One of the highlights of the trip was the TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Farm tour. Taken from Real Journey's website - The leisurely 90 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the 105 year old TSS Earnslaw.
Inside a visit to the engine room reveals the giant steam engines at work. Close by you’ll be able to view the collection of historical photos in our mini-museum, check out the bridge and even join a sing-along with the pianist. Or, if you’d rather, kick back and enjoy a wine or beer or some café food at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.
I also read somewhere that the ship was built in the same year as Titantic. It's funny how they mention that the ship goes through annual maintenance, to give the visitors a peace of mind. ;) We started queuing quite early (probably the first 50 to board), so that we can get good seats. We met a really friendly Chinese couple who were on a holiday from Sydney with their toddler, who shared food with us on the way to Walter Peak.
Before we boarded the ship, a container trunk unloaded coal into the ship. I've not seen so much coal in my life! It's amazing how coal is still used for the ship despite modern technology.
Once we disembarked at Walter Peak, we were ushered to the sheep sheering show. The last time I watched such a show was 20 years ago in Australia! Definitely different from what I remembered.
Sheep shearing may look like a torture to the sheep, but it's actually good for their health since summer gets too hot and their wool gets dirty and tangled.
After the sheep shearing show, we watched the sheep dogs herd sheep!
Miss Ting really enjoyed running around - always reminds me how little it takes to be happy
My favourite hydrangea! So pretty my hubby asked if I wanted some *jokingly*
After the animal shows we were ushered to the bbq buffet lunch. Most of the tourists were brisk walking so that they can grab their tables first, but actually there's no need to. Even if you enter first, they will wait for most of the tourists to be seated before opening the buffet area. Sounds fair to me!
BBQ meat
Dessert spread
Salads
Pizzas, cheeses and crackers
Bar counter
The food was above average to say the least. I didn't really like the meats as they were tough, but I enjoyed the greens and cheeses! The food was more than enough for everyone, so no need to stack your food. We saw tourists (of various nationalities and continents) taking lots of food and ended up not finishing them. What a waste!
The ship leaves on time so remember the timing and don't wander too far!
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