A century-old coal-fired steamer puffing across Lake Wakatipu to a high-country sheep station under the mountains.
The TSS Earnslaw was launched on Lake Wakatipu in 1912, the same year as the Titanic, to carry sheep, wool and supplies to the stations around the lake. Her white hull and red funnel are part of the Queenstown skyline.
She still burns coal, shovelled by hand by stokers you can watch from a viewing gallery above the engine room. On deck, the lake opens out between Cecil and Walter Peaks, with the Remarkables behind.
The usual trip crosses to Walter Peak, a high-country sheep station on the far shore. There are farm tours with sheepdog work and shearing, and a barbecue lunch or dinner in the lakeside homestead.
Inside, there's often a pianist leading a sing-along. It's touristy, and charming anyway.
The classic Walter Peak outing.
Board at Steamer Wharf in the centre of town as the funnel smokes.
Look down on the gleaming engines and the crew shovelling coal into the furnaces.
Stand at the rail as the lake opens up between the peaks.
Watch the sheepdogs work, see a shearing demonstration and meet the farm animals.
Eat in the homestead by the lake before sailing back at dusk.
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Book cruise-only or with a farm tour or meal. Evening dinner cruises sell out in summer.
Several departures a day from Steamer Wharf. Check the schedule, especially in winter maintenance season.
The ship is a working heritage vessel; mind the steep stairs and hot surfaces near the engine room.
Queenstown practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
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