Queenstown: Lake Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour with Tea

Summary

Lake Wakatipu cruise to Walter Peak farm animals sheepdog show tea

You’ll cross Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship or modern cruiser, watch sheepdogs work at Walter Peak Farm, and snack on homemade scones with fresh tea. Guided by locals who know every animal by name, you’ll wander gardens and meet alpacas up close. If you’re after something gentle but memorable — this day trip leaves more than just photos behind.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the Queenstown dock when that old TSS Earnslaw started humming — you could feel it in your shoes, this low vibration that made me grin like a kid. The lake was glassy, all blue-grey except where the sun caught it, and there was this faint smell of engine oil mixed with cold mountain air. I kept catching snippets of stories from our guide over the speakers — something about early settlers and how the boat’s been running since 1912. There was a family from Auckland next to us, their little boy pressed up against the window counting ducks (he lost track around seven).

Landing at Walter Peak felt like stepping into someone’s backyard — just a much bigger one, with sheep everywhere and alpacas looking suspiciously at my shoes. Our host, Sarah, waved us over straight away. She had this way of talking about the working dogs — real pride in her voice — and when she whistled for them, I swear they moved faster than I thought possible. The shearing demo was quick but kind of mesmerizing; wool flying everywhere, and I realized I’d never actually seen it done up close before. Li laughed when I tried to say “kia ora” properly — probably butchered it.

I’m still thinking about those scones. Still warm from the oven, crumbly in that perfect way (not too sweet), with thick cream and jam that tasted like actual fruit instead of sugar. The tea was strong enough to wake me up after all that fresh air. We wandered through the gardens after, past roses and some weirdly loud ducks, then just sat by the water for a bit without really talking. It’s funny how quiet it gets out there compared to Queenstown itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake cruise and farm visit

• Arrive 20 minutes early to check in
• Travel across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm
• Meet farm animals and enjoy guided tour
• Watch live farm dog demonstrations
• Enjoy freshly baked afternoon tea
• Wander gardens and revisit animals at leisure
• Return across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Top questions

How long does the Queenstown lake cruise to Walter Peak take?

The cruise across Lake Wakatipu typically takes about 45 minutes each way.

Is afternoon tea included at Walter Peak Farm?

Yes, freshly baked scones with tea are included during your visit to Walter Peak Farm.

Can you see farm animals on this tour?

Yes, you’ll meet sheep, alpacas, cattle, and see working farm dogs in action during the guided tour.

Is there live commentary during the lake cruise?

Yes, live commentary is provided on board as you cross Lake Wakatipu.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What happens if TSS Earnslaw is under maintenance?

If the Earnslaw is unavailable due to maintenance (May–October), you'll travel on Spirit of Queenstown instead.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes a scenic return cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard either TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown (depending on season), a guided farm tour at Walter Peak Homestead where you’ll meet animals and watch sheepdogs work, plus homemade afternoon tea served in peaceful garden surroundings before heading back to Queenstown.