Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
Highlights
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Sail aboard the historic, coal-powered TSS Earnslaw on a scenic cruise
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Admire spectacular alpine scenery from the vantage point of the lake's waters
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Explore the engine room below decks where stokers feed the roaring coal fire
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Discover a fascinating collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum
Summary
Climb aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, a vintage Edwardian steamship, for a relaxing cruise from Queenstown. Watch the stokers feed the coal fires, explore the historic vessel, and soak up the mountain views.
Tour info
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location
Why take this tour?
It’s New Zealand’s most iconic boat and one of Queenstown’s most historic destinations.
The leisurely 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the over one hundred year-old TSS Earnslaw.
Listen to engaging commentary from your experienced captain who will highlight points of interest throughout your cruise. View the collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum and check out the skipper’s wheelhouse. Visit the engine room to feel the heat of the giant steam engines at work and see the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. Soak in the dramatic mountain views surrounding Lake Wakatipu and relax at the cafe where you can enjoy a wine or beer and snacks are also available for purchase.
You can choose to undertake just the cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, eco experience or our famous gourmet barbecue lunch/dinner. Please note that we have separate listings for these combo options.
The leisurely 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the over one hundred year-old TSS Earnslaw.
Listen to engaging commentary from your experienced captain who will highlight points of interest throughout your cruise. View the collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum and check out the skipper’s wheelhouse. Visit the engine room to feel the heat of the giant steam engines at work and see the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. Soak in the dramatic mountain views surrounding Lake Wakatipu and relax at the cafe where you can enjoy a wine or beer and snacks are also available for purchase.
You can choose to undertake just the cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, eco experience or our famous gourmet barbecue lunch/dinner. Please note that we have separate listings for these combo options.
What’s included?
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Sightseeing cruise -
Knowledgeable guide commentary -
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• Food and drinks
Things to know
Before you book
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• Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
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• Cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
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• If you require more information on the wheelchair accessibility on the TSS Earnslaw, please do not hesitate to ask
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• Parking is not available, so please leave your car at your accommodation
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• Non-slip shoes are recommended
Before you go
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• Cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
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• Non-slip shoes are recommended
Cancellation Policy
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Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund
Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
About operator:
Our family business was founded in Fiordland in the 1950’s by tourism and conservation pioneers Les and Olive Hutchins.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.
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