Queenstown is known to be the adventure town, but do you known apart from bungy jumps and nevis swings, you can take a steamship - TSS Earnslaw down Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the splendid view along the way.
Today, TSS Earnslaw is the only hand fired steamship in operation in the southern hemisphere. This famous ship has been featured in many movies such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. TSS Earnslaw has carried many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and President Bill Clinton. It is really our honour to be one of the guests on the steamship.
One of the most exciting part of the cruise-ride, apart from taking in the nice breeze and view, was exploring the ship. This fine lady was not at all shy from showing her guests her inner body parts. You can catch a glimpse of her engines from the upper deck if you are not too keen to pull yourself away from the bar and music.
But if you are an engine geek like me, head on the lower deck. Because there you can have a close-up and feel the heat of the engine. Also, psss, there is a tiny gallery out at the bow of the ship. Not many people actually venture into the lower deck, so you can actually get quite a good seat :P Have also attached a video for you guys to appreciate the mechanism better.
To make your deal more value for money, we would suggest upgrading package such that it includes a meal at Walter Peak. For us, we took up a Gourmet BBQ Dinner since you have the day to try out other activities. This deal comes with a free-sheep shearing show and you will also get to roam the farm. :D
First of all, I have to proclaim that Walter Peak is gorgeous. In fact, the Captain had to sound the horn to tell me to leave. Oops. It is slightly more curated than other scenary in New Zealand. But this place is picturesque without the need for any filter. The place is so vast, you don't even need to fight with the tourists for photo spots.
Dinner was also fantastic. I was expected food in touristy area to be mediocre at best. The buffet at Colonel's Homestead pleasantly surprised me with the food variety and quality. Because it was a buffet, you could also eat till your heart's content. The Hubby and I have not been eating a lot of cooked vegetables during the trip, so we were pleasantly surprised to find vegetables cooked in the oriental fashion.
I was also particularly satisfied with the BBQ meats because restaurants outside don't really cook it in that manner. For its value, the food quality was also exceptional. The prawns were really fresh, even I had a few. And you can enjoy this meal with a million-dollar lake view by the window! I was for sure the envy of many back at home. :P
Generally, you have sufficient time to (i) take photos, (ii) attend the farm show, (iii) have a fulfilling dinner. But part of me really wanted to stay longer because it was so beautiful and I definitely won't mind more poster-like photos. Hehe. If you are also considering going for the ride, you might want to consider the later timing to catch the sunset. Do feel free to drop me an email if you have any queries or need more information.
Today, TSS Earnslaw is the only hand fired steamship in operation in the southern hemisphere. This famous ship has been featured in many movies such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. TSS Earnslaw has carried many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and President Bill Clinton. It is really our honour to be one of the guests on the steamship.
But if you are an engine geek like me, head on the lower deck. Because there you can have a close-up and feel the heat of the engine. Also, psss, there is a tiny gallery out at the bow of the ship. Not many people actually venture into the lower deck, so you can actually get quite a good seat :P Have also attached a video for you guys to appreciate the mechanism better.
To make your deal more value for money, we would suggest upgrading package such that it includes a meal at Walter Peak. For us, we took up a Gourmet BBQ Dinner since you have the day to try out other activities. This deal comes with a free-sheep shearing show and you will also get to roam the farm. :D
First of all, I have to proclaim that Walter Peak is gorgeous. In fact, the Captain had to sound the horn to tell me to leave. Oops. It is slightly more curated than other scenary in New Zealand. But this place is picturesque without the need for any filter. The place is so vast, you don't even need to fight with the tourists for photo spots.
Dinner was also fantastic. I was expected food in touristy area to be mediocre at best. The buffet at Colonel's Homestead pleasantly surprised me with the food variety and quality. Because it was a buffet, you could also eat till your heart's content. The Hubby and I have not been eating a lot of cooked vegetables during the trip, so we were pleasantly surprised to find vegetables cooked in the oriental fashion.
I was also particularly satisfied with the BBQ meats because restaurants outside don't really cook it in that manner. For its value, the food quality was also exceptional. The prawns were really fresh, even I had a few. And you can enjoy this meal with a million-dollar lake view by the window! I was for sure the envy of many back at home. :P
Personally, one of the highlights for me was also the sheep sheering/ sheep dog show. In most farms, you rarely get to see the sheep dogs at work. So this was truly an eye-opener for me. The show was very informative and I got to learnt so much about the dogs and the sheep. (Definitely not to be missed!)
