Queenstown: Walter Peak Farm Dinner Cruise & BBQ Buffet

Summary

Evening lake cruise to Walter Peak farm dinner with BBQ buffet

You’ll ride a vintage steamship or modern boat across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, sharing laughs with locals as you head for Walter Peak Farm. Enjoy a generous BBQ buffet dinner inside a cozy lakeside homestead, then watch skilled sheepdogs work during a lively farm show. The evening ends with soft garden strolls and reflections by the water — it’s more than just a meal.

What’s the experience like?

Li from the crew grinned as we stepped onto the old TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown — “You’ll hear the engine all night,” she promised, and she was right. There’s this steady chug-chug under your feet as you cross Lake Wakatipu, cold wind on your cheeks and that faint coal smell mixing with pine trees along the shore. People were mostly quiet at first, just watching the blue water slide by, except for a couple of kids who kept running to the railings. I leaned over too — couldn’t help it.

The Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak feels like something out of a storybook, honestly. The windows glowed yellow and you could already smell the wood-fired BBQ before we even got inside. Our guide (I think her name was Miri?) pointed out where they grow their own veggies — she made a face when I asked if they ever get tired of lamb. The buffet was huge: salads that actually tasted fresh, roast meats carved right in front of you, and desserts that disappeared way too fast. I still think about that smoky beef — maybe because it was so cold outside and suddenly everything felt warm.

After dinner there was this farm show out on the lawn. The sheepdogs are basically magicians; one whistle from their handler and sheep zigzagged exactly where he wanted. I tried to pet a sheep but it just stared at me like I’d said something weird (maybe I had). Walking back toward the boat through the gardens, you could hear low voices and laughter drifting from the homestead behind us, lights reflecting on the lake. Not sure why but that part stuck with me more than anything else — maybe because it felt like we’d been let in on something quietly special.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise, dinner, and farm visit

• Check in at RealNZ Visitor Centre
• Board vessel at Queenstown
• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu
• Enjoy buffet dinner at Walter Peak
• Watch farm demonstration
• Stroll lakeside gardens (if time)
• Return cruise to Queenstown

Top questions

How long is the Walter Peak Farm dinner cruise from Queenstown?

The full experience lasts about 4 hours including cruising time, dinner, and farm demonstration.

Is pickup included for the Walter Peak Farm BBQ dinner tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you check in at RealNZ Visitor Centre in central Queenstown.

What kind of food is served at Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant?

A buffet with wood-fired BBQ meats, salads, seasonal vegetables, and desserts is served.

Can children join the Walter Peak Farm dinner cruise?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can use strollers.

Are drinks included with dinner at Walter Peak Farm?

No specific mention of drinks being included; alcohol is available for guests 18+ years old.

Which boats operate this Queenstown to Walter Peak tour?

The vintage TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown are used depending on maintenance schedules.

Is there a live commentary during the cruise?

Yes, live commentary is provided onboard during your journey across Lake Wakatipu.

What happens if TSS Earnslaw is unavailable?

The modern Spirit of Queenstown vessel operates when TSS Earnslaw is under maintenance.

What’s included

Your evening includes return boat transport between Queenstown and Walter Peak High Country Farm (choose between TSS Earnslaw or Spirit of Queenstown), a generous BBQ buffet dinner inside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant with local produce and desserts, plus a lively farm show led by specialist guides before cruising back to central Queenstown.