
TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 360 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown worth booking?
TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown is a 1.5-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $75 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 360 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (360)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
What you get
About this experience
Cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Relax on board and admire the stunning alpine scenery whilst you cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the decks, view the engine room, watch the stokers in action or purchase delicious snacks/drinks from the Promenade Café. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
What's included
Included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Lake Wakatipu
Cruise over to Walter Peak High Country Farm and return.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- RealNZ
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 360 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
360 verified traveler reviews for TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
First time to see a...
First time to see a steamship and we were able to wander around to have a look at the engines below. Great scenery along the tour and there was a good performance on the ship as well.
via Viator
A Queenstown Must-Do
What a fabulous experience. We did the cruise, farm tour and afternoon tea and can highly recommend it. The staff on the boat and at the station were polished and professional. The tour was interesting (especially good for children I would think) and the afternoon tea was simple but delicious NZ food at its best. The cruise itself is a gentle highlight.
via Tripadvisor
Stunning
How beautiful the view is. Well organised. Professional. Ample information regarding the ship and farm.
via Viator
TSS Earnslaw return journey
We had a wonderful experience, my Husband and adult children really enjoyed the voyage, the crew were very polite and helpful and the food and drinks on board were great. Loved the stunning scenery and we were lucky to have perfect weather for the trip.
via Tripadvisor
Cruise and farm
It was a great trip to the Walter peak country farm
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $75 to $129
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 126
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by RealNZ, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything RealNZ runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 360 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Around 126 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax). Not included: Food and drinks; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Please arrive 30 minutes before departure and queue directly outside the TSS Earnslaw, you will be checked in by name. (You are not required to check in at the office prior to this time) Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Steamship Cruise from Queenstown?
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Across 360 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, food and drink, good for families. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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