Queenstown for families

Day two of our girls trip, and it exceeded our expectations. We had snow on the Remarkables, it was a clear, cold, big sky day and the sun was shining. We were all rugged up, took heaps of photos and then ended up in the below cabins keeping warm. Walter Peak Station Gourmet BBQ was a well oiled machine. Everything was timed beautifully, not being rushed in any way. The food was amazing and there appeared to be an endless supply. Kim, the sheep dog did the homestead proud showing of her skills. On the way back we had to a couple of Hot Toddies- the were the best we had the whole weekend. Definitely recommend.

Fantastic cruise! The staff were friendly, the scenery was breathtaking, and the food was great. We had an amazing time and would definitely do it again. Highly recommended!

The Walter Peak Farm Tour is a well-rounded and memorable experience that combines scenic travel, authentic farm life, and good food in one package. The journey itself is already a highlight, as you cross Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, offering stunning alpine views that set the tone for the day. Once at Walter Peak, the setting feels peaceful and genuinely rural, giving you a break from the busier side of Queenstown. The farm show is engaging and informative, especially the sheep shearing and dog herding demonstrations. Even if you’re not particularly interested in farming, the skill and precision involved make it enjoyable to watch. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often adding humor and personal insights that keep the experience lively. The BBQ lunch at the Homestead is another standout. There’s a wide selection of high-quality food, from meats to salads and desserts, catering to different tastes. The atmosphere is relaxed, and dining with a lake and mountain backdrop adds to the overall charm. While it may feel slightly touristy at times, the experience is well-organized and worth it, especially for first-time visitors to New Zealand. It offers a nice balance of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a solid half-day activity.

It was a completely unique experiencr that deeply reflected the heart of this area of New Zealand. The nostalgic steam boat ride across the lake on the TSS Earnlaw, as the sun set was spectacular. Then arriving at Walter Peak like we'd travelled back in time was magical. The gift shop & farm show were both worth the trip. But the buffet dinner is unbelievable. So much choice - everything fresh & delicious.

The Earnslaw was fabulous! I would recommend sitting upstairs at this time of year as downstairs is a bit colder. The ambiance upstarts with the guitar player was beautiful. I would also recommend their mulled wine, amazing! It unfortunately was raining when we did the farm tour, but we're still able to walk around as umbrellas were provided. The afternoon tea was another highlight. They do this very well serving club club sandwiches and sweet treats and scones with ham and cream, just like a high tea, but it is not brought to your table you go and get what you want. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip, we were three generations travelling together and we ALL loved it.

We enjoyed being able to see the engine from up close. There were a variety of places to sit and enjoy the cruise. We enjoyed listening to the piano player. We enjoyed drinking the mulled wine as it was a chilly winter's day. The afternoon tea at Walters Peak was very nice too.

Incredible amount of food and choices. Well displayed and staff helpful. Captain's commentary insightful. A busy boat but lots of room to sit or lookout and take in views.

This was a return visit for us after our honeymoon 15 years ago. The crew of the boat through to the tour guides were all friendly and knowledgeable. And the tour through the caves was a fun experience. We enjoyed it just as much a second time! There are stairs along the sturdy walkways, but it's an easy walk for most .. only two low spots that require ducking quite low, but nothing too arduous.