Climb aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage Edwardian steamship, for a relaxing 1.5-hour cruise. Watch the stokers feed the coal fires, explore the historic vessel, and enjoy stunning mountain views.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 1.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Host or greeter: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Sail aboard the historic, coal-powered TSS Earnslaw on a 1.5-hour cruise
Admire spectacular alpine scenery from the vantage point of the lake's waters
Explore the engine room below decks where stokers feed the roaring coal fire
Discover a fascinating collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum

Full description

Join the TSS Earnslaw for a 1.5-hour cruise across Lake Wakatipu. Admire spectacular alpine scenery and enjoy plenty of time to explore a piece of living history. Listen to engaging commentary from your experienced captain who will highlight points of interest throughout your cruise. Make your way to Steamer Wharf at Queenstown’s waterfront. Climb aboard the oldest working coal-fired passenger steamship in the southern hemisphere and feel free to explore! View the collection of historical photos in the small onboard museum and check out the skipper’s wheelhouse. Visit the engine room to feel the heat of the giant steam engines at work and see the stokers shovel coal into the glowing fireboxes. Soak in the dramatic mountain views surrounding Lake Wakatipu and relax at the cafe where you can enjoy a wine or beer and snacks are also available for purchase.

Includes

1.5-hour sightseeing cruise

Food and drinks

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

All participants who are over 12 years old must present proof of full vaccination

Meeting point

Meet at the TSS Earnslaw, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown.

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Important information

What to bring

Sunglasses
Camera
Sunscreen
Jacket
Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Cruise is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
Parking is not available, so please leave your car at your accommodation
Non-slip shoes are recommended

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 130 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.6/5
Transportation
4.5/5
Value for money
4.3/5
Safety
4.2/5

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We booked for 4 but only 1 was able to make our initial boarding check-in time so the lovely staff moved us to the next available sailing time so we all could experience the Earnslaw, this was very much appreciated. The ship/boat is quite large with lots on board to see and do, as well as the views outside are spectacular. The staff are extremely courteous and polite. Thanks for such a happy experience guys.

December 27, 2021

This was such an awesome trip, loved finally getting to ride on the Lady of the Lake. To see the working engines, the amazing museum and so much of the original woodwork so lovingly looked after…. and the sound when her stack is blown is truly eerie…. Fabulous service, very helpful, friendly and ordinary - the engineer walking around doing his thing, able to see the engines first hand and not too over the top with OSH thank you so much

November 30, 2021

Enjoyable cruise. Very nice boat that was a pleasure to be in. The only thing that was a bit disappointing was the food prices on board. $14 for a pie?? Bit excessive I thought. Maybe a good idea to eat before you board, if you're not doing the lunch at Walter Peak Station.

October 8, 2021

TSS Earnslaw: 1.5-Hour Cruise From Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw: 1.5-Hour Cruise From Queenstown

About this activity

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