Lake cruise to Walter Peak farm and a 40-minute horse trek across the high country, with afternoon tea before the sail home.
Walter Peak Horse Treks is run by RealNZ - formerly Real Journeys - on the far side of Lake Whakatipu, and the only way there is by boat.
You sail from Steamer Wharf on the coal-fired TSS Earnslaw or the faster catamaran Spirit of Queenstown: 45 minutes on the steamer, 35 on the cat. Your guide and horse meet you at the farm, and the trek itself is around 40 minutes, climbing across rolling high country to a lookout over the lake and the ranges behind it. Helmets and wet weather gear are provided.
Back at the homestead there's morning or afternoon tea in the Mackenzie Room - scones, cakes and slices baked on the farm - and time in the lakeside gardens before the return sailing. Allow three and a half to four hours from wharf to wharf.
Riders need to be at least 7 years old, 120cm tall and under 95kg. Adults from $299, and it's suitable for people who have never ridden. Book through RealNZ; the Earnslaw sailings fill over summer.
