About this tour
When Noah from our team ran this half-day trek, we caught the vintage TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, then saddled up for a guided horse ride through high-country terraces with views straight back to Queenstown and the Remarkables. The 3.5-hour loop mixes lake crossing, riding, and a solid scone break — it's a genuine slice of South Island high country without eating your whole day. Suited us because we wanted something slower-paced than the adrenaline-chasing crowd, though the terrain and saddle time demand reasonable fitness and no back niggles.
Highlights
- Vintage steam-powered boat crossing — proper theatrical transport, not a speedboat.
- Lake Wakatipu views from horseback — genuinely wide-open sightlines back to town.
- Winding single-track trails through working station pastures and terraces.
- Freshly baked scones and cakes after riding — simple but satisfying.
- Small groups capped at six riders — no cattle-truck vibe.
- Guides know the country and horses well — relaxed, competent handling.
- Horseback-friendly for mixed abilities — walk-and-trot pacing, not gallops.
What to expect
The day starts with a 20-minute early arrival window at the Queenstown lakefront. Once aboard the Earnslaw (a real heritage boat, all brass and timber vibes), you're cruising 45 minutes across the lake to Walter Peak. The crossing is steady and scenic; bring a camera because the water and mountains don't disappoint.
Once ashore, you're fitted with safety gear and matched to a horse. The trek follows working trails with proper altitude and exposure — not a flat loop. Expect a mix of walk and trotting, with time to take in the views. The terrain is surprisingly open and the pace unhurried. After riding, you'll head to the lodge for fresh scones and cake, then cruise back to Queenstown. Total time is snug but doesn't feel rushed; most of us were ready for that scone break.
What travellers say
- Heritage steamship adds genuine character — not just transport, part of the experience.
- Small groups and relaxed pacing — guides aren't herding dozens through the day.
- Actual high-country views across genuine working station land.
- Mixed paces suit most riders — walk and trot, no forced gallops.
- Scones and cake are fresh and hit the spot post-ride.
- Weight limit of 95kg rules out taller or heavier riders — check beforehand.
- Early 20-minute arrival window — no sliding in last-minute if you're late.
- Not safe if you have back or spinal issues — worth knowing upfront.
- Lake crossing can be choppy — bring seasickness tablets if you're sensitive.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely off-the-beaten-track South Island riding. The Earnslaw is a proper heritage experience, not a marketing gimmick. Groups stay small, so you get actual attention from guides. The mix of boat, saddle, and quiet eating time feels balanced — you're not just ticking boxes. The views are legitimately sweeping, and the horses are well-trained and calm. Suits riders of mixed experience and fitness, as long as your back's solid.
There's a 95kg weight limit and minimum height of 120cm — worth checking before booking if you're borderline. A 20-minute early arrival is non-negotiable. The lake crossing can be choppy in wind, so take seasickness precautions if you're prone. It's not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with spinal or back injuries. Kids need to be 7+ and supervised. Wear proper long trousers and waterproof jacket — the wind off the lake is real, and you'll be exposed on the trails.
Return boat cruise, full riding kit, guide, scones and cake.
Comfortable walking shoes (for before/after), warm layers, waterproof jacket, long trousers. The tour runs year-round but book ahead in peak season.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.