Choice Of Vessel, Tea And Scones

Queenstown: Walter Peak Horse Trek & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★ 4.6 317 reviews

from $155.87 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Meeting point: Queenstown Steamer Wharf
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Operator terms: RealNZ terms: refunds only when notified at least 24 hours before departure (NZ time) for standard products; no trek-specific exception is listed.
On board: Morning or afternoon tea included
Run by: RealNZ

Overview

This RealNZ tour pairs a Lake Whakatipu cruise with a horse trek on Walter Peak High Country Farm, all within about 3 hours 45 minutes. You start in Queenstown, where you board either the vintage 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran for the crossing to the farm.

At Walter Peak you meet your horse and a local guide for a ride of roughly 40 to 45 minutes through rolling high country farmland, finishing at a lookout with views over the lake. The riding stays at an easy pace and the operator bills it as suitable for first-timers and novices. Groups are capped at 6 riders per guide, which keeps things personal. Back at the stables, tea, coffee, scones and muffins are served at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant, and there is time to wander the gardens and farmyard before the return cruise.

It suits families and first-time riders best and is great family fun. Riders must be at least 7 years old and 120cm tall, and the weight limit is 95kg. Anyone after a long or fast ride will find the trek short, but the overall verdict is that it is a relaxed, beginner-friendly outing.

$155.87from, per person

3 hours 45 minutesduration

4.6across 317 guest reviews

6guests at most

What's Included

Included

Round-trip cruise on TSS Earnslaw steamship or the Spirit of Queenstown
Morning or afternoon tea (tea, coffee, scones, and muffins)
40-45 minutes horse trekking
Nature guide

Itinerary

Meet in QueenstownMake your own way to the departure point. The meeting point may vary depending on the option you select, so check the booking page for details.
Cruise to Walter PeakSail across Lake Whakatipu on either the vintage 1912 TSS Earnslaw steamship or the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. The crossing takes 45 minutes each way on the Earnslaw and 35 minutes on the Spirit of Queenstown.
Meet your horse and guideOn arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm you are matched with a horse and introduced to your local guide.
Horse trekRide for 40-45 minutes through high country farmland to a lookout with views over Lake Whakatipu. Maximum 6 riders per guide.
Morning or afternoon teaSit down to tea, coffee, scones and muffins at the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant after the ride.
Gardens and farmyardExplore the gardens and farmyard at your own pace before heading back to the jetty.
Return cruise to QueenstownSail back to Queenstown aboard the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what matters in practice before booking.

Riders on horseback cross a snow-dusted tussock flat on Walter Peak at dusk, with schist outcrops and bare beech trees.

What to wear. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. RealNZ provides safety helmets and wet weather clothing.
Pace and fitness. The trek is an easy meander, mostly at walking pace, and works for people who have never ridden. Several reviewers with no prior experience said the guides were patient and made them feel looked after. Confident riders should expect a gentle outing rather than a challenge.
Boat choice. Your vessel, the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown, depends on the option you pick. One reviewer was disappointed not to get the steamship on the return leg, so check what your option covers if the old boat matters to you.
Food and drink. Tea, coffee, scones and muffins are included, and some travellers describe sandwiches and cakes as well. Extra food and drinks can be bought on board the vessel but are not included in the price.
Group feel. A cap of 6 riders per guide keeps the trek personal. Multiple reviewers praised the guides for being patient, knowledgeable and reassuring with beginners.
Farm animals. The gardens and farmyard at Walter Peak are open to explore after tea, at your own pace.

Ready To RideCheck availability →

Common issues. The trek is short and mostly at a walk, and some reviewers wished for more riding time or an advanced option. Height, weight and age limits apply: riders must be at least 7 years old, 120cm tall and no more than 95kg. Hotel pickup is not stated, so plan to make your own way to the departure point. One reviewer noted the return vessel could not be chosen, and the meeting point varies by option, so confirm the details on the booking page.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown, the 40-45 minute horse trek with a nature guide, and morning or afternoon tea with tea, coffee, scones and muffins. Extra food and beverages can be purchased on board but are not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup is not stated. The trek starts at Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown, so check the live booking page for the exact departure details.

Is This Tour Suitable For Beginners And Children?

Yes. The riding is easy and suitable for first-time or novice riders, and many riders with no experience say the guides make them feel safe. Children must be at least 7 years old and riders must be a minimum of 120cm tall.

Are There Weight Or Height Restrictions?

Yes. Riders must be at least 120cm tall and weigh no more than 95kg. There is also a minimum age of 7 years.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, as both are required for riding. Bring money or a card if you want to buy drinks or extra food on the vessel.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for anything beyond that window.