Feature image by Kate Antamanova on Unsplash
It’s definitely no coincidence that New Zealand was chosen to be the setting for the stunning Lord of the Rings trilogy.
With a mix of fantastically blue waters, rugged volcanic terrain, and an intoxicating sense of adventure, this is one country that ought to be on everyone’s travel bucket list.
I had the privilege of visiting it several years ago, and I credit it as the trip that got me well and truly smitten with travelling. Yet, one unique experience from my visit to the South Island stood head and shoulders above the rest: a ferry ride.
Now, I know what you’re thinking — how can a ferry ride be that special? Well, my friends, she’s no ordinary ferry!
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Wakatipu’s ‘Lady of the Lake’ has a long and rich history
Forget what you’ve been told about never mentioning a woman’s age, because this lady is over a hundred years old and still rocking on as the oldest passenger-carrying steamship in the Southern Hemisphere.
Launched in 1912, the same year as the ill-fated Titanic, the TSS Earnslaw was initially constructed to ferry the local communities around Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu.
For over fifty years, she busied herself ferrying cargo, sheep, and passengers across the lake. However, 1968 would see her fate take a slight detour when she evaded the fate of many ageing vessels and escaped a grisly demise in the scrapyard.
She was bought by a tour company and subsequently given a full makeover, with her funnel repainted a fiery red and a proper refit under her belt (or… well, hull).
Photo by Nicolas J Leclercq on Unsplash
A new chapter for the Earnslaw had begun, in which she was the star attraction that allowed passengers a glimpse into a bygone era of graceful steamships chugging through the water.
The Earnslaw gets a royal seal of approval
In addition to being significant piece of New Zealand’s engineering history and a gorgeous piece of Queenstown’s heritage, the Earnslaw has also picked up some rather famous friends.
I’m not one for being starstruck, but I do have to admit that I thought it was wicked cool to travel on the same ferry that had once carried the late Queen Elizabeth. Yes — THE Queen Elizabeth, grandmother of Princes William and Harry (who the internet will absolutely not stop raging at).
Of course, members of the British monarchy aren’t the only esteemed guests that the Earnslaw has ferried across Lake Wakatipu. Belgian, Thai, and Japanese royals have also sailed the ‘Lady of the Lake’, as well as former American president Bill Clinton.
The intrepid travellers among you may already be packing your bags and booking your tickets, so…
Here’s everything to know about cruising on the TSS Earnslaw
Because, yes — you NEED to hitch a ride on this babe.
What should I bring along on the Earnslaw?
Rule number one of travelling to New Zealand: bring sunblock. Even if it’s relatively cloudy, you’re going to want to pack some sunscreen with a decent SPF.
With your face and hands behind a good layer of sun protection, you’ll need to protect the rest of you against the elements, too. It may seem like an obvious choice, but you need to dress for the weather.
We visited the South Island during August (one of the coldest months of the year) and it was rather chilly on board, so warm jackets were essential when walking about on deck. Friends of mine visited during February and found it swelteringly hot.
Feeling a bit peckish on board? You don’t need to bring snacks along, as the café serves utterly delish meals and drinks. (I wish someone had warned us about the seagulls, though — they’ll happily nick your food if you’re not careful.)
Last (but certainly not least), you should definitely have a good camera. My Sony digital camera was a rather ancient hand-me-down from my dad and it died about halfway through our trip of the South Island. Please don’t make the same mistake I did!
How long is the ferry ride?
A scenic cruise across the lake takes roughly an hour and a half, though there’ll occasionally be a stop about three quarters of the way through to drop visitors off at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
If you’re opting for a cruise and farm tour (which is what we went for!), you’re looking at spending about 3 and a half to 4 hours.
How much does a trip on the Earnslaw cost?
For a basic 90 minute cruise across the lake, kids up to 4 years of age travel for free (lucky ducks!), children and teenagers from 5 to 15 pay $40-$49, whilst everyone 16 and above pays $80-$99.
For a cruise and farm tour, children and teenagers from 5 to 15 pay $55-$65, and those 16+ pay $130-$145. Yes, the little kiddos still travel for free!
(PS: Those are New Zealand dollars, friends. 😉)
What else can I see and do on the Earnslaw?
In addition to 90 minute lake cruises, you can also book a cruise and farm tour, and special lunch and dinner cruises.
Handy tip: If you’re travelling with kids, I’d definitely recommend the farm tour! We opted for the farm tour and got to pet/feed adorable animals, eat delicious scones, and get shown around a working farm.
Have you travelled on the Earnslaw or do you have another hidden gem on your New Zealand travel bucket list? I’m all ears!
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