TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm

TSS Earnslaw – Walter Peak High Country Farm

A 1912 coal steamer across the lake to a sheep farm

⚠ Book farm options ahead

Hours

Sails daily year-round except maintenance; departure times vary by season

Tickets

Cruise from NZ$129, farm tour from NZ$139, Garden to Table from NZ$169, BBQ dinner from NZ$175 (RealNZ official, Oct 2026). Book on the official site

Address

Departs from the RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, in the town centre

White hull, red funnel, a trail of black smoke: the Earnslaw has been crossing this lake on coal since 1912. The engine room sits open behind glass in the middle of the ship, so you can watch the stokers shovelling and the pistons pumping, and the 45-minute crossing goes quickly. Step off at Walter Peak and there are sheepdogs working a flock and a shearing demo; evening sailings add a barbecue buffet. On the way back, someone usually starts a singalong at the piano.