RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise — Attraction in South Island

Overall I found it to be average. Happy to have done it considering the significance and history of the ship and the fact that it is steam powered which makes it unique. It could have been a 4 star rating if it wasn’t an absolute tourist overload on the top deck… This took away from the ‘relaxing cruise’ expectation that I had of the experience (I did it around christmas). The ship is smooth (on calm water) and goes faster than I expected it too (first time I’d done a cruise and I found it a little boring, wouldn’t want it to be longer than what it was). On my 7pm sailing there was very limited seating outside on the upper deck at the bow of the ship. Lots of people were standing next to the rails which obstructed the view for the people that were seated. The upper deck felt cramped with people, too many people with limited space and limited seats. Seats outside were average too, not very comfortable. Captain had some interesting pieces of information to say about the ship over the intercom during the cruise. I moved to the bottom deck to get away from the overload of people on the top deck part way through the cruise and I found it to be way more chill/relaxing (wish I’d spent the whole cruise down there to be honest). I found it nice sitting on the seats outside the engine room, because of the warmth produced by the steam engine. The ship itself has generally been unkept pretty well considering its old age and it definitely has a bit of character. The highlight of the cruise for me was getting to go inside the engine room and see the steam engine working and the man shovelling coal into the furnace (from the viewing platform above). I’d recommend doing it when Lake Wakatipu is calm and the sun is going down to fill in some time at the end of the day. I only did the cruise there and back (didn’t get off the ship) so I can’t speak to what Walter Peak Farm is like (it probably is worth doing as part of the cruise, I just didn’t have enough time). Booking online was easy, checking in was straightforward (meet at the dock 20 mins before departure time) and the Earnslaw departed and arrived back on time. The staff were friendly, so no complaints with any of the business operations of RealNZ. I’d say that RealNZ probably does sell the right amount of tickets for the cruise. The problem that I saw was that most people go to the top deck of the ship which makes that part of the ship feel very cramped. To avoid the crowds go to lower deck and you’ll...

Title: A Timeless Journey with the TSS Earnslaw

My recent visit to Queenstown was amplified by the enchanting cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw. This 'Lady of the Lake', as she is fondly known, is stunning both in her historical significance and her timeless charm.

The experience with TSS Earnslaw begins even before you step foot onto the steamship. From the moment you book your ticket, the courteous and persevering TSS Earnslaw team present a level of warm Kiwi hospitality that is beyond comparison. Following the simple and swift booking procedure, you are welcomed at the lakeside with an atmosphere brimming with anticipation, a friendly team, and the sight of the grand vessel herself, an epitome of elegant engineering from the Edwardian era.

Stepping aboard the TSS Earnslaw, one can’t help but be whisked away on a nostalgic journey to the past – all while marvelling at the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Remarkables. The ship, with her well-preserved interiors and varnished wood, is impressively maintained. What strikes me most is the working steam engine exhibited behind a transparent screen. You could practically feel the heartbeat of the ship as you witness the coal-fed steam engine function simultaneously.

A notable mention is the delightful onboard café. Its menu boasts a variety of refreshments and delicacies that prove to be the perfect accompaniment to the serene panorama seen from the ship windows – I highly recommend a cup of their locally sourced coffee and an assortment of their delicious pastries.

The TSS Earnslaw offered a relaxed, engaging, and most importantly, a memorable experience. The professionalism of the crew, and their high adherence to safety measures while not compromising the entertainment value, make the cruise truly exceptional.

It's easy to understand why the TSS Earnslaw has, for over a century, continued to enamour locals and tourists alike. I'd urge anyone planning a visit to Queenstown to make this delightful cruise part of their must-do list. Decades of history, stunning landscapes, genuine hospitality, and a tangible nostalgic charm make it worth every cent.

to any prospective visitor, the TSS Earnslaw offers not just a cruise, but a journey...

Unfair Buffet System, Rude Service, and Bad Food

I had a very disappointing experience at [Restaurant Name]. The food and overall restaurant service were terrible. The "section by section" buffet system is completely unfair and poorly managed. My group was seated in the last zone, which was packed with children, while all the other adults in the earlier zones could enjoy their food first. This system makes no sense, especially since all guests are paying the same price for the buffet.

We were made to wait 15 minutes before even accessing the buffet. When I kindly asked a staff member to allow my 5-year-old to get food earlier (as it was already 8:20 PM), the service team was rude and dismissive. It’s unacceptable to make children wait so long—they were restless, uncomfortable, and starving.

To make matters worse, the food itself tasted bad and was not worth the price at all. The service was disorganized, and the staff seemed completely uninterested in providing a good experience for guests.

The only positive part of the evening was the boat ride and show, which were enjoyable. However, the poor service, bad food, and unfair treatment of families completely ruined the experience.

I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone, especially families with children. Management needs to seriously rethink their policies and improve the food quality and service. Avoid this place if you’re looking for a pleasant...