Cruising through epic scenery on an old steamship, TSS Earnslaw of Queenstown

The sun was beginning to fade against the mountain sides as we made our way smoothly across the lake. TSS Earnslaw is the last of its kind, the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying coal fired steamship left in the Southern Hemisphere.

The windswept look on board the front deck of the TSS Earnslaw

Built in Dunedin way back at the start of the last century it was rescued by Real Journeys in 1969 to be used for tours across Lake Wakatipu. It now cruises across the lake several times a day journeying between its dock in Queenstown and Walter Peak Farm.

Walter Peak Farm, one of the original sheep farms in the area

Walter Peak Farm was one of the original sheep farms in this area, all named after the huge mountainsides that tower above them. The sheep farm part still exists to this day only further up the valley now. The area down by the lake where the Earnslaw drops off many a tourist is now a resort offering farm shows, displays, a great café with afternoon teas, lunches, and BBQ dinners.

The cabin and funnel of the TSS Earnslaw an original coal steamship

I had opted to join the 90-minute cruise across from Queenstown. This gave me the opportunity to take in the epic scenery of this incredible location from the water whilst appreciating the serenity of the place. The boat itself is a living museum and it is worth taking time to head inside and look around the small museum detailing its history largely through old photographs. You can also visit the engine rooms in the middle of the ship, watching the stokers feed the coal fires.

The boat is a living museum you are free to explore

I spent much of my journey up on the front deck taking in those scenic views whilst listening to the illuminating commentary. The boat is surprisingly large inside, with a main upper deck complete with bench seating and then a lower deck salon which I imagine back in the day would be where the more prosperous clientele would linger, away from the hot engines. I had no time for sitting back and relaxing however, as I wandered around all the boat and enjoyed being on the upper decks as the captain blew the mighty horn to warn Queenstown we were fast approaching.

Dan gazing out over the waters of Lake Wakatipu to the many peaks towering high above