In Queenstown there are bridges to jump from, mountains to ski on in the winter, rivers in which to go jetboating or whitewater rafting, and various other venues for many more activities to indulge your sense of adventure.
For more leisurely experiences, there's the gondola to the top of the hill behind the city centre for panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains — and then there's the lake cruise on TSS Earnslaw...
'Lady of the Lake'
The Earnslaw is a vintage steamship that evokes the feel of a bygone era when steamers and paddle wheelers plied Lake Wakatipu and ferried sheep, cattle and passengers to lakeside stations.
The Earnslaw, a twin-screw steamer named after the 3060-metre peak at the head of Lake Wakatipu, was built in the early 1900s in Dunedin on the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island, dismantled, then transported by rail in numbered pieces to Kingston at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu.
In February 1912 the Earnslaw steamed on her maiden voyage to Queenstown. In service she became known as the "Lady of the Lake." When most communities surrounding Lake Wakatipu became accessible by roads, it was planned to scrap the Earnslaw in 1968 but the Lady of the Lake was spared because of her historic value.
Royal passengers
After a massive makeover in 1984, the Earnslaw was back on the water with a bright red funnel, white hull and glassed in timber decks.
In 1990, Queen Elizabeth II (Queen of England, Australia and New Zealand) and Prince Phillip were passengers on the Earnslaw as were, at different times, the King and Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Thailand.
Scenic lake cruises
Today the Earnslaw continues to ply Lake Wakatipu carrying passengers on scenic cruises and, as an option, visiting Walter Peak Station across the lake. Walter Peak Station is a high-country sheep farm open to visitors.
The Lake Wakatipu cruise gives passengers the chance to explore the Earnslaw’s decks and bridge, view the engine room and historic displays in the Fo'c'sle Gallery, and join a sing-along with the ship’s pianist.
Cruises depart regularly throughout the day from Queenstown. You can take the cruise by itself, or it can be combined with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Station for a guided farm visit, horse trek, barbecue lunch or evening buffet dining.
More information and cruise details at realjourneys.co.nz.
