviewed 08-Jan-2022

Latest Questions about Lake Cruises - TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

I was wondering does it include an afternoon tea or do I have to pay extra? if I join the buffet lunch can I also watch the farm show

Thanks so much for your enquiry regarding the TSS Eanslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour in Queenstown. Included is a guided walking tour of the farm, farming demonstrations, as well as afternoon tea (freshly baked at the farm). If you would like to choose the Walter Peak Cruise & BBQ Lunch instead, this also includes a farm demonstration at Walter Peak where you can see the farm dogs at work.

Comment by: ETG on 28th Dec 21 at 15:53

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TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Lake Cruises.

Behind the scenes: TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Survey

TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street , Central Queenstown , New Zealand .

Scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu aboard vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Delicious food, explore decks, view engine room and historic displays.

Pricing and Conditions

Café-style food and drinks are available for purchase from the Promenade Café on board the TSS Earnslaw.

Prices valid until 30 September 2024 and are per person based on a TSS Earnslaw Cruise departing Queenstown. TSS Earnslaw will undergo annual maintenance from 20 May to 30 June 2024.

If cancelling or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification 24 hours prior to departure.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Watch the stokers fuel the fireboxes, feel the heat from the boilers and hear the steam engines working as "the Lady of the Lake" takes you across beautiful Lake Whakatipu. As you relax onboard enjoy a delicious meal or snack from the Promenade Café or a drink from the bar. There is plenty of time to explore the ship while taking in the breathtaking alpine views. See our website for departures, prices, full cruise details and other great Queenstown and Fiordland excursions.

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The content on this page was created by TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

Save 30% on Doubtful Sound overnight cruises this September. Learn more .

Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience the wonders of Lake Whakatipu aboard our modern catamaran. Aboard the Queenstown Lake Cruise, you will discover mountains, forests, and hidden coves as our skipper shares tales of the lake's history. Admire Bob's Cove, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps during our 1 hour and 30-minute cruise. Whether with family, friends, or a special someone, join us to uncover Queenstown's natural beauty. Relax onboard with our café and bar. 

What you will experience:

• Enjoy a 1 hour 30-minute cruise on Lake Whakatipu

Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends

• Sit back, relax and discover the special landscapes of Queenstown
• Onboard café and bar: upgrade your experience by adding a cheese or charcuterie board
• Learn the history and highlights of Lake Whakatipu from your skipper’s commentary
• Pause at Bob’s Cove turquoise water and native bush
• Enjoy the scenes towards Glenorchy , Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps
• Cruise from $59 per adult

Take stunning photos on our open-top deck

Secluded bays, historic landmarks and mountain views

Hot and cold beverages and snacks available

More Information

Departure location.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.

What to bring

• Shoes/boots (non-slip)
• Warm clothing/jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please  contact us directly.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a climate with four distinct seasons however, being located in an alpine environment means the weather can be changeable. A guide for the temperatures you can expect is as follows:  summer  (December-February) 19-29 Celsius, autumn  (March-May) 15-25 Celsius,  winter  (June-August) 5-10 Celsius,  spring  (September-November) 9-15 Celsius.

Where is the car parking in Queenstown?

Please allow an additional 30 minutes to find parking for your vehicle prior to your check in time.  

There is limited free street parking available in the streets surrounding central Queenstown. There is paid parking available in the Man Street and Church Street parking buildings plus pay and display parking at the Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks.

Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks are suitable for motorhomes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk to the RealNZ office from there.

How long does it take to travel to Queenstown?

Queenstown is around a 2.5 hour drive from Te Anau or around 1hr 15 minutes from Wanaka. For more travel locations please refer to our Driving Times webpage.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if my travel is disrupted by COVID-19?

If your travel plans are disrupted by COVID-19, our standard cancellation policy applies. This includes flexible cancellation options designed to accommodate unexpected changes. To ensure you are fully covered for any unforeseen circumstances, we strongly encourage you to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can help cover any costs incurred from having to cancel or reschedule your trip due to COVID-19, giving you peace of mind.

For more details on our cancellation policy and the specific terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms and conditions page or contact our customer service team.

Accepted Payment Methods

Please note that the TSS Earnslaw, the Spirit of Queenstown, and Walter Peak are cashless and we reserve the right to refuse cash as a means of payment when purchasing products or services at these locations.

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The Top 12 Things to Do in Omsk

Feel the love in the very heart of Russia

In Russia, all roads lead to Moscow , on account of the city's status as the national capital and its importance throughout history. If geography were the deciding factor, however, the Siberian city of Omsk would be the point where all Russia's roads converge—it's located literally in the heart of the country, approximately as far from Vladivostok as it is from the Belarusian border. Omsk boasts a spate of exciting attractions, even if you simply make a stop here as you ride the Trans-Siberian Railway eastward or westward.

Marvel at Assumption Cathedral

Chelsea Hicks/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

Orthodox architecture never gets old, even if you've been traveling in Russia for a long time. This is particularly the case when it comes to the Assumption Cathedral of Omsk, whose gold-and-turquoise domes look resplendent under the blue skies that bless Omsk during the warmer months of the year. The cathedral was built in 1891 under the orders Nicholas, the last Tsar of Russia.

Time Travel at Omsk Fortress

Ogg-omsk/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0

The bad news? Much of what was once Omsk Fortress is now a residential area, with the only notable landmark that still stands being Tobolsk Gate (think Paris' Arc de Triomphe , but yellow and smaller). The good news? There's essentially no reason for a military fortification to exist in today's peaceful Omsk, which means you can stroll amid parks and cafés and imagine the area being war-torn—a small sacrifice to make in exchange for not being blown to bits.

Go Green at Ptich'ya Gavan'

Forinrap/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 

Or white, as it were: Omsk is covered with snow several months of the year, which means that its prized Ptich'ya Gavan' central park is often more of a winter wonderland than the green reprieve you experience in summer. The park is popular with local families, to whom you can say "Privet" (Hello) as you walk past.

Walk on Omsk's Artsy Side

G0rn/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0

Although the building that houses Omsk District Museum of Visual Arts is unmistakably Russian, the collection you find inside is surprisingly eclectic for a city deep in Russia's interior. Recent collections have included a revival of Van Gogh's great works, among others. This is a particularly enjoyable Omsk attraction on cold winter days, when temperatures can drop far below freezing and sunshine can be rare.

Shoot for the Moon

Worldwide Planetarium Database

Though Omsk is a relatively large city, the skies over it become dark enough in the evening for stargazing. While visitors are not permitted to use the expensive telescopes housed inside, exhibits inside the museum provide a fascinating look into the cosmos, narrated by expert astronomical guides.

Shop on Lenin Street

yykkaa/Getty Images

Lenin Street's name is appropriate: Although it's the high street of a city thousands of miles from Moscow, the European-style architecture and cosmopolitan vibe you feel as you stroll past its boutique and cafés evokes the capital of Russia more than its forlorn interior. Local specialties you can purchase here include rustic jams made from local berries (and even, in some shops, cedar cones), as well as handmade rugs from Kazakhstan, which sits just south of Omsk.

Sample Siberian Cuisine

Quynh Anh Nguyen/Getty Images 

Speaking of unique Siberian food, it's not just preserves made from the fruits of evergreen trees. Omsk is a great place to discover the flavors of Russia's wild interior, whether you eat zagutai and stroganini (Siberia's take on sushi) or classic Russian plmeni dumplings filled with decidedly Siberian ingredients, such as bear and rabbit meat. Vkusno ! (That's Russian for "delicious"!)

Enjoy Historical Houses—While You Still Can

Simon Richmond/Getty Images

The wooden houses that line Nikolskiy Prospekt aren't protected, but they should be. Historical structures that are unfortunately in a state of disrepair, these houses are slated for demolition at some unspecific point in the future. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these historical house before they're gone. There will, however, be at least one left standing for a long time. The Omsk State Art Museum is in a traditional wooden house.

Go to the Circus

Vladislav Domnich/Getty Images

Omsk State Circus is a popular spot for local families, whose children love the opportunity to see acrobatic performances and animals that wouldn't otherwise make appearance in Siberia. If you do attend a show here, keep in mind that ethics with regard to animal treatment might not match up with those in North America or Western Europe, to say nothing of the smell that can pervade the auditorium during and even after a show.

Be a Drama Queen

While there's no guarantee that any shows will be playing at Omsk Drama Theater at the time of your trip, a visit to this 19th century building is a spectacle in and of itself. While not as huge, say, as Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, it's nonetheless an ornate architectural wonder that hearkens back to a glorious time in history. The interior of the theater is even open during the daytime; ask the person who's inside if any tours are available when you turn up.

Explore Cities Deeper in Siberia

Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty Images

Siberia starts in Omsk, even if you can't continue far into it. If you don't plan to travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway, take one of two day trips from Omsk. Travel to Tobolsk, whose hilltop Kremlin is one of the most picturesque in all of Russia, and whose beauty inspired a photo by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that ended up winning several awards. Or visit Tomsk, where you'll find a botanical garden dedicated to Siberian flora, and a museum that celebrates wooden architecture.

Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

 lvinst/Getty Images

The idea of leaving Omsk behind can seem difficult, especially now that you've gotten to know this city in the heart of Siberia as well as you have. The mint-colored facade of Omsk Railway Station will make you smile, however, even if you're crying inside as you depart. Though it's not quite on the mid-line of the Trans-Siberian route between Moscow and Beijing , Omsk is a worthy starting place to begin a journey to either. If you head east make sure to stop in Irkutsk , the home of Lake Baikal and another underrated Siberian city.

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