Skip to main content
Get Your Guide logo
Anytime
  • Become a supplier
  • Wishlist
  • Cart
  • Profile
    Menu

    Explore Queenstown

    Places to see
    Back
    Places to see

    Top sights

    TSS Earnslaw

    Queenstown Skyline Gondola

    Lake Wakatipu

    Walter Peak

    Queenstown Ice Bar

    Skippers Canyon

    Minus 5° ICE BAR, Queenstown

    Shotover River

    The Remarkables

    Time Tripper Queenstown

    Fear Factory, Queenstown

    Coronet Peak

    Attraction types

    Day trips

    National parks

    Viewing points

    Multi-day trips

    Island tours

    Outside Queenstown

    Nearby destinations

    Te Anau tours

    Wanaka tours

    Glenorchy tours

    Arrowtown tours

    Cardrona tours

    Nearby sights

    Milford SoundAttraction in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

    Lake WanakaAttraction in Otago, New Zealand

    Mitre PeakAttraction in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

    Gibbston Valley WineryAttraction in Gibbston, New Zealand

    Te Anau Glowworm CavesAttraction in Te Anau, New Zealand

    Dart RiverAttraction in Glenorchy, New Zealand

    Things to do
    Back
    Things to do

    Top experiences

    Bus & minivan tours

    Wine tasting & winery tours

    Glacier exploration

    Lord of the Rings

    Speed & jet boat tours

    Sailing trips & boat tours

    River rafting

    Hop-on Hop-off tours

    Quad & ATV tours

    Ski & snowboard

    Zip line adventures

    Paragliding

    Explore more things to do in Queenstown

    Interests

    Nature & adventure

    Extreme sports & adrenaline

    Food & drinks

    Water sports

    Culture & history

    Nightlife & bars

    Driving experiences

    Rainy-day activities

    Snow & winter sports

    Hidden gems

    Safaris & wildlife activities

    Outside Queenstown

    Things to do in Te Anau

    Things to do in Wanaka

    Things to do in Glenorchy

    Things to do in Arrowtown

    Things to do in Cardrona

  • Explore Queenstown
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw

Queenstown Skyline Gondola

Lake Wakatipu

Walter Peak

Queenstown Ice Bar

Skippers Canyon

Minus 5° ICE BAR, Queenstown

Shotover River

The Remarkables

Time Tripper Queenstown

Fear Factory, Queenstown

Coronet Peak

Day trips

National parks

Viewing points

Multi-day trips

Island tours

Nearby destinations

Te Anau tours

Wanaka tours

Glenorchy tours

Arrowtown tours

Cardrona tours

Nearby sights

Milford SoundAttraction in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Lake WanakaAttraction in Otago, New Zealand

Mitre PeakAttraction in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Gibbston Valley WineryAttraction in Gibbston, New Zealand

Te Anau Glowworm CavesAttraction in Te Anau, New Zealand

Dart RiverAttraction in Glenorchy, New Zealand

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Outside Queenstown

Bus & minivan tours

Wine tasting & winery tours

Glacier exploration

Lord of the Rings

Speed & jet boat tours

Sailing trips & boat tours

River rafting

Hop-on Hop-off tours

Quad & ATV tours

Ski & snowboard

Zip line adventures

Paragliding

Explore more things to do in Queenstown

Nature & adventure

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Food & drinks

Water sports

Culture & history

Nightlife & bars

Driving experiences

Rainy-day activities

Snow & winter sports

Hidden gems

Safaris & wildlife activities

Explore more things to do in Queenstown

Things to do in Te Anau

Things to do in Wanaka

Things to do in Glenorchy

Things to do in Arrowtown

Things to do in Cardrona

Explore more things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu

Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
1100 reviews
Activity provider:
RealNZ
Add to wishlist
image n.1 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.2 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.3 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.4 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.5 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.6 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.7 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.8 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.9 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
image n.10 of Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu activity in Queenstown, uploaded by supplier
Queenstown: TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu
Top rated
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
1100 reviews

Climb aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, an Edwardian steamship, for a relaxing cruise from Queenstown. Watch the stokers feed the coal fires, explore the historic vessel, and soak up the mountain views.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Host or greeter
English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Tanya – United States

So enjoyable especially the grand piano being played.

5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephen – Australia

Don’t change a thing. I loved that such an impressive technological marvel is still operating perfectly. I loved talking to the people working on the steam ship and watching them operate it.

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Sail aboard the historic, coal-powered TSS Earnslaw on a scenic 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

It’s New Zealand’s most iconic boat and one of Queenstown’s most historic destinations.The leisurely 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the over one hundred year-old TSS Earnslaw.Listen to engaging commentary from your experienced captain who will highlight points of interest throughout your cruise. 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. You can choose to undertake just the cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, eco experience or our famous gourmet barbecue lunch/dinner. Please note that we have separate listings for these combo options.

Includes

  • Sightseeing cruise
  • Knowledgeable guide commentary
  • Food and drinks

Meeting point

Meet at the TSS Earnslaw steamship.

Open in Google Maps

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
  • If you require more information on the wheelchair accessibility on the TSS Earnslaw, please do not hesitate to ask
  • Parking is not available, so please leave your car at your accommodation
  • Non-slip shoes are recommended

From $66 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5
4.7 out of 5 stars

based on 1100 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Customer photos

+45
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
Recommended
Most recent
Highest rated
Lowest rated
5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Tanya – United StatesMay 11, 2025 – Verified booking
So enjoyable especially the grand piano being played.
5
5 out of 5 stars
S
Stephen – AustraliaMarch 26, 2025 – Verified booking
Don’t change a thing. I loved that such an impressive technological marvel is still operating perfectly. I loved talking to the people working on the steam ship and watching them operate it.
5
5 out of 5 stars
R
Richard – United KingdomMarch 18, 2025 – Verified booking
The weather was unbelievable with skies so clear you coikd see the mountains for miles snd the water was so blue! We grabbed a glass of fizz and settled in for the ride, soaking up the atmosphere and scenery. Absolutely loved it!

Product ID: 181334

Activity provider:
RealNZ
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Things to do in Queenstown
  • Tours in Queenstown
  • Steamer Wharf, Queenstown

Top Attractions in Queenstown

  • 1Queenstown Skyline Gondola
  • 2TSS Earnslaw
  • 3Queenstown Ice Bar
  • 4Shotover River
  • 5Lake Wakatipu
  • 6The Remarkables
  • 7Coronet Peak
  • 8Walter Peak
  • 9Skippers Canyon
  • 10Minus 5° ICE BAR, Queenstown
  • 11Kiwi Birdlife Park
  • 12Fear Factory, Queenstown
  • 13Queenstown Airport
  • 14iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown
  • 15Time Tripper Queenstown
  • 16Routeburn Track
  • 17Queenstown Underwater Observatory
  • 18Thrillzone Queenstown
  • 19Ben Lomond
  • 20Altitude Brewing

Experiences in Queenstown

  • 1Queenstown Speed & jet boat tours
  • 2Queenstown Air & helicopter tours
  • 3Queenstown Day trips
  • 4Queenstown Zip line adventures
  • 5Queenstown Family-friendly activities
  • 6Queenstown Ski & snowboard
  • 7Queenstown Sky diving
  • 8Queenstown Wine tasting & winery tours
  • 9Queenstown Extreme sports & adrenaline
  • 10Queenstown Paragliding
  • 11Queenstown Quad & ATV tours
  • 12Queenstown Cruises & boat tours
  • 13Queenstown Entry tickets
  • 14Queenstown Snow & winter sports
  • 15Queenstown Nightlife & bars
  • 16Queenstown Deals & discounts
  • 17Queenstown Transfers
  • 18Queenstown River rafting
  • 19Queenstown Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • 20Queenstown Bike tours

Tours in New Zealand

  • 1Auckland Tours
  • 2Rotorua Tours
  • 3Christchurch Tours
  • 4Wellington Tours
  • 5Wanaka Tours
  • 6Taupo Tours
  • 7Lake Tekapo Tours
  • 8Te Anau Tours
  • 9Kaikoura Tours
  • 10Aoraki Mount Cook Village Tours
  • 11Tauranga Tours
  • 12Dunedin Tours
  • 13Franz Josef Town Tours
  • 14Fox Glacier Tours
  • 15Nelson, New Zealand Tours
  • 16Paihia Tours
  • 17Picton Tours
  • 18Glenorchy Tours
  • 19Arrowtown Tours
  • 20Napier Tours

Things to do in New Zealand

  • 1Things to do in Auckland
  • 2Things to do in Rotorua
  • 3Things to do in Christchurch
  • 4Things to do in Wellington
  • 5Things to do in Wanaka
  • 6Things to do in Taupo
  • 7Things to do in Lake Tekapo
  • 8Things to do in Te Anau
  • 9Things to do in Kaikoura
  • 10Things to do in Aoraki Mount Cook Village
  • 11Things to do in Tauranga
  • 12Things to do in Dunedin
  • 13Things to do in Franz Josef Town
  • 14Things to do in Fox Glacier
  • 15Things to do in Nelson, New Zealand
  • 16Things to do in Paihia
  • 17Things to do in Picton
  • 18Things to do in Glenorchy
  • 19Things to do in Arrowtown
  • 20Things to do in Akaroa

Top destinations

  • Paris
  • Barcelona
  • Rome
  • Amsterdam
  • Prague
  • London
  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Marrakesh
  • Lisbon
  • Milan
  • Dubai
  • Istanbul
  • Venice
  • Berlin
  • Florence
  • New York City
  • Split
  • Málaga
  • Hamburg

Top attraction categories

  • Amsterdam Cruises & boat tours
  • Budapest Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Cruises & boat tours
  • Berlin Cruises & boat tours
  • Venice Gondola tours
  • London Harry Potter tours
  • Rome Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Paris Hop-on Hop-off tours
  • Paris Family-friendly activities
  • Berlin Shows & musicals
  • Hamburg Cruises & boat tours
  • Paris Shows & musicals
  • Paris City cards
  • La Maddalena Cruises & boat tours
  • Cologne Cruises & boat tours
  • Prague Cruises & boat tours
  • Rome City cards
  • Zadar Cruises & boat tours
  • Stockholm Cruises & boat tours
  • Vienna Concerts & operas

Popular Attractions

  • Caminito del Rey
  • Memorial and Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau
  • Colosseum
  • Seine River
  • Sagrada Familia
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Warner Bros. Studio London
  • Pompeii Archaeological Site
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Vatican Museums
  • Louvre Museum
  • Siam Park
  • Mount Etna
  • Lake Como
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Blue Lagoon, Malta
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Last Supper
  • Anne Frank House
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Things to do in Queenstown
  • Tours in Queenstown
  • Steamer Wharf, Queenstown
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
  • Contact
  • Legal Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies and Marketing Preferences
  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Information according to the Digital Services Act
  • Sitemap
  • Do not Sell or Share my Personal Information
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Blog
  • Press
  • Gift Cards
  • Explorer
  • As a Supply Partner
  • As a Content Creator
  • As an Affiliate Partner
Paypal
Mastercard
Visa
Maestro
American Express
Jcb
Discover
Klarna
Google Pay
Apple Pay
Ideal
Bancontact

© 2008 – 2025 GetYourGuide. Made in Zurich & Berlin.

Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn