Walter Peak High Country Farm

The Basics

Guided tours of Walter Peak High Country Farm take visitors among highland cattle, goats, and sheep. Watch skilled sheepdogs corralling the herds before a shearing and wool-spinning demonstration. Strolling through the lush gardens along the lakeshore is a must before stopping at the Colonel’s Homestead to sip tea and eat scones around a roaring fire.

If you arrive on the TSS Earnshaw, check out the open viewing area where you can see the original steam engines that power the ship. Tours of the farm can be combined with a steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and dinner on the farm.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The farm is a not-to-be-missed experience for history buffs and families with children.

• The ship is wheelchair accessible on the main level. The farm is reached via a wide gravel path, and the sheep demo, restaurant, and gardens are fully accessible.

• Save money and combine the trip with a Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound nature cruise.

• Morning or afternoon tea is typically served on day tours, while a barbecue buffet dinner is an option for evening excursions.

• Additional food and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard cafe.

How to Get There

The TSSEarnslaw offers several daily departures from the Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown; it’s easily reached on foot from downtown. The cruise to the farm takes about 1.5 hours.

When to Get There

Walter Peak High Country Farm is open daily. The ship operates year-round, except when it’s under annual maintenance for a month or so each winter, at which time a smaller boat is used.

Claim to Fame

Launched in 1912, the year of the Titanic’s maiden voyage, the Edwardian TSS Earnslaw steamship has carried royalty from Thailand, Japan, and Belgium, as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of the UK. The TSS Earnslaw also had a moment in the Hollywood spotlight with a brief appearance in the 2008 filmIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Ways to explore

Walter Peak High Country Farm offers a variety of experiences, including farm tours, horseback rides, and lake cruises, along with lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at Walter Peak's Homestead Restaurant. Take a stroll through the lakeside gardens, watch the sheepdogs at work, and help feed the animals, including sheep, alpacas, and Scottish Highland Cattle.

All tours include round-trip transfers from Queenstown by boat, and a ride on restored vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu is a highlight in itself.

Accessibility

Some farm experiences are accessible to wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, while other tours require assistance; some parts of the farm are not accessible for wheelchairs. Boat transfers are wheelchair accessible, but on-board restrooms are not. Be sure to mention your accessibility needs when booking.

Age limits

Farm tours and dining experiences are suitable for all ages; horseback rides have a minimum age of 7 and a minimum height of 3 feet and 11 inches (120 centimeters).

What to pack

Raincoat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, any personal asthma or allergy medication, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Warm outdoor clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, long trousers, closed-toe shoes or boots with a good grip

Not allowed

Remember this is a working farm, so don’t wander off on your own or interact with the animals unless you’re accompanied by a guide.

Amenities

At the farm, you’ll find a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms. On the boat, you’ll find an on-board café and restrooms.

Address 

Walter Peak High Country Farm is located across the lake from Queenstown, and the easiest way to reach it is by boat. All tours include a return transfer by boat, which sets out from the RealNZ Visitor Centre on Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown, and takes about 35 minutes by catamaran or 45 minutes on the TSS Earnslaw steamer.

Driving

It’s far easier to park in Queenstown and take the ferry than it is to drive to the farm, but make sure to leave enough time to find parking and walk to the port.

Public transportation

Steamer Wharf is a less than 10-minute walk from anywhere in central Queenstown, and bus no.1 also stops right outside.

Best times to visit

Tours are held several times a day at Walter Peak Country Farm, so pick the time that best fits your travel plans. Late afternoon and dinner tours have the added bonus of allowing you to watch the sunset over the lake.

Best days to visit

Tours run daily year-round, but advance bookings are essential—space is limited and weekend tours often sell out, especially over the summer. Mid-week tours are often quieter, especially outside of peak periods.

Best months to visit

Queensland weather can be temperamental at any time of year, but late spring through early fall (October through April) is the safest bet for good outdoor weather.

Special events

Look out for special themed tours around Christmas, Australia Day (January 26), and other holidays.