Wanderyn
TSS Earnslaw
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

TSS Earnslaw

Getting around: Departs from the Queenstown town wharf, walkable from anywhere in the town centre.
Hours: Cruises run on set daily schedules, generally through the day — check current sailing times and book ahead in peak season.

The TSS Earnslaw is a vintage 1912 coal-fired steamship, one of the few remaining working steamships in the Southern Hemisphere, offering cruises across Lake Wakatipu, often to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the far shore for a farm show and meal. Its coal-fired engine room can be viewed on some cruises, adding a genuine slice of early-20th-century engineering to the trip.

It's a relaxed, scenic way to see the lake from the water, particularly popular as a half-day option combined with the farm visit across the lake.

TSS Earnslaw FAQs

How old is the ship?

It was built in 1912, making it over a century old and one of the few working coal-fired steamships left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Where does it go?

Most cruises head across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, often including a farm show and meal option.

How long is the cruise?

Round trips including the farm visit typically run 3-4 hours; shorter lake cruises without the farm stop are also available.

Can I see the engine room?

Yes, on many cruises visitors can view the coal-fired engine room in action.

Should I book ahead?

Booking ahead is recommended, particularly in peak summer season.

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