TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Garden to Table in Queenstown

Spend a few relaxed hours at Walter Peak High Country Farm on the shores of Lake Whakatipu, where conservation, horticulture and eco-tourism come together in a hands-on visit.

Your journey begins with a 45 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, with informative commentary from a knowledgeable nature guide. Travel aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, a steamship closely tied to Queenstown’s pioneering history and still one of the town’s best-known icons. The return trip to Queenstown is also on the TSS Earnslaw, giving you time to take in the lake setting from the water in both directions.

At Walter Peak, a rural host leads you through the Restaurant Garden, introducing native plants and explaining aspects of conservation in New Zealand. You can sample fresh produce picked straight from the veggie beds and orchard, then sit down to garden platters prepared with ingredients harvested during your visit.

The experience also includes a practical contribution to Walter Peak’s land restoration project. You will plant a native tree or shrub grown in the farm’s nursery, adding a clear conservation element to the day. This tour suits travellers looking for a slower pace, local produce, and a direct connection to the landscape around Lake Whakatipu.