Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Glenorchy Walk
Activity
🕑 4 to 5 hours total (including cruise and walk)👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children enjoy watching the steam engine and spotting wildlife on the lake, while older kids and teens appreciate the historical significance of the 1912 steamship and the scenic photography opportunities during the Glenorchy walk.
About
The TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Glenorchy Walk combines a voyage on a beautiful vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu with a gentle nature walk, creating an unforgettable family adventure. Kids will be captivated by the historic vessel's working engine room and stunning mountain scenery, while the easy walking portion lets families explore New Zealand's remarkable landscapes at a relaxed pace perfect for young explorers.
Highlights
- ✓Riding on the TSS Earnslaw, the last remaining commercial coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere
- ✓Watching the vintage steam engine in action from the engine room viewing area
- ✓Spotting native birds and possibly dolphins during the scenic lake cruise
- ✓Exploring the dramatic Lord of the Rings filming locations around Glenorchy
- ✓Taking in panoramic views of the Remarkables and surrounding mountain ranges
Pro Tips
- 1.Book morning cruises for calmer lake conditions and better photo opportunities with clearer lighting on the Remarkables mountain range.
- 2.Bring layers as it can be 10-15 degrees cooler on the lake than in town, even in summer. The open deck gets breezy.
- 3.Visit the engine room during the cruise where kids can watch the coal-fired steam engine in action and chat with the engineer.
- 4.Pack snacks and water for the Glenorchy walk portion, as facilities are limited once you leave the main town area.
- 5.Arrive 20-30 minutes early to explore the Queenstown waterfront and secure good seating on the upper deck for best views.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (October to November) or autumn (March to April) for mild weather, fewer crowds than peak summer, and spectacular scenery. Weekday departures tend to be less busy than weekends, and morning cruises offer the calmest lake conditions and best light for photos.
What to Know
The cruise departs from Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown with ticketing available onsite or online in advance (recommended during peak season). Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard, and the vessel is heritage-listed so has limited wheelchair access with steep stairs to upper decks.
Seasonal Notes
The TSS Earnslaw operates year-round, but the Glenorchy walk is most enjoyable from October through April when weather is milder. Winter months (June to August) can bring snow and cold conditions that may make the walking portion challenging for young children. Holiday periods (December to January) are busiest and require advance booking.
Nearby Eats
Fergburger (5-minute walk from Steamer Wharf) is a Queenstown institution serving massive burgers that kids love, though expect queues. The Bathhouse Cafe offers family-friendly lakeside dining with a kids menu and beautiful views, located right along the waterfront near the departure point.
More Activities Near Queenstown
Activity
TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored 1912 coal-fired steamship affectionately known as the 'Lady of the Lake,' for an unforgettable cruise across the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu. Kids will be mesmerized watching the engine room in action with its gleaming brass and working pistons, while the whole family enjoys breathtaking views of Queenstown's dramatic mountain scenery. This authentic vintage experience combines history, engineering wonder, and natural beauty into one magical journey.
Shopping
Queenstown Mall
★4.4❤️16
Queenstown Mall serves as the vibrant heart of this adventure-packed New Zealand town, offering families a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining hub perfect for a leisurely stroll between outdoor activities. With its mix of souvenir shops, outdoor gear stores, family restaurants, and street performers, it provides a convenient basecamp for exploring Queenstown with kids while offering plenty of spots to refuel and recharge.
Adventure
Arrowtown
❤️10
Arrowtown is a delightful historic gold rush village just 20 minutes from Queenstown, offering families easy riverside walks, gold panning activities, and charming streets to explore. Kids love the old-world buildings, the Arrow River trail perfect for spotting fish and skipping stones, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring a real 1860s settlement with restored miners' cottages and heritage sites.
Trampoline Park
Sticky Fingers Trampoline Park
$$
Sticky Fingers Trampoline Park is an indoor wonderland for bouncing, jumping, and burning off energy, rain or shine. With dedicated zones for different activities including dodgeball courts, foam pits, and multiple trampoline areas, this Queenstown attraction keeps kids active and entertained while parents can relax knowing their children are safe in a supervised environment.