- 1RealNZ, which operates both vessels, lists two ways onto Lake Wakatipu from the Steamer Wharf in Queenstown: the 1912 steamship TSS Earnslaw and the modern catamaran Spirit of Queenstown. RealNZ writes the lake name as Whakatipu.
- 2RealNZ gives about 90 minutes for a cruise only on either vessel. Its Walter Peak experiences add a farm tour, a barbecue meal or a garden visit and run roughly 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours including the return cruise.
- 3In our view, choose the Earnslaw for the ship itself and the Spirit of Queenstown for open deck views, then decide whether you want time ashore at Walter Peak.
- 4Our cruise details come from RealNZ's own pages. We did not confirm any other lake operator's cruises from its own pages, so this guide makes no claims about them. Prices are set by the operator and change.
01 / Short answer
Two vessels, one decision: the ship, or the time ashore
RealNZ describes the TSS Earnslaw as a coal-fired steamship that has been part of the region's history since 1912, and the Spirit of Queenstown as a modern catamaran with an open-top deck. Both sail from the Steamer Wharf, and RealNZ gives about 90 minutes for a cruise only on either. In our view, the first question is how much of the day you want to give it. A cruise only is a short outing. A Walter Peak experience turns it into a half day. RealNZ says its crossing to Walter Peak takes about 45 minutes on the Earnslaw and 30 to 35 minutes on the Spirit of Queenstown, and that either vessel can be used for Walter Peak departures. Confirm the vessel for your date when you book.
02 / Compare
The lake cruise options, side by side
| Option | What RealNZ says | Best when (our view) |
|---|---|---|
| TSS Earnslaw, cruise only | A 90 minute cruise on a coal-fired 1912 steamship, with a visit to the engine room, a mini museum and an onboard cafe and bar. RealNZ says cruises run regularly through the day. | You are drawn to the ship and its history, or you are travelling with children who will enjoy the engine room. |
| Spirit of Queenstown, cruise only | A relaxed 1 hour 30 minute cruise on a modern catamaran with an open-top deck, live commentary and an onboard cafe and bar. RealNZ calls it its most affordable scenic lake cruise. | You want open deck views and a simple outing, and the history of the ship matters less. |
| Walter Peak Farm Tour | A return cruise plus a farm tour, a sheepdog demonstration and afternoon tea. RealNZ's pages give about 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes including the return cruise. | You want a half day with time ashore and a light meal. |
| Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining | A return cruise plus a buffet lunch or dinner at the Colonel's Homestead, and a farm dog show. RealNZ gives 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. | You want a meal as the centre of the outing. |
| Walter Peak Garden to Table | A return cruise plus a guided garden tour and a lakeside high tea. RealNZ gives about 3 hours 45 minutes, and says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with impaired mobility, because it involves walking over uneven tussock ground. | You want a slower, garden-led outing and everyone can walk a distance over uneven ground. |
03 / Choose
How to choose in four questions
- 01How long do you have?
A cruise only is about 90 minutes by RealNZ's figures. Any Walter Peak experience is RealNZ's 3 hours 30 minutes or more. Count the walk to the wharf and the time to check in as well.
- 02Is the ship the point?
If it is, RealNZ's comparison page points to the Earnslaw for history and character, including the working stoker room. If it is the scenery, RealNZ points to the Spirit of Queenstown for its open deck and panoramic windows.
- 03Do you want time ashore?
Pick the farm tour, the barbecue or the garden experience, and book ahead. RealNZ says availability at Walter Peak is limited.
- 04Does anyone need access support?
RealNZ's own pages give detailed and partly differing statements for both vessels. Read our accessibility planning guide, and contact RealNZ before you book.
04 / The detail
What to know about each choice
Details come from RealNZ's own pages, Orbus Ferries' own site and the Otago Regional Council, read on 31 October 2026.
Steamship
TSS Earnslaw
Catamaran
Spirit of Queenstown
Time ashore
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Public ferry
Orbus Ferries, a crossing and not a cruise
05 / Before you book
Check the vessel, the date and the price
RealNZ's cruise comparison page says scheduling can vary across seasons, so confirm the vessel and departure times for your date. Prices are set by the operator and change, so we do not quote them here. Compare the current price of the cruise only against the Walter Peak experience on the booking page. If you are building a wider plan, our romantic things to do guide covers the Earnslaw and Walter Peak for couples, our family holiday guide covers children's outings and our jet boat guide covers the rivers. Other operators run boats on the lake. We did not confirm their cruises from their own pages, so we make no claim about their routes, times or prices.
