tss earnslaw nye cruise

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TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

Take a scenic cruise of Lake Whakatipu from Queenstown on board the iconic steamship TSS Earnslaw.

There is plenty of time to explore the decks and bridge, view the engine room or sit back and relax while enjoying food and a drink from the Promenade Cafe (extra cost). The TSS Earnslaw makes several daily trips across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

• Duration: 1hr 30 mins
• Departures: daily, all year*
• Visit the Fo'c'sle Gallery
• Watch the giant steam engines at work 
• Drinks & food available from the Promenade Cafe

*The TSS will undergo annual maintenance from 3 June - 28 June 2024- and will not be operating during this time.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf,

88 Beach Street

Queenstown, 9300

• Valid until 30 September 2024.
• Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Months of Operation: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
• Group Capacity: 0

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TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Lake Cruises.

Behind the scenes: TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Survey

TSS Earnslaw Steamship Lake Cruises

RealNZ Visitor Centre, 88 Beach Street , Central Queenstown , New Zealand .

Scenic cruise on Lake Whakatipu aboard vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Delicious food, explore decks, view engine room and historic displays.

Pricing and Conditions

Café-style food and drinks are available for purchase from the Promenade Café on board the TSS Earnslaw.

Prices valid until 30 September 2024 and are per person based on a TSS Earnslaw Cruise departing Queenstown. TSS Earnslaw will undergo annual maintenance from 20 May to 30 June 2024.

If cancelling or amending a retail booking, a refund will only be granted when RealNZ receives notification 24 hours prior to departure.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Watch the stokers fuel the fireboxes, feel the heat from the boilers and hear the steam engines working as "the Lady of the Lake" takes you across beautiful Lake Whakatipu. As you relax onboard enjoy a delicious meal or snack from the Promenade Café or a drink from the bar. There is plenty of time to explore the ship while taking in the breathtaking alpine views. See our website for departures, prices, full cruise details and other great Queenstown and Fiordland excursions.

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TSS Earnslaw Cruise Queenstown: Worth it or Not? (2024)

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

When visiting Queenstown, I heard a lot about the TSS Earnslaw cruise as one of the most popular tourist activities in Queenstown. Many blogs and even local friends talked it up, but at first, it seemed a bit too touristy to me. I wasn’t sure if it was just hype, or if the Earnslaw lunch/dinner cruise truly was something worth doing. 

The TSS Earnslaw is an old steamship built in the early 1900s that still operates on coal with its original (renovated) machinery, which you can view on the boat. The cruise enables you to see spectacular views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and experience a meal on a farm across the lake if you choose.

Traveling on a reunion trip with my parents at the time, they decided they wanted to try the TSS Earnslaw cruise. As we had other plans in the morning, we opted for the dinner/evening cruise (although 5 pm in the summer is hardly the evening; it’s the middle of the afternoon with a 9:30-10 pm sunset time)!

We lined up with dozens of other tourists to get on the ship and set off on the evening dinner cruise. And now I’m going to tell you ALL my honest opinions about it! But first a few FAQ’s:

TSS Earnslaw Queenstown FAQ

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise goes to the Walter Peak Station, a sheep station across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. Those who booked a buffet meal will disembark here and those who did not will cruise back to the city.

YES there is a bar and cafe on the TSS earnslaw! You can begin buying drinks as soon as you get onboard, and there are snacks too. Expect an average of $15 for basic alcoholic drinks. But don’t fill up too quickly if you have booked a dinner cruise because the buffet is top-notch.

A simple cruise is $80, a Farm Tour + Afternoon Tea Cruise is $130, a Lunch buffet + Cruise is $145, and a dinner buffet + cruise is $165. The dinner cruise is pricier because it includes seafood!

TSS Earnslaw Cruise Options

If you are looking up options for the TSS Earnslaw cruise and are confused about the options, I’ll help clear that up for you as simply as possible.

There are four options: a 90-minute cruise, a farm tour cruise, a lunch cruise, and a dinner cruise. These all happen mostly simultaneously. The boat takes 45 minutes to get to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where ‘cruise + meal/tour’ people get off for their meal or tour, and ‘cruise only’ people stay on the ship and head back to Queenstown. When the boat gets back with the next cruise, meal/tour people get back on, etc.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise Only

Price: $99NZD

Timings: 11am (not always), 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, (seasonal) 7pm

Length: 90 minutes

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise

If you book the cruise only, it is the cheapest option where you will be able to sail beautiful Lake Wakatipu and get unique and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You can get snacks and drinks at the bar and enjoy viewing the steamship machinery.

You will, however, not be able to disembark the boat across the Lake and miss out on local meals and farm experiences at the Walter Peak Station.

TSS Earnslaw Farm Tour + Afternoon Tea

Price: $145NZD

Timings: 1pm, 3pm

Length: 3.5 Hours

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Farm Experience + Tea

The next cheapest option is great for families with kids or those who are curious about the workings of a farm and not too excited about a buffet.

The TSS Earnslaw cruise, farm experience, and afternoon tea includes all the great views of the cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm and back, as well as a tour of the farm and a lighter afternoon/morning tea with pastries and hot drinks.

The farm tour allows you into parts of the farm that others don’t access, where you can feed cows and sheep and also see the farm show demonstration, including shearing a sheep and sheepdog herding.

TSS Earnslaw Lunch Cruise

Price: $175 NZD

Timings : 11am, 1pm

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise + Lunch BBQ

The TSS Earnslaw lunch cruise includes all the fabulous views and commentary on the boat cruise as well as a massive, incredible and varied BBQ lunch buffet at Walter Peak Station and a farm show.

The BBQ lunch includes lots of local meats, charcuterie, salads, warm dishes, desserts, and more – the only thing it does not include, which the dinner cruise does, is seafood. Drinks are available for purchase. The farm show will show guests how a large sheep station works and demonstrate sheep shearing and sheepdog herding.

TSS Earnslaw Evening/Dinner Cruise

Price: $189NZD

Timings: 5pm, (seasonal/day dependent) 7pm

Length: 4 hours

Booking Link: Here is the link to book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise + Dinner Buffet

The TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise + BBQ Buffet also includes the wonderful lake and mountain views from the steamship as well as one of the most amazing buffets I (and many people I speak to) have had!

The dinner buffet includes everything from the lunch buffet as well as seafood – which is why it’s a tad more expensive. You can expect local/farm raised chicken, pork, lamb, locally caught fish, mussels, clams, prawns, smoked salmon, and tons of salad, charcuteria, veggie, and warm sides options.

The desserts are extensive and drinks are available for purchase. This tour also includes a farm show demonstrating sheep shearing, sheep dog herding and training, and more.

Here is my video recap below of our experience on the TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise! There’s even a comment from the coal shoveler saying that he does indeed love his job (no joke):

@kimmconn TSS Earnslaw Queenstown steamship tour: worth it?? Here’s what go expect in the tss Earnslaw cruise and dinner buffet (with seafood) and farm show too 🙂 one of the best things to do in Queenstown! #tssearnslaw #earnslaw #queenstown #nz #nztiktok #newzealand #tiktoktravel #travelvlog #fyp #cruise #buffet #dinner #view ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

TSS Earnslaw Dinner Cruise Review: Is it Worth it?

So, as I mentioned, we did the dinner cruise, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when we stepped onto the ship, it was like stepping back in time. It was definitely crowded, which put me off at first, but after walking around the boat a bit and feeling the breeze in my face and the UNBELIEVABLE views, it was honestly really cool.

I was shocked to see the viewing platform inside the ship where you can stand over all the incredibly complicated and old steamship machinery still working the same way it did when it was built in 1912.

There are even a few men shoveling coal into various furnaces (apparently they are paid well – as they should be!) and watching all the cogs turning was unlike anything I have seen before. It sure was hot in there, but seeing this was a unique experience by itself.

I couldn’t really hear much of the commentary on the boat due to the noise from the ship, but I think there were places where it was more audible. There is also a museum-type section on one floor where you can see old photos of the Earnslaw from when it carried sheep and cargo.

Walter Peak High Country Farm Buffet Dinner Review

After arriving at Walter Peak Station (which also has a fascinating history ) for the buffet, we easily got our table number and sat down. I genuinely don’t think I’ll ever forget that view; the gardens at the station are remarkable and colorful and the view of the lake is breathtaking. It truly is a beautiful place worth visiting.

And let’s just say that this buffet was truly one of the best of my life – and I’ve been to Vegas 😉 Honestly though, the food here was so fresh, and you could tell all the meat and fish was recently caught. The cheese board supplies were so extensive it almost made me anxious that I could only choose a little bit of everything if I still wanted to eat other warm sides and meats (haha, I love cheese a lot).

Warm sides included a vegan mac and cheese, flavorful baked veggies, delicious broccoli and feta dish, potato bake, and more, and there were 5+ kinds of salads next to smoked salmon, mussels, clams, huge prawns, and local chicken, lamb, pork, fish, and more.

Walter Peak Station Farm Show

I got a little bit delayed to the farm show because I was taking artsy pictures in the garden, but I arrived at the end of the sheep shearing (which is fine because I have actually spent a day shearing sheep in Western Australia , lol).

How the farm show works is this. There’s a small stage with retractable shades and a little amphitheater where one of the farmers fills you in on the history of Walter Peak High Country Farm and demonstrates a few things. He lets you know how a big station like this functions and how they maintain it, and how they have done so through history.

He demonstrates the shearing of a sheep and explains how the wool business works. He then gets into a big demonstration about sheep and cattle dogs, how the whole industry works, what the dogs are like, and some stories. He will then let the dog (who is onstage the whole time just raring to go and chase some sheep) go off into the paddock and herd some sheep into the smaller field.

If you have never seen anything like this before, it will surely be fascinating and a true NZ experience ass much of this country functions on farming. I had never seen a sheepdog at work before, and I thought it was the most incredible thing.

Is the TSS Earnslaw Worth it?

My verdict is that I would indeed travel to Queenstown to eat this meal and see these views again. Is the TSS Earnslaw worth the hype? In my opinion, they have created an incredible product, and while still touristy, it is popular for a good reason, and it exceeded everyone’s expectations. So, YES, it’s worth the hype (and worth upgrading to the dinner cruise to try the seafood).

HOWEVER – and this is a BIG HOWEVER – I would not do the cruise only without a meal. While the views were great from the boat, I think the most spectacular part of the evening was eating the delectable meal and enjoying a local wine while strolling through the prolific colorful flowers and manicured gardens (and I’m not even a garden person normally). The whole setting with the gardens, mountain view, lake, food, and ship was the best part for me.

So if you’re going to spend money on the TSS Earnslaw Cruise anyway, spend a bit more for one of the most memorable meals ever. We booked the dinner cruise on Viator and it was a simple and easy process.

TSS Earnslaw History

Now that we’ve gotten my review and specific info out of the way, why is this old steamship here in the first place? The TSS Earnslaw is actually one of the oldest remaining/still running coal-fired steamships on the planet.

The ship was built in Dunedin, NZ, and transported to Lake Wakatipu in parts, reassembled on the lake, and has been there ever since. The TSS Earnslaw’s function was to transport people, cargo, and stock around different parts of the Lake (mostly farms/stations) that were not reachable as there were no roads.

However, with the construction of roads, these steamships became obsolete. That is until a travel company purchased the Earnslaw and renovated her into the tourist vessel that you see today. Read more about the Earnslaw’s history, fun facts, and even celebrities who have cruised on her here.

Who Should Book a TSS Earnslaw Cruise?

At first, I thought that this kind of cruise would be the best for older people/boomers, which is what I assumed the target audience was. But after going on the cruise, I realized that it’s a great activity for pretty much anyone.

This activity is, of course, great for older people or those with limited mobility, as there isn’t too much moving that needs to be done. The cruise is especially great for families as the farm animals and gardens may excite children, and the food is good for all ages. It would even be great for a romantic trip and date evening to impress your significant other.

I am unsure if I would have booked this solo (as I travel solo often), but I am sure the restaurant would place you somewhere along a bar or at a smaller table where you can still enjoy the views. Solo travelers could easily move around the ship, find places to sit, and enjoy the gardens and farm show alone.

This was also great for groups, and on my evening, there were big groups sitting at longer tables inside celebrating different kind of events.

More on Queenstown

This is a great tour in Queenstown, but if you choose one tour to do, make it a day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown . Trust me!

Also read this if you take the ferry from Picton to Wellington.

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TSS Earnslaw Cruises to Walter Peak Farm Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship Cruises on Lake Wakatipu

Enjoy Queenstown's stunning alpine beauty aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw

A 45-minute sail over Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw kicks off and caps out this half-day excursion. You are welcome to explore the ship at your leisure; the great steamship is essentially a floating museum dedicated to its history. 

The engine room of the TSS. Earnslaw is a fascinating place to see how our hardworking coal-stokers keep this beautiful lady of the lake gliding across the waters of Lake Wakatipu. 

The farm demonstration at Walter Peak High Country Station is interesting for the whole family, and you can spend a few hours there sampling their delicious cuisine. Various salads, veggies, and exquisite locally sourced meats cooked on the outside rotisserie or barbeque make up the BBQ buffet. A variety of desserts, including fresh bread and cheese, are available.

The Colonel’s Homestead atop Walter Peak in Queenstown is a beautiful site to spend a sunny day as it looks out over Lake Wakatipu and the breathtaking alpine beauty of Queenstown. The colonial-style building and expansive gardens are reminiscent of a more refined time. Wander the beautiful gardens that have won awards and meet the creatures who make the station home. 

Cruises on the TSS Earnslaw leave on a daily basis. You may select between a cruise and a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek excursion, guided cycling ride, BBQ lunch, or evening dinner.

We're passionate about sharing this stunning part of New Zealand with the world.

Which is why we've developed a range of experiences for you to choose from , tss earnslaw vintage steamship cruises.

Walter Peak High Country Farm Tours 

Price:  Adults: $99 pp – Children $49 Duration: 1 hour 30 mins Departs: 12:oo pm – 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm

Take in the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown on a voyage across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamer launched in 1912.

The leisurely 90-minute voyage around the lake takes in some of Queenstown’s most beautiful alpine scenery while providing ample opportunity to discover a bit of Queenstown’s living history.

You may tour the engine room and observe the massive steam engines in action, peruse our mini-collection museum’s of historical photographs, inspect the bridge, or even join in on a sing-along with the pianist.

Alternatively, you may relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, as well as café-style fare, at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.

At Queenstown’s Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western banks of Lake Wakatipu, visitors may experience New Zealand’s farming lifestyle.

The farm is an ideal location to spend a few relaxed hours and get a taste of High Country farming life.

The first visit is to observe farm dogs gathering up sheep in hill paddocks and to witness a farmer shear a sheep. Our rural demonstration will next lead you on a walking tour of the farmyard, where you can assist in feeding the alpaca, sheep, and deer, as well as get up up and personal with the Scottish Highland Cattle.

Enjoy a freshly baked afternoon tea following a stroll through the lakefront gardens. After that, you’ll board the TSS Earnslaw for the return trip to Queenstown.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch

Walter Peak Gourmet Barbecue Dinner

Enjoy a classic steamer lake trip, a delicious BBQ lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, plus a farm demonstration following the meal.

Lunch begins with a journey across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Once there, you may relax on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and inhale the delectable scents emanating from our chef’s grilling of the freshest local ingredients.

• Gourmet barbecue lunch or dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant
• Enjoy lakeside dining at Walter Peak High Country Farm, away from the bustle of Queenstown
• Includes the return scenic cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
• Be entertained by the farm demonstration, see the farm dogs at work 

Supper with a twist — a classic steamship lake cruise followed by a delicious BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, followed by a farm demonstration and opportunity to browse the gift store.

Relax in the unique atmosphere of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, located in the heart of Walter Peak’s majestic homestead.

Here, you’ll experience a Gourmet BBQ supper including an abundance of New Zealand and local cuisine, from exquisite grilled meats to a variety of delectable veggies and salads. Then indulge in our delectable desserts, New Zealand cheeses, and freshly made tea and coffee to round out your meal.

On your return night voyage, you may enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-along with the ship’s pianist or take in the fresh night air on the moonlight decks as the lights of Queenstown approach.

Walter Peak Horse Treks

Tours to Milford & Doubtful Sound

Enjoy Queenstown’s stunning scenery on a lake cruise on board the TSS Earnslaw, then a relaxing horse trek at Walter Peak and return to the farm for morning/afternoon tea.

This 40 minute trek takes you across beautiful rolling terraces to a lookout with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. The riding is easy, picturesque and suitable for even first-time riders.

There’s time to explore the glorious gardens and farmyard before heading back to Queenstown.

Real Journeys also provide a coach and cruise tours to Milford Sound, Combine a cruise (day or overnight) on Milford Sound with a drive through spectacular alpine roads in our luxury coaches.    MORE INFORMATION.

Coach tours to Doubtful Sound.  Let us take you to Manapouri to join your Doubtful Sound cruise (day or overnight) onboard one of our coaches. MORE INFORMATION.

Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship.

       Return to Queenstown Page 

Booking for TSS Earnslaw Cruises to Walter Peak Farm Queenstown

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Affectionately known as the “Lady of the Lake”, the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people.

She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912.

View the magnificent scenery of Queenstown by taking a cruise and as you relax on board enjoy delicious cafe style food or a drink from the bar.

PO Box 94, Steamer Wharf Queenstown, New Zealand

Freephone 0800 65 65 03 (within NZ) Tel +64 3 442 7500 Fax +64 3 442 7504

Web: www.realjourneys.co.nz

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Cruising the lake on the TSS Earnslaw

Guide by Roxanne de Bruyn

Last Updated 17 April 2023

Over 80km in length, the Lake Wakatipu stretches to remote mountain ranges, the far sides of the lake seeming almost unreachable from town. Seeing what lies across the water is a temptation for many visitors to Queenstown.

Every visitor to the lake wants to get out on the water, and there are numerous boats docked at the wharf in the town, offering everything from lake cruises and cocktails on the water, to jet boating and a jumping shark boat.

However, the most distinctive and charming vessel on the water is the historic TSS Earnslaw , an old steamer which has been traversing the lake for over a century.

A large steamship with wooden panelling, an onboard bar and café and even a pianist, the TSS Earnslaw lets you see both the lake (and the spectacular views from the water), but also a piece of local history. Beautifully restored, you can relax in one of the lounges or explore the boat and view the engine room and admire the views from the deck.

There are several options for trips on the TSS Earnslaw . You can opt for a simple cruise around the lake, or head across to the beautiful Walter Peak High Country Farm where you can choose between a gourmet meal, a farm tour with afternoon tea, or a horse-riding excursion.

The history of the TSS Earnslaw

One of the world’s oldest and largest remaining steamships, the TSS Earnslaw was built in Dunedin.

At 48m long, she was the largest steamship in New Zealand and was named after Mount Earnslaw, a mountain peak at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Once completed she was disassembled and all the plates were all numbered for reassembly in Kingston, a town south of Lake Wakatipu.

Her maiden voyage was on 18 October 1912, and she spent the next 50 years transporting people and goods (including gold) to inaccessible areas on the shores of the lake. In 1962, a road was finally completed between Glenorchy and Queenstown, and the changes this made to people’s travel patterns eventually made the TSS Earnslaw redundant.

She was retired in 1969 and has been used for pleasure cruising ever since, ferrying visitors across the lake to the Walter Peak High Country Farm multiple times a day.

Cruising on the TSS Earnslaw

Cruising on the TSS Earnslaw is a unique experience in itself. The steamship has been painstakingly restored to its original condition – everything you see is pretty much like it was 100 years ago. Add in the incredible views and you can easily see why this is one of the most popular activities in Queenstown .

Along with the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, you can see the giant steam engines operating in the engine room and browse through the historical photos in the small museum on board. The steamship is large enough to wander around and the 45 minutes cruise to the farm at Walter Peak passes fairly quickly.

Saying that, if you’re opting for the cruise, and not getting off the boat at Walter Peak, the full experience takes 90 minutes. This may seem a bit long, particularly if you’re travelling with young children, so you may want to have tea and a snack in the café to help break up the journey – and the ambience is lovely!

Book a cruise on TSS Earnslaw

Walter Peak High Country Farm

After a scenic, 45-minute cruise past Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and the Remarkables, the TSS Earnslaw reaches its destination: the Walter Peak High Country Farm. The historic Colonel's Homestead and flowering gardens sit on the edge of the lake and are visible from the boat.

First planted in the 1880s, the gardens surround the homestead and spill out onto the pebbly beach by the lake. Visit in spring to see them at their best, filled with colourful flowers, however, different species can be seen at different times of the year.

A path through the gardens leads to the historic homestead, which was first built in 1908, and then reconstructed in 1977 following a fire.

The homestead offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains and is the setting for the lunch and dinner experiences. Leading up the hill, you’ll find the farm, with a smattering of animals including sheep, cattle and alpaca.

Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ and farm tour

This is easily our favourite activity at Walter Peak.

The lakeside homestead restaurant is beautifully set with a buffet meal, including a range of salads, sides, meats, and desserts. The food is varied and incredibly delicious, and you’ll find something for all ages and dietary requirements.

Following the meal, you’ll have a chance to wander around the farm and meet the resident sheep, deer, cattle and alpaca. There is also a sheep shearing and farm dog demonstration.

The restaurant is also open on Christmas day if you’re looking for an extra special celebration – just be sure to book in advance

Duration: 3 hours 30 mins - 4 hours

Cost: $145 per person for lunch and $165 for dinner, including the cruise

Children: $75 lunch, $85 dinner, under 5s free

  Book the gourmet lunch or dinner

Walter Peak Farm tour and afternoon tea

The interactive farm tour is a fun way to get a taste of farming in the New Zealand high country. Great for children, you’ll get off the steamship and watch a farm dog and sheep shearing demonstration.

You’ll then go on a walking tour of the farmyard, where you can help to feed some of the animals. A delicious afternoon tea is then served in the old woolshed.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals: Afternoon tea

Ages: Suitable for all ages

Cost: $130 for adults, $55 for children over 5 years (free for under 5s)

Book the Walter Peak Farm experience  with afternoon tea

Horse riding at Walter Peak

If you’ve always wanted to go horse-riding, a trek in the farmland above the restaurant is a must. From the stables, the guided trek heads up above the farm to a lookout over the lake and mountains.

It’s an easy trail, so great for families and those who are new to horse riding – if you’re after something more challenging, this one isn’t for you.

 After the trek, you’ll head to the restaurant for afternoon tea, and you’ll have time to wander through the gardens and farm before heading back to Queenstown.

Duration: approx 4 hours

Meals: Morning or afternoon tea

Ages: 7 years up (at least 1.2m tall)

Cost: $179 for adults, $139 for children

  Book the horse riding trek          

Bike riding at Walter Peak

Walter Peak’s Back Road is great for cyclists, and you can bring your bike across on the steamboat to explore it for yourself. Ride through a valley blanketed in golden tussocks, through forests and even see some of the Lord of the Rings locations.

There are no bikes available at the farm, so you’ll have to hire one in Queenstown and take it across with you on the boat. This needs to be booked independently through Real NZ – email [email protected] or call 0800 656 501. This is also an independent activity, so decide on your route before you go.

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• Lake Cruises Tss Earnslaw Steamship

Lake Cruises - TSS Earnslaw Steamship

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Latest Questions about Lake Cruises - TSS Earnslaw Steamship

When does the TSS Earnslaw Steamship go on its annual maintenance period in Queenstown?

The TSS Earnslaw Steamship in Queenstown usually goes on its annual survey in May and June each year. During this time a motorised vessel will operate as a substitute.

Comment by: Everything New Zealand on 2nd May 23 at 15:06

1 comment - Post a Comment

Does the TSS Earnlaw Steamship cruise only include time at Walter Peak Farm Station?

For the TSS Earnslaw Steamship cruise only option, you do not disembark at Walter Peak and must stay on board the vessel. However, you can add on the Walter Peak Farm Tour or the BBQ Dining option, which allows you to explore Walter Peak Farm.

Comment by: Everything New Zealand on 13th Apr 22 at 12:34

Does the TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak dinner operate during the month of October?

Yes, the TSS Earnslaw Steamship lake cruise, Walter Peak BBQ Lunch & Lake Cruise and Walter Peak Evening Dining & Lake Cruise operate in October.

Comment by: Everything New Zealand (Kalena) on 25th Aug 22 at 13:13

Is there access for a double pram on the TSS Earnslaw Steamship and the Walter Peak farm tour from Queenstown?

There is a ramp on and off the TSS Earnslaw Cruise at Queenstown & Walter Peak, which allows access for prams. At Walter Peak Farm, the tour location is very open, so you will be able to take the pram around the farm with you.

Comment by: Everything New Zealand on 2nd Apr 22 at 16:56

Is there a SuperGold discount price for the earnslaw cruise?

Thank you so much for your enquiry. Yes, we can offer you a SuperGold card discount for the TSS Earnslaw Cruise here in Queenstown.

Comment by: Everything Queenstown on 16th Jan 22 at 14:16

Is it possible to book the TSS Earnslaw Steamship dinner cruise on Christmas Day?

Yes, the TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Walter Peak Dining operates on Christmas Day. This option often books out in advance, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!

Comment by: Everything New Zealand on 27th Nov 21 at 16:01

Is there horse trekking at Walter peak

Yes, we have Horse Riding available at Walter Peak. You can book this experience under Horse Riding - Walter Peak on our website.

Comment by: Everything New Zealand (Rhiannon) on 18th Jan 21 at 14:55

Can we book a cruise without having to get off at Walter Peak station?

Yes, you can book the Earnslaw for a cruise only

Comment by: Everything New Zealand (Rhiannon) on 22nd Dec 20 at 13:25

hi there, everybody here saying how high tea was nice. But I didnt see it being included in the description of this cruise? can you explain a bit more. thanks.

Hi Gulina, Thank you for your comment. The high tea was a new product that the operator launched for a limited period of time, as the Walter Peak BBQ lunch and evening dinner is now back in operation!

Comment by: ETG on 20th Nov 20 at 10:50

will the earnslaw be doing a xmas day lunch or dinner and if so menu and prices please

Hi Susie! Many thanks for your question. Yes, the TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak are open on Christmas Day! They are running a one-time slot which is a lunch the boat departs at 12.00 PM and returns at 3.45 PM. It is a BBQ lunch buffet style with lots of Christmas foods to choose from and with lots of Christmas decorations! 😊 They are running this tour for adults for $179 NZD per person, for children $89 NZD per person, and Infants up to 4yrs old go free.

Comment by: ETG on 12th Nov 20 at 12:48

How long is the TSS Earnslaw Steamship?

The cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is 90 minutes return and you will have 1 hour at Walter Peak High Country Station to explore the farm & gardens.

Comment by: Everything Queenstown on 6th Sep 20 at 09:21

Hello - I was wondering if there is also a NYE cruise. I have read about it but can't find any recent information. Thank you!

Yes there is a late cruise on New Year's eve on the Earnslaw in Queenstown. It departs at 10.30pm and costs $79 per person. You get bubbles (sparkling wine) on arrival and there is live music and finger food. You can also buy drinks on board. It returns to Queenstown bay just before midnight in time for the fireworks and you are allowed to stay on board the boat to watch (best seat in the house!). There are limited seats available so if you would like to book you need to do this well in advance. If you are interested we can email a secure payment link.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 19th Nov 16 at 14:05

Hi, is there access and facilities for a wheelchair?

Hi Tim. There is wheel chair access to board the Earnslaw steamship in Queenstown as a ramp is used by all customers getting on and off the boat. You would however have to stay on the one level once on board the boat as there are stairs to get up and down the 3 different levels. There are not any wheel chair friendly toilets on board the boat unfortunately however there is a public toilet near Steamer Wharf where the boat departs from in Queenstown that is wheel chair accessible.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 16th Aug 13 at 18:24

Comment by: ImmilmEvins on 22nd Mar 14 at 21:21

Thank you so much for your enquiry. Yes, there is an access ramp for wheelchairs on the TSS Earnslaw to get off at Walter Peak High Country Station.

Comment by: Everything Queenstown on 11th Jan 22 at 16:53

3 comments - Post a Comment

I am interested in booking for the cruise and dinner for New Years Eve (31st Dec). What is the cost for 2 pax? Thanks, Angela

Hi Angela. The cost for the evening dining at Walter Peak and the Earnslaw cruise from Queenstown on New Years eve is the same price as it is during the year. The price is currently $118 for adults and the boat departs Queenstown wharf at 6pm and returns just before 10pm. This does get booked up in advance so I recommend booking sooner rather than later. There is currently space on the evening dining for you at this stage. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 14th Aug 13 at 14:15

2 comments - Post a Comment

Can i bring a 6 month old infant on the cruise and farm tour?

Hi Georgina

Yes, you can bring your 6 month old with you on the Earnslaw Steamship cruise and farm tour. There is no charge for children 4 years and under.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Kris) on 20th Apr 13 at 12:40

Is there a bar on board?

Hi Scandal, yes the Earnslaw Steamship does have a fully licensed bar on board, they also serve tea and coffee and some snacks. You may also be interested in their BBQ lunch or evening dining packages. Both of these options and a few more can be found under the "About" section.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Kris Barrs) on 5th Jan 13 at 09:10

Does the costs for the steamship include return fares? So for example, if I decide to take the cruise+horse trek option, after the horse trek, would I be cruising back to the starting point?

Hi Sal, yes the return Earnslaw fare is certainly included in the cost of the Cruise and Walter Peak Horse Trek. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 23rd Nov 12 at 12:49

Hi, Is there a Cruise option for Christmas Day 2012?

Hi Dale, yes there certainly is. The Earnslaw operates its cruise as normal on Christmas Day. Please note though the Farm Tour & BBQ lunch option is not available.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 22nd Oct 12 at 13:59

Where is the departure point in Queenstown?

Hi Phyllis, the Earnslaw departs from Steamer Wharf which is on Shotover St on the lake front. 

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 4th Oct 12 at 12:03

Hi there, We are a party of 4 adults and we expect to be in your area on or about Thursday 20th September. We are looking to book the daytime cruise, farm and BBQ. As we will only be in the district for a couple of days, what happens if the weather is really bad and the trip is cancelled ? Would we get a refund ?

Hi Jim. Yes that is correct. If the Earnslaw cruise, farm tour & bbq lunch or any other activity you book is cancelled due to bad weather or for any other reason then you can reschedule or receive a full refund from us.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Callum) on 22nd Aug 12 at 11:16

Hi, do you take persons confined to a wheelchair on your TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises?

Hi Colin. Yes the Earnslaw Steamship in Queenstown is capable of accommodating customers in wheelchairs. There are several levels on board the boat which wont all be accessible but the main deck that is accessed by a ramp from the wharf has plenty of room.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Nigel) on 21st May 12 at 18:53

Hi Is the cruise and evening dinning available on the 31st May?

Hi Cheryl the Earnslaw evening cruise and dining is not available on the 31st May due to the Earnslaw being out of action from the 20th May to the 29th June on annual survey.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 30th Mar 12 at 11:52

Just wondering how much for my daughter for cruise only, she is 3 yrs old. thanks.

Hi Danny, children aged 0-4 years old travel for free on the Earnslaw Steamship.

Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Belinda) on 17th Mar 12 at 21:08

93% of new customers that used Everything Queenstown to provide advice and securely book their Queenstown activities have let us know they've had a good or excellent experience with us. Thank you .

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TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship  TSS Earnslaw –  undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s famed scenic beauty.

As well as surveying the spectacular alpine grandeur, this leisurely 90-minute cruise showcases one of Queenstown’s true icons – the 100-year-old  TSS Earnslaw .

Visit the engine room and see the giant steam engines at work, survey the collection of historical photographs in the mini-museum, check out the view from the bridge, or even join a sing-along with the steamship’s pianist. Or if you prefer, just settle back and indulge in a wine or meal in the Promenade Café & Bar.

Cruises depart regularly throughout the day, with various tour options including a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, horse trek, barbecue lunch or evening dining.

Book at Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park or online below!

TSS Earnslaw Cruise across Lake Wakatipu

• Christopher Aiello
• November 15, 2022
• New Zealand

For a unique experience found nowhere else in the Southern Hemisphere a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the famous TSS Earnslaw is just the activity for you.

Whilst there’s no shortage of adventure activities in Queenstown or the surrounding Otago region, heading down to Lake Wakatipu for a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is a must-do when in Queenstown. 

Of course you will find yourself in central Queenstown walking past many of the activities here that draw thousands of people to the South Island every year but nestled in the steamer wharf of Lake Wakatipu is one of the oldest running steam engines afloat

What is the TSS Earnslaw

Built as a passenger cruise ship in 1912, 4 years before World War 1 and launched the same year as the Titanic, this Edwardian twin screw steamer is a coal-fired steamship that is still the only remaining commercial passenger-carrying steamship alive today. 

Named after Mount Earnslaw at the tip of Lake Wakatipu, it’s 2889m peak was the origin and inspiration for this steamer.

She is the last in a long line of coal-powered ships that have been ferrying passengers and goods across the lakes of Queenstown bay to inaccessible regions. 

Asides from transporting people, the TSS Earnslaw was used as a goods and services medium for transporting sheep and cargo around the Otago region and surrounding high country stations such as the Walter Peak station. 

Explore more of Queenstown’s activities using our 2022 Guide

Despite being more than 100 years old the TSS Earnslaw cruises up and down Lake Wakatipu ferrying passengers from one side to the other for 12-14 hours of the day.

She’s ferried many a passengers such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in 1990 and a myriad of other dignitaries like former President Bill Clinton and Duke’s of Gloucester and York.

Little known fact however, the TSS Earnslaw cruise project was almost scrapped in 1968 but was luckily purchased by RealNZ and her service to all who visit Queenstown’s waterfront continues to be a wonderful trip across lake Wakatipu. 

The only way to experience a TSS Earnslaw cruise is to book using our must trusted resource Get Your Guide.

We constantly use GYG as they have fantastic service online, an easy cancellation policy and booking ahead of time means you don’t have to queue directly. 

What to know before you go

Being an outdoor activity and one of the many activities in Queenstown reliant on the weather, it’s important to know that should you incur poor weather on your cruise you will be offered a full refund or credit to change the date. 

Which company should I travel with?

Real NZ have established themselves as the most popular choice for cruises in Queenstown. 

With an impressive safety record and amazing reviews on Get Your Guide we give them a 10/10 for ensuring their guests enjoy their time onboard the TSS Earnslaw. 

They offer the longest cruise time and make this an enjoyable experience that the whole family can enjoy in particular older guests and young children especially on the farm tour.

Tours operate daily at varying times depending on availability and weather, but usually start around 12pm and go through till 6 pm every 2-3 hours . 

What should I wear on a TSS Earnslaw cruise?

Personally we would suggest bringing warm clothing anytime you’re outdoors, however check your booking date and the local weather website to be sure.  

When does the Cruise run?

The TSS Earnslaw runs all year long except for the months of June, July and August for scheduled annual maintenance to the mechanics of the ship as well as maintaining the small onboard museum. 

What powers the TSS Earnslaw

Known affectionately by the New Zealand Railway (NZR) as ‘the lady of the lake’, the TSS Earnslaw is powered by a roaring coal fire triple expansion system housed inside the engine room. 

This system is kept in the giant steam engines room accessible to guests on board their cruise, where you can feel free to take photographs and videos. 

These days you won’t see too many of these ships floating around but a trip to Queenstown to join a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw will have you travelling back in time.

TSS Earnslaw Reviews

This particular cruise has attracted over 550 reviews and averaged 5 stars – giving itself a name as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Queenstown. 

People come from far and wide to join this tour and listen to the running commentary from the experienced guides as well as listen to the live pianist play. 

Read Next >> Plan the rest of your Queenstown holiday activities using our guide 

A cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw

Begin the journey to Walter Peak high country farm by first boarding at the Steamer Wharf opposite the Realnz visitor centre in Queenstown Bay. 

Use the Queenstown wharf walk from Beach street to guide you there before beginning your half day trip across the lake.

The ship is a museum in itself with historic displays inside for you to admire as well as a small onboard museum with historical photos of the construction and past journeys.

One of the highlights of being on board is being able to visit the engine room and see the stokers feed the fire with coal.

The giant steam engine room is what keeps this beautiful ship moving so you know these guys are working hard. 

Food and drink on board the TSS Earnslaw

Guests are more than welcome to bring their own food for the day but why would you?

The Promenade café on your TSS Earnslaw cruise will look after you in terms of cafe style food and drinks to get you through the 45 minute lake crossing.

Enjoy fantastic views and make small talk with the lovely staff looking to help make your experience a memorable one before disembarking at Walter Peak.

Walter Peak station

Gliding across Lake Wakatipu is fascinating as you have 360 degree views of the surrounding mountain side, with the Remarkables at one end and Cecil peak at the other.

Once you reach the other side of the lake you arrive at Walter Peak station wharf before being taken to the Walter Peak high country farm.

Walter Peak high country farm was once used as camping sites for the Maori travelling to the Mararoa and Oreti rivers for Moa hunting. 

This place is literally steeped in history and is reviewed as one of the best cultural tourist attractions on the South Island.

Here you will enjoy a beautiful BBQ lunch and buffet with delicious food including salads, vegetables and local meats direct from the farm. 

Afternoon tea also includes an array of deserts, fresh breads and cheeses, however if you have dietary requirements just let your tour company know in advance so they can accommodate for you. 

Enjoy the friendly service from your hosts whilst enjoying Queenstown’s surrounding landscape before you start the next part of your TSS Earnslaw cruise. 

Walter Peak farm demonstration

After enjoying the smorgasbord BBQ lunch you will be invited to participate in the Walter Peak station farm tour.

This farm tour involves being greeted by the rural host of the farm and be taken to an amphitheatre to enjoy the incredible display, watching cattle dogs round up the sheep on the farm.

Next, make your way to the animal holding pens where you get to feed the sheep, deer and the unique Scottish highland Cattle.

There will even be a sheep sheering demonstration to really give you a true taste of life on the farm. 

Returning to Queenstown’s waterfront

After enjoying your 3 hour tour across Lake Wakatipu and the Walter Peak high country farm, re-embark the TSS Earnslaw steamship to journey back to the Steamer Wharf for a 45 minute lake cruise. 

Final thoughts on joining a TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu

This really is one of the most interesting activities to try when in Queenstown purely due to the history steeped into this cruise and the significance it has played over the years forming much of Queenstown’s local culture. 

Accommodation near TSS Earnslaw

Nothing beats staying right next to the days activities right? So we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you and given you access to the best accommodation in Queenstown below.

This article contains affiliate links of which we make a small commission from should you purchase a tour

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Australian and Canadian freelance photographers & storytellers addicted to travel,  inspiring you to travel the world.

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Spotlight special: The TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak Station

The TSS Earnslaw Cruise is one of the most popular attractions in Queenstown – join us to find out what this amazing trip offers and why it is so popular with such a range of travellers. We’ve also got a discount just for you, to help make this incredible Queenstown day trip more affordable than ever.

Departing from the heart of Queenstown, a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw is a highlight on any Queenstown itinerary.

Appealing to a wide range of people — families, retired travellers, lovers of fine dining, those that enjoy the great outdoors — this cruise provides incredible views and fabulous Kiwi hospitality.

This is a must do in Queenstown. We went last May and loved the cruise, dinner and farm show. Would definitely do it again. Acacia Smith, NZTT member .

When you book through our links, you’ll often get a discount and we may earn a commission. Your support also allows us to run our Facebook communities and create helpful content at no cost to you. Thank you!

Table of contents

What to Expect Onboard the TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak Station

Departing from the middle of Queenstown, you’ll enjoy a 90-minute cruise onboard the TSS Earnslaw. This beautiful old steamship is 110 years old, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in Central Otago .

It is also the only hand-fired passenger steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. We think that makes it all the more special.

Cruising on Lake Whakatipu, you’ll enjoy unbelievable views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak and Cecil Peak — not to mention the azure waters of the lake itself.

Upon reaching Walter Peak Station, you’ll have the choice to disembark (and enjoy optional activities) or to continue straight back to Queenstown.

Should you wish, you’ll be able to

• head out on a horse trek
• have a gourmet lunch or dinner
• check out their guided farm tour.

All up, the cruise takes 90 minutes return, or between 3.5 and 4 hours if you’re booking an optional activity at Walter Peak.

We did a LOT of different things while in Queenstown a bit over a year ago. This was a definite standout. The steamer trip and scenery were stunning. We had the barbeque lunch and it was absolutely delicious. Elvina Speeden Bier, NZTT member .

Optional Extras on Your Cruise

Gourmet bbq lunch/dinner.

After disembarking at Walter Peak you have the option to enjoy a gourmet lunch or dinner.

Your meal will be served lakeside, at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. With a massive selection of beautifully-cooked local meats as well as other delicacies , and a selection of salads, veggies, fresh bread and desserts, this option gets the most incredible reviews.

Once you’ve finished your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the lakeside gardens before watching a sheepdog show, giving an insight into farm life.

We have been several times and it’s amazing. For anyone with food allergies, I am coeliac and dairy free and they are so accommodating at the buffet meal for food allergies. Makes it so easy and still such good food options! Kelly Coughlan, NZTT member.

Guided Farm Tour

If you’re keen for a more substantial glimpse of rural life in New Zealand, we recommend booking the TSS Earnslaw guided farm tour add-on.

This farmyard walking tour is fully guided, giving you the opportunity to learn from a local (whilst asking as many questions as you like).

You’ll be invited to feed their animals and will also see their sheepdogs in action during an outdoor farm demonstration.

When your tour and show are finished, you’ll have time to explore the beautiful gardens.

You’ll also be served a freshly made morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant – all included in your ticket price.

If you choose this option, you’ll meet the team at Walter Peak High Country Farm when disembarking your cruise.

There, you’ll be partnered up with your trusty stead and an experienced guide.

These horse riding treks are 40 minutes long and are appropriate for riders of all abilities — even if it’s your first time on a horse. The ride itself is easy and the horses are well-mannered, making this great for the whole family.

Riding over rolling high country farmland, you will enjoy stunning views of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges.

There really is no better way to appreciate this beautiful part of New Zealand than by horseback!

Upon your return to the stables, you’ll be treated to a tasty morning or afternoon tea at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant.

You’ll also have time to check out the extensive gardens and farmland before returning to Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw.

Important Information About Your Ride

• Riding helments must be worn on your ride – these are provided.
• Wet weather gear is provided (if required).
• We recommend you wear long pants and that you have a warm jacket for the ride.
• Closed-toe shoes are required for your ride, ideally with a small heel.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera are also recommended.
• Riders must be 7 years or older.
• The minimum height it 120 cm.
• The maximum weight for riders is 100kg.

With something for everyone, world-class views and unbeatable Kiwi hospitality, the TSS Earnslaw Cruise is a must-do on any Queenstown itinerary .

Happy travels!

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Founder of one of Aotearoa's most popular and helpful Facebook travel planning groups, Sarah shares reliable information and discounts around New Zealand. As an experienced tour guide, travel writer and airline reservations consultant, she enjoys bringing you the best of New Zealand.

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Queenstown Lake Cruise

Experience the wonders of Lake Whakatipu aboard our modern catamaran. Aboard the Queenstown Lake Cruise, you will discover mountains, forests, and hidden coves as our skipper shares tales of the lake's history. Admire Bob's Cove, Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps during our 1 hour and 30-minute cruise. Whether with family, friends, or a special someone, join us to uncover Queenstown's natural beauty. Relax onboard with our café and bar. 

What you will experience:

• Enjoy a 1 hour 30-minute cruise on Lake Whakatipu

Ideal for couples, families and groups of friends

• Sit back, relax and discover the special landscapes of Queenstown
• Onboard café and bar: upgrade your experience by adding a cheese or charcuterie board
• Learn the history and highlights of Lake Whakatipu from your skipper’s commentary
• Pause at Bob’s Cove turquoise water and native bush
• Enjoy the scenes towards Glenorchy , Mt Earnslaw and the Southern Alps
• Cruise from $59 per adult

Take stunning photos on our open-top deck

Secluded bays, historic landmarks and mountain views

Hot and cold beverages and snacks available

More Information

Departure location.

RealNZ Visitor Centre, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.

What to bring

• Shoes/boots (non-slip)
• Warm clothing/jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please  contact us directly.

What is the weather like in Queenstown?

Queenstown has a climate with four distinct seasons however, being located in an alpine environment means the weather can be changeable. A guide for the temperatures you can expect is as follows:  summer  (December-February) 19-29 Celsius, autumn  (March-May) 15-25 Celsius,  winter  (June-August) 5-10 Celsius,  spring  (September-November) 9-15 Celsius.

Where is the car parking in Queenstown?

Please allow an additional 30 minutes to find parking for your vehicle prior to your check in time.  

There is limited free street parking available in the streets surrounding central Queenstown. There is paid parking available in the Man Street and Church Street parking buildings plus pay and display parking at the Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks.

Boundary Street and Ballarat Street carparks are suitable for motorhomes. Please allow 15 minutes to walk to the RealNZ office from there.

How long does it take to travel to Queenstown?

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Conquering the world…one city at a time.

Family Christmas Destinations: 22 of the Best Places for Christmas Cheer

Christmas is the perfect time of year for a little extra family time with a dash of extra magic. Around the world small towns and big cities are aglow with Christmas cheer, delicious treats, family fun activities, and plenty of local shopping opportunities. Whether you are looking for outdoor snow adventures, a traditional Christmas market, or a relaxing day in the sun, there are plenty of options around the globe for you and the kiddos to enjoy the Christmas cheer! Explore twenty of the best family Christmas destinations!

Page Contents

Queenstown, New Zealand

Recommended by Jennifer Parkes from Backyard Travel Family: Active Family Travel Specialists in New Zealand

Queenstown, New Zealand is a great family Christmas destination. There are so many things to do in Queenstown with kids that you won’t run out of activities to do. From leisurely wine tastings, cycle trails, boat cruises and relaxing by the beach, to adrenalin filled ziplines, jet boating and white water rafting, there is something for everyone in Queenstown.

As a popular holiday destination, it is common to hire a holiday home, of which there are plenty.  One of the best things about Christmas in New Zealand, is that it is summertime, so find a great home with a lakeview to add some calm to the holiday period.  Queenstown also has a great international community, so if you are coming from overseas, check out the expat Facebook groups who are always putting on Christmas festivities for those away from home.  A typical kiwi Christmas is chilled, relaxed and includes beers and a bbq, an easy thing to replicate in your holiday house. Make sure you try a pavlova for dessert.

A great activity for the whole family, young and old, is the TSS Earnslaw Cruise.  A 1 ½ hour return journey on the beautiful Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by dramatic mountains. It’s quite a sight.  The TSS Earnslaw is unique as it is a full running steamship. They often include a tour to Walter Peak Station where you will get to feed animals and even see a sheepdog display.  If you like a little more adrenalin, the K Jet boat ride takes toddler aged kids and older and is a great thrill ride for the whole family.  

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Recommended by Tatiana from Family Road Trip Guru

Chicago, Illinois is one of the best family Christmas destinations in the United States. Not surprisingly, your favorite family Christmas movies such as Home Alone and Christmas with the Kranks are set in Chicagoland.

Lots of local attractions organize special holiday events for families from late November until and including the first week of January. There is a huge array to choose from: Zoo Lights at both zoos in town, Christmas trees festival in the Museum of Science Industry, Christmas festivals throughout the city, the most famous of which is the German Christmas market – Christkindlemarket, which opens on Friday after Thanksgiving and lasts till December 24. It is a big market with many vendors, delicious food, hot mulled wine and festive music and special surprises for kids. Also, don’t miss Chicago’s famous ice rinks in the Millennium Park and Macy’s holiday windows displays at their flagship store on Washington Street.

The best place to stay in Chicago during the holidays is either near Lincoln Park or close to the Magnificent Mile around which most of the holiday festivities are centered. Your only problem will most likely be not enough time to check out all of the fantastic  things to do in Chicago  at Christmas.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Recommended By Christian from Punta Cana Travel Blog

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is a perfect family Christmas destination. Who can resist tropical drinks, a turquoise ocean, warm temperatures and a Caribbean vibe? Especially for families, it is a perfect place to go for various reasons. First, you have direct flights from over 40 cities in North America to Punta Cana, which guarantees a quick and smooth journey with your kids and toddlers. Second, there are tons of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts with kids club, special entertainment for children, family suites and huge waterparks, which is probably the best Christmas present for every child.

The all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are also perfect for parents as they can relax a bit on the beach or the pool from the hectic pre-Christmas time while the kids are busy on the water slides or with building sandcastles. The third advantage is that there are many exciting excursions and day-trips to do in Punta Cana because being on Christmas vacation in an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean you have to stay there all the time.

This part of the Dominican Republic offers stunning activities such as watching local wildlife at Los Haitises National Park, going snorkeling at Isla Catalina or exploring secluded waterfalls where you can swim in the natural swimming pools.  When venturing out to explore this part of the Dominican Republic, you can also stop at one of the local restaurants to try some Christmas-themed dishes, such as Arroz Navideño (translates to Christmas rice, which is usually prepared with raisins) or a slice of roasted pork.

New York City, NY, USA

Recommended by Sally from Our3kidsvtheworld

New York City is magical throughout December, brave the cold with a thick winter jacket and get out amongst it all and experience one of the most beautifully decorated cities in the world. The atmosphere is incredibly festive with Christmas decorations and Christmas carols everywhere. Snow at Christmas is rare but not unheard of and seeing all those famous landmarks covered in the a light dusting of snow makes the experience all the more traditional, just like all the American movies we love. 

Visiting Bryant Park Christmas market is a must. I highly recommend the spiced apple cider to keep you warm while you wander around the Christmas themed stores. A quintessential New York City winter experience is ice skating, there are open air ice rinks at the Rockefeller Centre, Central Park and Bryant Park just to name a few.  Ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre with the iconic giant Christmas Tree as the back drop is definitely worth paying a little extra for. After skating you can take in the world famous intricately decorated window displays of Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows, strolling further along Fifth Avenue shops until you arrive at Central Park. Times Square is always amazing however it takes on a life of its own for the New Years Eve Ball Drop.

Christmas in New York City is expensive however it will be an adventure the family will never forget. There’s plenty of free things to see and do, mix that up with a few of main attractions like Top of the Rock and Empire State Building and you’ll have yourself an amazing holiday experience.  

Looking for more inspiration? Check out these great things to do in NYC in the Winter !

Krakow, Poland

Recommended by Karolina from Travel Poland Tours

Krakow is one of the best family Christmas destinations around the world. The dusting of white snow and the bright lights that illuminate its city center adds to the magic as the Christmas Market comes to life. It is here that one will find a winter wonderland with the traditional wooden stalls selling the best Polish food and other artisan products.

Located in Krakow’s 13th century Market Square with the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the towering St. Mary’s Basilica as its background, the illuminated facades of these architectural wonders contribute to the storybook setting of the Christmas Market. It is here that you will find beautifully crafted Christmas decorations and unique handmade items, like wooden serving bowls and kitchen utensils. One of the best buys here are the Polish slippers that will keep your feet warm.

The  Krakow Christmas Market , which starts at the end of November to the 26th of December, is also the best place to taste some Polish favorites, like oscypek (the local highland cheese made from sheep milk), pierogi (Polish dumplings), grilled sausages, and ham. The local mulled wine, Grzaniec Galicyjski creates the perfect pairing to the melted oscypek with cranberry on top. And, with the sausages, have a nice hot, Polish beer.

Another reason why Krakow is the best Christmas destination is its proximity to the winter capital of Poland. Just 2 hours away and perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay is Zakopane with its snow-covered Tatra Mountains and traditional wooden houses. For extended stays, Zakopane is a gateway to natural wonders like the mirror-like waters of the Morskie Oko deep in the Tatra Mountains.

Prague, Czech Republic

Recommended by Veronika from Travel Geekery

Prague belongs to one of the most exciting destinations to visit year round and even more so at Christmas. There’s everything any family member could hope for, and more making it the perfect family Christmas destination.

The Christmas atmosphere is truly special in Prague. Every neighborhood in or close to the city center has its own Christmas market, where you can listen to Christmas carols, be merry and eat your heart out. Adults will enjoy a cup of mulled wine, hot mead or grog. Children will love roasted chestnuts and Trdlo, a delicious chimney cake originally from Transylvania. Many of the larger Christmas markets, such as those at the Old Town Square or Namesti Republiky, often feature a small petting zoo.

If you’re in Prague on the night of December 5 th , you can witness St. Nicholas roaming the streets with his helpers – angels and devils. It’s a day when you can expect more events and performances at the Old Town Square Christmas market.

Apart from seeing all the  Prague Christmas  markets and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere, you can engage in another fun family activity – ice-skating! A small ice skating rink is usually put up right in the Old Town – at the Ovocný trh Square.

For a family, I’d highly recommend staying at an Airbnb apartment during Christmas time. You’ll be close to locals and might even get a glimpse of how Christmas is celebrated in Czech households.

Malága, Spain

Recommended By Paulina from Visit Southern Spain

Malága is one of the highlighted cities when you talk about Christmas. You should visit there during Christmas as the festive period shines the whole city with lights, Calle Larios being one of the popular ones. Malága offers world-famous sights of festival lights and spectacular sound shows. The city is famous for its and discovered atmosphere and stunning liveliness. 

Visiting there with family offers you a lot of things to enjoy including watching the illumination of the place, finding perfect presents from Christmas markets, trying out traditional Christmas sweets, and more. Whether you are alone or with your family, it is a must to try the traditional local celebrations to feel the Spanish Christmas spirit.

If you want to enjoy your family dinner, you must take into account that many restaurants in Malaga offer Christmas special dinner for families. You can enjoy Christmas specials at Parador de Gibralfaro which is one of the best restaurants offering a spectacular view. 

There are several spots where you can feel the festive spirit along with some mouth-watering treats. You can visit The Craft Gaur in the Parque de Malaga or Muelle Uno for a wonderful experience. It would be best to pre-plan  where to stay in Malaga  as you would love to be somewhere near these markets. One of the best options would be the Hotel Miramar.

Melbourne, Australia

Recommended By Natasha from The Great Ocean Road Collective

For an unforgettable Christmas experience head to Melbourne, Australia’s second-largest city. This metropolitan city offers everything from family-friendly events, outdoor activities, amazing food and drinks, as well as welcoming locals, making it a great family Christmas destination.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Melbourne is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations. Be sure to check out the displays at iconic landmarks like the State Library, Royal Exhibition Building, and Melbourne Town Hall. In December, Federation Square in Melbourne’s CBD is transformed into Christmas Square, complete with a 16-foot tall Christmas tree and huge illuminated bauble. Kid-friendly activities include an outdoor cinema, free music performances, visits to Santa’s village, and Christmas markets, just to name a few. 

Another spot in Melbourne for some family-fun is the iconic Queen Victoria Market. This massive market is home to over 600 businesses, selling handcrafted goods and delicious food from around the world. Kids can participate in the market’s Christmas Trail, which includes a series of clues and prizes at the end. 

Another popular Christmas activity is visiting Epicure’s Gingerbread Village. Made from 600kg of gingerbread, the village depicts Melbourne and many of its sites like the Royal Botanical Gardens. While you’re there, enjoy some freshly-baked pastries with the entire family. 

After spending a few days in Melbourne, check out some of the iconic attractions along the Great Ocean Road where the family can enjoy some sunshine, pristine white sand beaches, and stunning coastal vistas. Regardless of how you spend the holiday, you’re sure to enjoy Christmas in Melbourne with the family.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Recommended By Kate From Our Escape Clause

With its penchant for excellent nightlife, unforgettable decor, raucous parades, and year-round festivities, it’s no surprise that New Orleans is one of the coolest family Christmas destinations. There is no shortage of fun things to do and–of course–great food to eat in New Orleans, and even a few days in NOLA is long enough to have an unforgettable Christmas getaway in the city.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the magnificent decor in the ritzy Roosevelt Hotel, go caroling in Jackson Square, enjoy the Christmas lights in beautiful City Park, attend the Festival of Bonfires, and of course, enjoy a holiday parade–there are more than enough to go around. Kids will love riding the Polar Express, and of course, no Christmas trip to New Orleans is complete without a plate of sugary beignets from Cafe du Monde.

Strolling past the mansions of the Garden District and the beautiful architecture of the French Quarter to admire the magical Christmas decor homes are decked out in also belongs on any list of what to do in NOLA in December!

With December highs that reach an average of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, leave your heavy coats at home and come prepared to enjoy plenty of festivities when planning a trip to New Orleans for Christmas!

Gippsland, Australia

Recommended by Mark from Wyld Family Travel

Gippsland is a hidden gem , located in Victoria Australia and it is the perfect place to enjoy Christmas with family. Blessed with amazing landscapes, mighty rivers, pristine beaches and some of the most amazing animals in Australia, Gippsland doesn’t have something for everyone, it has it all! Many people flock to Australia to enjoy a Christmas in the sun or to spend it by the beach and Gippsland is the perfect place for that.

You can decide to free camp in one of the National Parks, or you can pop up a tent on a beachfront overlooking the majestic 90-mile beach. You can pick a small town to have an Airbnb in and explore the region from there or you can town hop from hotel to hotel to maximize your time in the area. Whatever you chose you are bound to have an epic time in Gippsland.

As many of the seaside towns are based along the 90-mile beach there are carnivals for kids and activities like mini-golf to enjoy. They are ready for you to relax and enjoy the sun. Other towns in the countryside won’t have as many activities but at times you may find yourself alone, surrounded in peace and quiet.

Gippsland is also a foodies delight. Some of the tastiest food in Australia comes from this area and at Christmas time there is an abundance for you to enjoy.

Rome, Italy

Recommended By Jiayi From The Diary of a Nomad

Rome, Italy is definitely one of the best family Christmas destinations. Not only is the historic center filled with gorgeous festive decorations; the Vatican is also the place to be during Christmas as it is the beating heart of the Catholic Church. Every year, there’s a big Christmas Eve mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, which is also the most-watched Christmas mass in the whole world. On Christmas Day, you and your family can also watch the Pope speak from St. Peter’s Square!

The ideal Rome itinerary would be incomplete without a stroll with your kids in the beautiful historic center, which is decorated with Christmas trees and lights in December. You’ll find the biggest and most beautiful Christmas trees in Piazza Venezia and next to the Colosseum. Be sure to also stop by Piazza Navona, a large square that’s home to the biggest Christmas market in the city. There’s a huge merry-go-round in the middle of the square, perfect for children to relax in. You’ll also find lots of sweets in the Christmas markets, as well as a big nativity scene.

One Christmas treat you absolutely have to try during your time in Rome is the panettone , a tall and fluffy sweet loaf dotted with raisins and candied orange. There’s a similar treat called pandoro , which is basically the panettone without the sweets inside it. Both treats are absolutely delicious and very popular among locals!

Moscow, Russia

Recommended By Lindsey From Have Clothes, Will Travel

Moscow during Christmas is simply magical and looks as though the city were plucked straight from a fairytale. There are many beautiful Christmas lights displays, as well as festive Christmas markets that begin in late November and run to the end of February. It is also important to note, Russia celebrates the Orthodox Christmas which takes place on January 7th – not December 25th!

Moscow’s most famous Christmas market is located in the heart of the city right in Red Square. This magical market is set against the magnificent onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral as well as The Kremlin and the beautiful GUM Mall, which is covered in strings of twinkling lights. Many of the best  things to do in Moscow  are located right by this market!

The market itself hosts a large ice skating rink, festive carnival rides for the kids and dozens of vendor stalls selling all kinds of traditional Russian gifts and treats. You can indulge in many kinds of grilled meats, blini (Russian pancakes), cookies and more. Be sure to also grab a glass of mulled wine to keep you warm and a hot chocolate for the kids!

If your budget and schedule allow, I also highly recommend seeing The Nutcracker ballet performance at the Bolshoi Theatre on the Historic Stage during the Christmas holiday. Buy your tickets as soon as possible, though, as The Nutcracker sells out within hours of tickets going on sale! This performance was our teenager’s favorite memory of Christmas in Moscow. 

San Antonio, Texas, USA

Recommended By Kate From Lone Star Travel Guide

Featuring over 100,000 Christmas lights, beautiful historical sites, several festivals, and relatively warm weather, you can’t go wrong with celebrating Christmas with your family in San Antonio, Texas!

During the Christmas season in San Antonio, some of the best things to do include strolling along the beautifully decorated Riverwalk, checking out the San Fernando Cathedral, checking out the Light the Way Festival, and bringing the kids to ride Santa’s Railroad at the San Antonio Transportation Museum.

Kids will also love the holiday festivities put on at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and nearby Natural Bridge Caverns, and the whole family will enjoy a day trip to Fredericksburg, a classic Hill Country town that loves to show off its German heritage at Christmastime, including plenty of mulled wine and decor.

Tamales are a classic Christmas dish in San Antonio, so be sure to give them a try! From there, head over to Historic Market Square for a little Christmas shopping.

San Antonio’s Missions, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, also deserve to be featured when spending a weekend in San Antonio during Christmas–not only are they decorated beautifully, but the weather will finally be cool enough to enjoy them!

San Antonio in December reaches an average high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit, so you won’t need to bundle up much to enjoy the city’s best sights.

Recommended By Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic

Christmas in Cuba  is the perfect time to celebrate the holidays but still learn about local culture. What is interesting about Cuba is that after the revolution the country became atheist. While Santeria and other religions were still practiced, Catholicism was not as prevalent, and Christmas was banned until 1997 when the Pope visited Cuba. So most people did not grow up with Christmas traditions.

And so it has become a new holiday for Cubans, who are slowly adopting some of the traditions. But this is actually great news because it means you will see decorations and music, but it is not a holiday where everything shuts down and the streets are empty.

Cuba has some of the best beaches in the world, and so there’s no better day at the soft white sandy beaches. Resorts offer many different tours from snorkeling and scuba diving to exploring local caves and horseback riding.

Christmas Eve is the biggest celebration. While Cubans do not exchange presents, they will gather to have a big family meal and drink and dance. Some will go to midnight mass. In the town of Remedios there is a legendary fireworks competition that goes on until dawn.

While it is most common to eat a roasted pork dinner, many resorts will have turkey for those who prefer to stay traditional. And you can guarantee that somehow Santa will find an opportunity to make a visit to children at the hotel.

Recommended by Bec from Poland Travel Expert

Not many people  consider Poland for a family vacation  but it is one place where Christmas comes alive every single year. Normally blessed with snow Poland is the perfect place to have a white Christmas with family.

Not only do the cities decorate their streets with twinkle lights and beautiful trees, you will find the smallest of towns beautifully decorated as well. Many of the larger cities like Warsaw and Krakow have Christmas Lights displays dotted around the city where you can easily take the children for a walk to see them. Christmas markets are everywhere with amazing food and an abundance of Christmas spirit. It is easy to pick up a cup of Grzane Wino (hot mulled wine) or some grilled Kielbasa (sausage) with bread and mustard. Families are out and about in the town squares with children singing and laughing. Everyone is welcome to join in with the Christmas cheer and the carols if you know the tune!

In Poland, it is traditional that the family gets together on the 24th of December for a 12 dish dinner so many places will be closing at lunchtime to allow people to get home to celebrate with their families. In larger cities where visitors are catered for this may not be a problem but if you are able to visit some of the smaller towns in Poland you will need to be aware that some places will be closing that afternoon.

Outside of the cities, you can find some amazing places to stay and enjoy the snow. Ski Chalets are a popular place for visitors to stay in when visiting Poland for Christmas. You can find a piece of your own to ski or have a snowball fight. Getting a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow is also a great Christmas memory to have from Poland.

Paris, France

Recommended By Elisa from World in Paris

Paris at Christmas time is a fun place to be, especially if you are visiting the city with the family. There are so many fun things to see and do that we recommend a minimum of  5 days in Paris  so you can combine tourist activities with more Christmas themed activities.

In Paris, the main streets boast beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, the window shops along the Grands Boulevards become an attraction and the Christmas Markets are the place to meet with friends for a glass of mulled wine, the last Christmas shopping, or some comfort food like crêpes, fondue or tartiflette.

Some Christmas markets also have an ice rink and for a couple of months, ice skating with the family becomes a must activity at the weekend.  

The list of fun activities to do in Paris at Christmas time includes chocolate or pastry cooking classes, an evening bus tour to see the Christmas lights, or a visit to the amazing Musée des Arts Forains, a museum of vintage rides which only opens its doors on special occasions like Christmas time.

You can also organize a couple of day trips out of the city, to destinations like Disneyland Paris or Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, both with special Christmas events for all the family while the medieval city of Provins hosts a medieval market with all the inhabitants dressed up in medieval costumes.

London, England

Recommended By Caroline From CK Travels

London is one of the most magical cities in the world for families to spend in the run up to Christmas. The capital is decorated with many festive and creative light displays and cute markets are dotted all around the city. The most popular family friendly venue to visit during the run up to Christmas is Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park – a large open-air market with heaps of fun things to do. Here you will find a large traditional German style market where you can shop for handmade crafts and gifts and enjoy delicious street food including raclette, bratwurst and and glühwein (mulled wine).

As well as a market there is an ice skating rink, Santa’s grotto, circuses, a giant observation wheel, fairground rides and shows. There is also a huge area called the Magical Ice Kingdom with ice sculptures of children’s film characters.

Nearby  Somerset House  and the  Natural History Museum  have beautiful ice rinks that pop up every year in winter, whilst  Kew Gardens  have an annual ‘magical light trail’.  London’s South bank  always has a riverside Christmas market with several traditional wooden chalets, as well as a two-story Scandinavian style house with traditional fire pits, serving authentic Swedish food and hot winter drinks. In the bustling west end, many of the department stores such as  Hamleys  have brilliant window displays, and is the go place to shop for childrens’ gifts and toys!

Vienna, Austria

Recommended By Nadine From Le Long Weekend

The Austrian capital of Vienna is also the capital of Christmas come December. The entire city transforms into a festive fairytale that will delight the whole family. Spend your days walking from one Xmas market to the next, nibbling on warm Krapfen (sugary donuts) and sipping on punch (and the kid-friendly kinderpunsch) as you wander through the stalls. There are over 20  Christmas markets in Vienna , and many of them have rides, kid’s activities and family attractions to enjoy. Children will also be enthralled by the grand Christmas trees, lighting displays and cleverly designed shop windows featuring mini Ferris wheels and Santa trains.

Head to Karlsplatz to enjoy the quirky old-fashion carousel, the fun hay pit and the pedal carts, pop along to the university market which features pony rides, a Christmas train and a carousel, or take advantage of the children’s workshops and ice skating ring held at the Viennese Christmas Dream at Rathausplatz. In addition to the markets, events such as the Windermarkt at Riesenradplatz will keep you busy for hours, the imperial butterfly house is a hit with all ages, and little LEGO fans will love the second-hand LEGO store where you can buy one-of-a-kind kits!

Sunshine Coast, Australia

Recommended By Melissa From Queensland Camping

For Aussies, there is nothing like Christmas on the beach and if you’re in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to be. With plenty of great family friendly accommodation, an array of stunning beaches to cool off and loads of great attractions in the area, it is perfect place for a family Christmas.

Get in early to book your accommodation, as the Sunshine Coast is a popular place to be.  There is plenty of options though, from stunning 5 star resorts, low key self contained apartments as well as plenty of great  campgrounds on the Sunshine Coast .

The Sunshine Coast is a fairly big place and incorporates various different beaches.  Some popular spots include Noosa, Caloundra and Coolum.  You really can’t go wrong wherever you choose – although I am pretty partial to Noosa, but Caloundra is also ideal and a little more central to some of the attractions in the region.

You could easily spend your entire stay exploring all the stunning beaches. Some of the best can be found within the Noosa National Park.  Put on some walking shoes, pack a bag with lots of water and a towel and go swimming in some of the most pristine beaches I’ve seen in the entire world!

If you need something other then the beach to keep the kids entertained there is plenty of other attractions.  Visit Australia Zoo, Sea Life, The Ginger Factory and Aussie World.  There is also the stunning hinterland which has stacks of great walks and gorgeous swimming holes which are the perfect place to cool.

Now when it comes to your Christmas feast, in Australia it’s all about fresh seafood.  If the family aren’t to keen on seafood then through a few snags on the barbie and you’ve got yourself a traditional Aussie feast!

Geneva, Switzerland

Recommended By Nisha & Vasu From Le Monde, the Poetic Travels

There is nothing like spending a holiday with your family and friends. It is also an opportunity for a nice family get-together. And if you decide to spend some festive season together it’s like icing on the cake. If the festival you are spending together is Christmas, then the best place to enjoy it has to be the  Christmas in Switzerland . The best family Christmas destination would be Geneva in Switzerland.

To talk of Christmas markets, there are many Christmas markets in Geneva. You can visit as many as you want to but two of them are quite popular among the locals as well as with tourists. The best would be to stick to Lake Geneva region. The festival of Christmas brings many colors, and lightings. Set on Rue du Mont-Blanc is the most traditional-style Christmas market which starts in late November. But Parc des Bastions market is the largest one. Both markets are closer to each other and near to the lake as well. The streets are lit up with fascinating lights and the shops have the best traditional food. There are several activities for children which include plays both in English and French, ice skating rink, different kinds of rides, work activities, music concerts and so on.

Traditional Fondue, hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts are to be enjoyed and lots of shopping as well.

Among other things to do, explore the old town area on foot, and go to Cathedral de Saint Pierre. There are the world’s best elite brands for shopping. Palais des nation, Vielle Ville and Jet d’Eue, the Red cross museum, Ariana museum are some other places to visit. 

Alsace, France

Recommended By Norbert from France Bucket List

The historical region of Alsace, in Eastern France, is one of the best family Christmas destinations in France. The picturesque Alsace towns and villages are especially beautiful with the Christmas lights and decoration and they propose many Christmas-themed activities and events for locals and visitors.

The  Alsace Christmas markets  are something to see. Actually, some of the Christmas Markets in Alsace, are often on the list of best Christmas markets in Europe! Being closer to the border with Germany they share many characteristics with the German Christmas markets but at the same time, they are different.

Don’t miss the Strasbourg Christmas market (the oldest in France) or the Colmar Christmas market but also consider some smaller, less crowded ones. The vendors that populate the Alsace Christmas markets are carefully selected so you are sure to buy original quality local products.

Finally, Christmas time is a great opportunity to taste some regional Christmas specialties like bredeles (Christmas biscuits), mannele (brioche gingerbread men) and vin chaud (mulled wine) or other comfort food like tarte flambée, and pretzels.

If you want to visit Alsace at Christmas time, be sure to book transportation and accommodation well in advance. If possible, book also the restaurants for your dinners in Alsace: the most popular places are fully booked months in advance by the tour operators.

Banff National Park, Canada

Recommended By Celine From Travel Banff Canada

Banff National Park is the perfect place for families to get in the Christmas spirit and spend the holidays. If the thought of Christmas conjures up visions of snow, horse drawn sleigh rides, Santa Claus and lights aplenty, that’s exactly what you’ll find in Banff. With so many  things to do in the winter in Banff , the hardest part will be fitting it all in.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a great place to treat the kids to all things Christmas. You’ll find plenty of Christmas themed events like photo sessions with Santa or bedtime stories with Mrs. Claus. For more Christmas activities, enjoy a ride up the Banff Gondola then let the kids be delighted in the Christmas cheer while they decorate cookies and get more pictures with Santa.

Fun winter activities for families also include a winter hike or a ride on a horse drawn carriage, either in Banff or at Lake Louise. Don’t forget to pack the skates for a fun outing at Lake Louise involving skating on the lake and hot chocolate. Finally, spend the remaining time having fun in the snow, with three world-class ski resorts nearby and plenty of opportunities to try nordic skiing or snowshoeing.

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Published by Melissa

Hello! My name is Melissa (or Missy). I'm a nurse by day, but my true passion is travel. I'm a part time traveler, travel blogger, and photographer. Travel blogging allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with you as well as allows me to share in your experiences and learn from you. View all posts by Melissa

I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!

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Thanks so much for including me in this round up with so many others who have fantastic ideas for where to go,

I want to go to Poland and take the carriage ride and go to Alsace! They look amazing. I have been to NYC numerous times during the holidays, but I’m not a big winter person so I didn’t go ice skating.

Awesome list! I’ve only been to Paris and Rome. What about Asian countries? We are pretty good at celebrating Xmas. Bangkok has Christmas trees ALL over.

In past years, we have often been away at Christmas. Often we headed to hot spots like Australia, the Caribbean or Cuba. But I love some of the cold weather spots you have included. A horse and carriage ride and Christmas markets would be a draw for me. NYC for the holidays was a treat with the city all decked out in holiday glitter.

Such a great post. Last year I spent Christmas in New Orleans, and it was fabulous! This city is amazing with its vibrant atmosphere. But I want to see Chicago at Christmas. It offers so many attractions.

I don’t skate, but NYC looks so beautiful during Christmas. The iconic giant Christmas tree and all the decorations are surely attracting people, including me. River Walk in San Antonio looks beautiful, too. I live about 4 hr drive from there, but we haven’t make it there yet. Alsace and Moscow are my dream cities, too, to visit during Christmas.

These are some really beautiful destinations you speak about, some of which I have explored but not during Christmas. It’s my dream to spend Christmas in New York someday. I’ve been there in summer and fell in love with the city (how cliché, right?) but from all the pictures and your description, I can tell, I’ll fall in love just a little bit more if I went during the festive season. Also, Moscow is one city I’d love to visit during Christmas. I live in Dubai so I already have a warm, beachy Christmas here, I dream of going to cold, snowy destinations instead!

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Reuthers Southern / New Zealand Guided Photo Tour

The South Island of New Zealand knows how to delight photographers. Fantastic beaches, the snow-capped peaks, breathtaking glacier and sympathetic cities await you on your journey to the most beautiful destinations of the southern island. The camera in continuous use, you will also lose your heart to this fascinating country in a split second and perhaps may want to stay there right away.

Day 1: Wellington

Kia Ora to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Be our guest at our traditional Welcome Drink and Dinner. Getting to know each other is top of the list and your tour guide will give you further information on your upcoming New Zealand photo tour adventure.

Day 2: Wellington > Nelson

Before we leave the northern island to head south, we will visit New Zealand's National Museum Te Papa. In the early afternoon we will then take the Interislander ferry for the short transfer to Picton. From Picton we will travel along Tasman Bay directly to Nelson, New Zealand's first city ever. By the way the area around Nelson has the highest amount of sunshine hours in New Zealand and will give you lots of photo opportunities.

Day 3: Nelson

As a day tour, we will today undertake an excursion to the Abel Tasman National Park where we will be dropped off per water taxi at the beach and after a walk in the free wilderness simply be picked up again.

Day 4: Nelson > Greymouth

Our photo tour adventure leads us southwest along the famous Buller Gorge Road to Cape Foulwind and south to the Pancake Rocks. Here we will get a close up view of the blowholes with the spraying seawater. We will spend the night in the coastal city Greymouth, once an important Maori settlement.

Day 5: Greymouth > Franz Josef

We will visit a Jade Factory for souvenirs, pass the old gold mining town Ross and enjoy the all uniting landscape with imposing mountains, green rain forest and the Tasman Sea to the right. In Franz Josef we will set up our sleeping quarters below the Franz Josef Glacier. Depending on the weather, there is the possibility for a helicopter flight with a landing on the famous glacier or weather independent to take a breathtaking quad tour in the rain forest.

Day 6: Franz Josef

Explore the Franz Josef Glacier on your own and take an optional hiking tour - this day is at your own disposal.

Day 7: Franz Josef > Queenstown

Passing the Fox Glacier we will leave the Tasman Sea, cross the Haast Pass and reach Wanaka. A lonely mountain road leads us to the most exciting city of New Zealand, to Queenstown. After a breathtaking passage on the Lake Wakatipu we will have dinner in the Colonel's Homestead restaurant of the Walter Peak High Country Sheep farm and with a farm tour get a picture of the work on a New Zealand farm. The TSS Earnslaw, the oldest coal fueled steam ship of New Zealand, brings us afterwards back again to Queenstown.

Day 8: Queenstown

There is action and sights to see: Starting with the popular bungee jumping off the historic Kawarau Bridge, up to para sailing and jet boat riding. Of course you can also spend your time with an abundant shopping tour in Queenstown or just relax - this day is at your own disposal.

Day 9: Queenstown > Te Anau

Your photo tour continues on by spending the morning in lovely Queenstown and heading to Te Anau in the early afternoon.

Day 10: Te Anau

Today a world wonder is on the photo program, one of the most famous symbols of New Zealand: the Milford Sound in the rain-laden zone of New Zealand. Here we will take a cruise on the 16 kilometer long fjord to the Tasman Sea and at the same time take amazing photographs from penguins, sea lions, dolphins, sometimes even whales, as well as the most spectacular waterfalls in New Zealand.

Day 11: Te Anau > Invercargill

Later in the morning we will continue our adventure to Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand and the heart of the Southland.

Day 12: Invercargill

Our day trip leads us to Stewart Island in the far south of New Zealand. Here we can observe in untouched nature i.e. rare bird species and take a boats tour for a spectacular underwater world.

Day 13: Invercargill > Dunedin

Surely most of you have heard of the cult film 'The World's Fastest Indian' with Anthony Hopkins. We will have a close up view of Burt Monro's original motorcycle today. Afterwards we head through the Catlins on to Dunedin. Several photo stops like the famous Nugget Point Lighthouse are on our way.

Day 14: Dunedin

Dunedin's Royal Albatross Colony in the Otago Peninsula will be today's highlight with onsite albatross and penguin viewing as well as a historical tour of Tairoa Head. Prepare your cameras for many photos and videos!

Day 15: Dunedin > Mount Cook

Our destination for today is Mount Cook, more than 3800 meters high and the highest mountain in New Zealand. We will take a photo tour and, if possible, stay the night at the legendary Hermitage Hotel below the mountain.

Day 16: Mount Cook > Christchurch

On our last day the inland route leads us to the 'Church of the Good Shepherd' located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The church is arguably one of the most photographed in New Zealand, and features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains. After this spectacular highlight, we head toward Christchurch for our traditional Farewell Dinner in which we can recap the adventures of our photography tour through New Zealand.

Learn more about this Guided Photo Tour:

What's included - pricing - dates.

What's included: * The Original Tour - developed and organised by Reuthers * Reuthers Tour Guide / Photographer - trained and multilingual * Travelling in comfortable Minibus * 16x Accommodation Middleclass Hotels/Motels in shared Double Room * Luggage Transportation during the Tour * Secured Payment Certificate (Sicherungsschein) * Reuthers Tour Book with Itineraries and Tips * Reuthers Travel Lecture (in English) * Reuthers Welcome Drink * Welcome Dinner in Restaurant * Farewell Dinner in Restaurant * Dinner Walter Peak High Country Farm * Milford Sound Nature Cruise * Steamship Passage TSS Earnslaw * Ferry Wellington > Picton * Ferry Stewart Island * Water Taxi Abel Tasman National Park * Boats Tour Stewart Island Underwater World * Transfers Airport > Hotel > Airport * Entrance Fees * Award for the best Tour Photo * Reuthers Rewards"> Reuthers Rewards

Pricing: Per Person = NZD 6645 Twin Room extra charge (2 separate beds instead of 1 common bed) = NZD 295 Single Room extra charge (instead of shared Double Room) = NZD 1105

Optional Bookings: Additional Accommodation prior tour start in shared Double Room (1 common bed) = NZD 125 Additional Accommodation prior tour start in shared Twin Room (2 separate beds) = NZD 135 Additional Accommodation prior tour start in Single Room = NZD 235 Additional Accommodation after the tour in shared Double Room (1 common bed) = NZD 125 Additional Accommodation after the tour in shared Twin Room (2 separate beds) = NZD 135 Additional Accommodation after the tour in Single Room = NZD 235 Helicopter Flight Franz Josef Glacier = NZD 335 Quad Tour in Franz Josef (Rider) = NZD 225 Quad Tour in Franz Josef (Passenger) = NZD 165 Jet Boat Ride Kawarau River = NZD 185

All pricing payable in New Zealand Dollar . 3% Early Bird Discount (booking more than 12 months prior tour start) 2% Golden Ager Discount (age at least 60 years prior tour start) 10% Group Discount (from 8 registrations made within one week, one common Payment of Balance) Please note: The Total Discount for all applicable Discounts is a maximum of 10%.

Paying in the above tour currency is the cheapest way. If you prefer another currency - simply select:

Your selected Currency

>>> All Reuthers Photo Tours convey the peculiarities of landscape photography and portrait photography with corresponding motifs. You learn more about the look for graphic accents and different perspectives as well as the use of different focal lengths. Finally, it is subtleties that lead to an individual photograph. For early risers we have the sunrise in the program - for night owls the sunset. And, of course, we will discuss the photo shoots of the participants in the tour group and award the best photo at the end of a Reuthers Photo Tour <<<

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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