THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board Spirit of Queenstown for a 4-hour sail to Walter Peak Station, where you’ll plant native trees, learn garden-to-table skills, and sit down to a chef-hosted long lunch at Westaways. This hands-on half-day blends conservation, local food, and scenic cruising—perfect for travelers based in Queenstown.
Board Spirit of Queenstown for a 4-hour sail to Walter Peak Station, where you’ll plant native trees, learn garden-to-table skills, and sit down to a chef-hosted long lunch at Westaways. This hands-on half-day blends conservation, local food, and scenic cruising—perfect for travelers based in Queenstown.
Book with RealNZ
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by RealNZ · Queenstown, Otago
On Lake Whakatipu's southern shore, A Real Good Day Out at Walter Peak is a four-hour conservation-and-cuisine excursion that launches from Steamer Wharf in Queenstown. Operated by RealNZ and sailed aboard Spirit of Queenstown, this trip crosses glassy water to reach Walter Peak Station, a working high-country farm where tussock slopes and remnant beech forest meet lakeside lawns.
The experience begins with the cruise: sharp light on water, mountain faces reflected under The Remarkables, and commentary that orients you to local ecology and farming practice. Disembark at Walter Peak and you move into hands-on activities - the Garden-to-Table workshop leads you through seasonal vegetable beds and heirloom herbs, framed by native plantings. A native tree planting as part of the Walter Peak Restoration Project lets visitors plug into a measurable conservation effort: species used on-site typically include manuka, kanuka, and silver beech that help stabilize soils and restore bird habitat.
The long lunch at Westaways is the centerpiece. Executive Chef Will Eaglesfield hosts a multi-course afternoon tea and long-lunch menu focused on RealNZ's supplier partnerships - local lamb, freshwater produce, artisanal cheeses and seasonal preserves - paired with stories and tastings that connect plate to place. This is not a passive stop; the kitchen talk explains sourcing and sustainable farming practices that shape the region's food scene.
Wildlife is subtle but present: waterfowl such as black swan and paradise shelduck patrol the shoreline, and songbirds like tui and fantail flit among the regrowth. Geological context is visible everywhere - glacially carved valleys, schist bedrock outcrops, and the long arc of Lake Whakatipu that draws the eye back to Queenstown.
Practical details matter on this itinerary: collect boarding passes at least 20 minutes before departure at the RealNZ Visitor Centre (88 Beech Street) or on Steamer Wharf. Bring non-slip shoes, warm layers, sunscreen and any personal medication. The walking is gentle but uneven in places, and tree planting involves light digging.
Why book it? For travelers who want a compact, meaningful taste of Otago - blending a scenic cruise, active conservation, and a chef-led dining experience - this outing turns a classic Queenstown photo op into a grounded, locally connected afternoon. It's a rare chance to leave the lakeshore bustle, plant a tree that will outlast your visit, and sit down to a meal where every ingredient has a backstory.
The itinerary fits well into a half-day schedule, making it a strong option for visitors based in Queenstown who want to pack in adventure and local culture without an overnight. Families with older children, food lovers, and conservation-minded travelers get the most from the mix of tactile work and relaxed dining. Spaces can fill quickly in peak season; check availability on the RealNZ booking page and arrive prepared for variable alpine weather. Enjoy.
Collect boarding passes at least 20 minutes before departure from the RealNZ Visitor Centre (88 Beech Street) or on Steamer Wharf.
The full experience runs about 3.5–4 hours, including return cruise time and on-site activities.
Planting is family-friendly but involves light digging; it's best for older children who can follow safety instructions.
Bring non-slip shoes, warm layers, sunscreen, camera, and any personal medication you need.
RealNZ works with local suppliers and can usually accommodate dietary needs—notify them at booking so the kitchen can prepare.
This package is offered as a combined garden-to-table and lunch experience. Contact RealNZ directly for alternative cruise options.
RealNZ is a South Island tourism operator based in Wānaka, Otago, offering scenic cruises, wildlife and wilderness experiences, river rafting, jet boat and farm tours across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and Fiordland. The company operates a range of licensed vessels including the historic TSS Earnslaw (with scheduled maintenance periods) and the modern Spirit of Queenstown catamaran, providing lake cruises to Walter Peak High Country Farm and other destinations. RealNZ runs the Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown, a round trip of approximately 13 hours that crosses Lake Manapouri, traverses Wilmot Pass and includes a 2 hour 45 minute cruise in Doubtful Sound. In Queenstown, whitewater adventures include the Kawarau River rafting options: standalone rafting, combined rafting and jet boat trips, and the 8‑kilometre rafting run that finishes on the 400‑metre Dog Leg rapid. For slower paced experiences, RealNZ offers Walter Peak farm visits with gourmet BBQ lunches, a half‑day horse trek, farm demonstrations, sheepdog shows and morning or afternoon tea on the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead. Safety equipment, guided instruction, and round‑trip boat travel are included on relevant tours. Select excursions provide hotel pick up and drop off from nearby locations. RealNZ’s tours connect iconic South Island landscapes—Lake Wakatipu, Lake Manapouri, Wilmot Pass and Doubtful Sound—delivering accessible access to natural scenery, local food and cultural farm demonstrations. Many cruises operate on the TSS Earnslaw or the Spirit of Queenstown; the TSS Earnslaw will be in scheduled maintenance from 19 May to 1 October 2025 affecting vessel choice for some sailings.
Book with RealNZ