Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Eco Experience

Highlights

  • Become part of the reforestation project and plant a native tree or shrub

  • Learn about native wildlife and conservation in New Zealand

  • Enjoy a delicious light lunch made up of local rustic produce

  • Cruise across Lake Whakatipu on the legendary 1912 Steamship, TSS Earnslaw

  • Explore our Restaurant Garden and watch produce go from garden to plate.

Summary

Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet.  Tour begins with an epic cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. 

Tour info

Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary

Why take this tour?

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Whakatipu, with a colonial homestead and beautiful lakeside gardens, Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to immerse yourself in nature and learn more about conservation throughout New Zealand. 

Begin your trip with a 45 minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the Vintage TSS Earnslaw, an integral part of Queenstown’s pioneering history and to this day a Queenstown icon. You will be greeted by our rural host upon disembarking the vessel, who will welcome you, and give you a tour of the stunning Restaurant Garden and showcase the beautiful native plants. You will then have the opportunity to have a hands on role in Walter Peaks land restoration project by planting a native tree or shrub from our nursery. 

As a visitor and contributor, you will learn about the removal of wilding pines and the importance of planting natives into the area to bring back bird life, create habitats and develop natural vistas. Time at the farm comes to an end after savouring a delicious light lunch with home-baked breads and local ingredients in the old charming woolshed. The Eco Tour is the perfect adventure for those who want to give back to the environment while immersing themselves in New Zealand’s native scenery.

What’s included?

  • Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak (and return)

  • Tree or shrub to plant

  • Light lunch

  • Local rural host and horticulturist guide

Things to know

Before you book

  • The tour is suitable for all ages

  • A licensed café on board the TSS Earnslaw provides great refreshments

  • Light lunch is made up of local product

Before you go

  • Please arrive 30 minutes before departure of the cruise to check in

  • Look out for your guides holding an eco tour sign when disembarking the TSS Earnslaw

  • A licensed café on board the TSS Earnslaw provides great refreshments

Cancellation Policy

    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.