Welcome to Walter Peak High Country Farm Queenstown

Walter Peak High Country Farm is a working high country farm and is an iconic Queenstown attraction, accessed via a 45 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu.

If you are planning a visit to Queenstown, this is an absolute "must do". The farm itself is a wonderful attraction, but getting there is also a big part of the experience.

From Queenstown, the best way to get there is on the historic TSS Earnslaw, a coal fired steamer that dates back to 1912. The TSS Earnslaw leaves Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown throughout the day, and you can choose to just take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or, include a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you can include activities like a delicious buffet lunch or dinner,  high tea, farm tours, or horse treks.

Walter Peak High Country Farm - choose your tour

If you are looking for a relaxing Queenstown activity, surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery imaginable, a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm is highly recommended.

Over the years, we've experienced farm tours, sheep shearing, working dog shows, and delicious meals, and it's right up there with our all time favourite Queenstown experiences.

Here's a snapshot of what's available:

Walter Peak Buffet Lunch or Dinner

Our top pick. Hop onto the TSS Earnslaw at Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, then head out onto Lake Wakatipu for a scenic 45 minute cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm, including your choice of a BBQ lunch or dinner.

It's a really relaxing cruise, and onboard there's a cafe serving snacks, coffee, and beer and wine. The views from out on the lake are stunning as you cruise serenely past the towering Remarkables, which are snow-capped in the cooler months.

Onboard there's a couple of outside observation decks, and these are a great spot to relax and take in the views, or to grab some special photos.

Inside there's a small museum, and a viewing platform where you can look into the engine room. You can see the crew as they shovel coal into the engines and watch the engines as they churn away. 

As you reach the farm, the boat nudges gently up to the wharf, and when it's secured, the crew connect the walkway and it's a short walk along a well maintained gravel pathway to the historic homestead. Staff greet you and direct you to your numbered table, where they take your drink order. When it's busy, they let you know when your table can head to the buffet. We didn't need to wait long for our turn.

The choice of food is huge. Featuring local produce, some of which is produced on the farm, we can't imagine anyone being disappointed with the selection. We watched as a chef cooked then carved up a range of meats including lamb, beef and chicken. A variety of salads, hot vegetables, and seafood meant that we had to make several rounds to make sure we didn't miss anything. The extensive desert selection topped off the meal, and left us full, and satisfied.

After our meal we headed outside and over to the amphitheatre (around 100 metres walk) for the sheepdog show. What a hoot. Before the start of the show, we watched as one of the dogs herded a small group of sheep up to the top of a very steep hill, before running back down to the amphitheatre. We would later learn why. After taking our seats, our host welcomed us, and shortly after, began the show by shearing a sheep. After three or four minutes, the now bald sheep was guided down a chute behind the stage, and we were introduced to two of the working dogs. One was just an "observer" but the other was tasked with now herding the sheep from the top of the hill, back down to a small holding yard near the stage. Watching the interaction between our host and his dog was fascinating. The dog responded to every command, and with a few minutes, had returned the sheep to their pen, accompanied by loud applause from an appreciative audience.

After the show we had around 15 minutes before boarding the TSS Earnslaw for our return trip to Queenstown. From departure to return, the whole tour lasted a little under 4 hours.

Overall, a great experience, and five stars from us.

You can check availability and book your cruise and BBQ here.

Walter Peak Farm tour

This tour is great for all ages, but is particularly loved by the kids.

The farm is home to a variety of animals including sheep, cattle, alpaca, and deer, and kids get the chance to interact with them in a relaxed farm setting.

Your tour last a little under four hours and includes your TSS Earnslaw cruise, your farm tour, a delicious afternoon tea in the woolshed, and ample time to explore the farms beautiful gardens.

Learn more and check availability here.

walter peak horse treks

Looking for something a little different?

The Walter Peak Horse Trek is a fantastic experience, as your guide takes you on a horse trek through stunning farmland adjoining Lake Wakatipu. The placid, well trained horses make for an easy ride, suitable for first time riders. 

After heading back to the stables, there's a yummy morning/afternoon tea waiting at the nearby historic homestead.

Your tour lasts a little under four hours and includes your cruise, your 40 minute horse trek, and your morning/afternoon tea.

You can learn more here.