TSS Earnslaw Cruise

5.0(5 reviews)

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

english

Queenstown, New Zealand

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Discover living history on New Zealand’s legendary vintage steamship

Enjoy peaceful sightseeing moments across beautiful Lake Whakatipu

Enhance your trip with memorable Walter Peak experience options

Explore rural charm with dining, farm tours, or eco activities

Step Aboard the Historic TSS Earnslaw for an Iconic Cruise Across Lake Whakatipu

Experience a true piece of living history by stepping aboard the legendary TSS Earnslaw, an iconic steamship that has graced the waters of Lake Whakatipu for over a century. This ninety-minute cruise offers a unique opportunity to travel through pristine alpine landscapes, where towering mountain ranges and tranquil waters create a stunningly scenic backdrop. As you navigate the lake, you will feel the charm of a bygone era, making this one of the most memorable journeys available in Queenstown.

The vessel itself is a marvel of engineering, and guests are encouraged to explore the decks to witness the working steam engines in action. Watching the coal-fired machinery operate provides a fascinating look into the maritime heritage of the region. Whether you choose to stand by the engine room or relax on the open deck with a drink, the peaceful atmosphere of the steamship ensures a relaxing and highly enjoyable experience for all passengers on board.

For those looking to extend their adventure, the cruise can be combined with a visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. You may choose from a variety of enriching experiences, including a gourmet BBQ dining option, a guided farm tour, or an eco-focused excursion that highlights local conservation efforts. Each of these add-ons is designed to complement the cruise, allowing you to tailor your day to include more heritage, culture, or natural beauty according to your personal interests.

This cruise is suitable for visitors of all ages, providing a meaningful way to connect with the history and natural splendor of the Queenstown region. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or as a solo explorer, the TSS Earnslaw offers a timeless experience that captures the heart of New Zealand. By blending historical significance with breathtaking scenery, this iconic steamship journey remains a must-do activity for anyone visiting the beautiful alpine town of Queenstown.

Step Aboard the Historic TSS Earnslaw for an Iconic Cruise Across Lake Whakatipu

What's Included

Scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw with engine room and historic displays
Scenic views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak

What's Not Included

Personal expenses
Gratuities

Price start from

$ 66.88

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Activity Provider: RealNZ

Customer Reviews

5.0

Excellent

Based on 5 reviews

Phoenix T. Google

November 18, 2025

An excellent, top-of-the-line, memorable experience that leaves you buzzing to return ✨ Doing the Earnslaw towards the end of my holiday was an absolute blessing because few experiences could come close to the brilliant activity that was the cruise and BBQ lunch - I know we would've been disappointed for the remainder had we done this first 🚤 The ship has ample photo ops and opportunity to learn more about the rich history of the vessel and surrounding are, while, of course, having the beautiful maunga all around you. The staff across the entire experience are helpful, patient, and knowledgeable 🎊 Arriving at the lunch destination, it was well laid out and clear where to go, the seating was well spaced and the views both internally and externally were nice. Initially anxious of the buffet due to a prior experience elsewhere (plus the variety being much less upon first inspection) we were quickly reaffirmed and enjoyed everything on offer. Each dish had fresh ingredients, spread across the designated space effectively, and I can confidently say I have not had lamb that delicious in a very very very long time 🤩 The extra time to explore Walter Peak and return were perfect and disembarking was easy. I would happily pay any amount to do this again (further brilliant for their accessibility service and Gold Card discount too!) and highly recommend this to both travellers AND LOCALS for their Queenstown visit 🫶

Joseph M.

November 15, 2025

Such an cool piece of history, well worth it to experience a trip out on Lake Wakatipu on this vessel! I've been lucky enough to work on the TSS Earnslaw while drydocked, and on our previous journey we only made the cruse over, afterwards wishing we went ashore and did the farm tour or the BBQ lunch/dinner. This trip we've booked in dinner to make the most of it!

Lindsay S. Google

November 06, 2025

What a lovely experience! Rayna was a huge help when I asked for an accommodation. Although it was busy, she made a point to ensure I had a delightful dinner experience. Thank you to RealNZ and especially Rayna for the delightful experience on the boat and dinner. The dinner was delicious and had so many options for all Dietary needs and requests, it would be extremely hard to go hungry or not find something you’d like.

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Explore More TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Discover the wonders of Queenstown, New Zealand with this unforgettable experience. Experience one of Queenstown’s most historic treasures as you step aboard the legendary TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s most iconic steamship. This 90 minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu offers an unforgettable journey through pristine alpine landscapes, with towering mountains and tranquil waters creating a beautifully scenic backdrop. As you explore the vessel, you can watch the working steam engines in action, wander through the decks, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this remarkable piece of living history. Highlights of your tour include: Discover living history on New Zealand’s legendary vintage steamshipEnjoy peaceful sightseeing moments across beautiful Lake WhakatipuEnhance your trip with memorable Walter Peak experience optionsExplore rural charm with dining, farm tours, or eco activities. This tour includes: Scenic cruise on Lake WakatipuTSS Earnslaw with engine room and historic displaysScenic views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak. Experience one of Queenstown’s most historic treasures as you step aboard the legendary TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s most iconic steamship. This 90 minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu offers an unforgettable journey through pristine alpine landscapes, with towering mountains and tranquil waters creating a beautifully scenic backdrop. As you explore the vessel, you can watch the working steam engine. Duration: 1 hours 30 minutes. Book your TSS Earnslaw Cruise today and create memories that will last a lifetime!