Walter Peak

A commanding 1800m high, Walter Peak is regularly visited by the TSS Earnslaw steamship as it ferries passengers to the base of the mountain to experience Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Legend has it adventurous pioneers William Rees and Nicholas Von Tunzelman flipped a coin for which side of the lake to settle on in the late 1850s. Rees got the Queenstown side and Von Tunzelman Walter Peak.
In the late 1880s, the Mackenzie family took over the region and farmed the area for 80 years, establishing the Colonel’s Homestead in 1908. Unfortunately, the fire damaged the iconic building in 1977, and it was then carefully reconstructed.

Fast forward to 2014, when Real NZ initiated an ambitious conservation effort known as the Walter Peak Land Restoration Project. This endeavour began after the acquisition of the farmland surrounding Colonel’s Homestead. In an ecological feat, the project involved clearing 155 hectares of invasive non-native trees and weeds, creating space for the restoration of pockets of native bush. Additionally, a scenic walkway was meticulously crafted, offering visitors a mesmerizing journey through this revitalized landscape.
Today, this stunning route not only allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of the high country farm but also presents the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

Real NZ – Walter Peak dining via the Spirit of Queenstown (new in 2024)
Real NZ – Walter Peak dining via the Spirit of Queenstown (new in 2024)

Take our fastest Lake Whakatipu vessel across to Walter Peak High Country Farm.  Onboard the modern catamaran, The Spirit of Queenstown, you can soak in the surrounding lake and mountain scenes as you make your way across the clear blue lake.  With an onboard bar and cafe, grab a refreshment before disembarking for your biking […]

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Real NZ – Walter Peak Eco Experience (new in 2024)
Real NZ – Walter Peak Eco Experience (new in 2024)

Pause to explore regenerated landscapes on a Walter Peak Eco Experience.  Welcomed by our rural team, take a guided tour through the market gardens, which include bee hives, orchards, greenhouses, and our native plant nursery.  Get your hands (a little) dirty and choose a native seedling, before walking along the picturesque peninsula and planting it […]

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Real NZ – Gourmet BBQ
Real NZ – Gourmet BBQ

Fuel up before or after your cycle and make a reservation at Queenstown’s iconic dining experience.  Enjoy a picturesque, lakeside setting as you graze on a range of local and homegrown produce. Long lunch and dinner services provide a selection of offerings, from wood-fired succulent meats to cheeses, salads, seafood, charcuterie, fresh breads and vegetable […]

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Real NZ – Walter Peak Farm Tour
Real NZ – Walter Peak Farm Tour

Explore a real working high country farm and stop at Walter Peak.  Greeted by one of our rural hosts, you’ll explore the picturesque farm, meet its friendly residents, and feed some of the animals. Don’t forget to give Dougal, our famous Highland cow, a scratch between the ears before heading to our Farm Amphitheatre for […]

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Real NZ – TSS Earnslaw
Real NZ – TSS Earnslaw

Your bike trail ‘Around the Mountains’ won’t be complete without a steamship journey on the TSS Earnslaw. An iconic Queenstown experience, this vintage vessel plays an integral role in the town’s history and will drop you right at Walter Peak High Country Farm. To make your experience go the extra mile, you can upgrade your […]

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Barge Services
Barge Services

Barge Services NZ offers Queenstown to Walter Peak Station – Lake transfers. Joel, your friendly skipper alongside his partner Kate, own and operate Barge Services NZ. Offering safe, reliable and no hassles barge transport. Flexible departure times. Ride on Ride off / Up to 22 cyclists at a time. Check out our Facebook page or […]

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So, what are you waiting for? It’s time!

Map

A detailed look at the trail and all of the stops along the way.

Planning

Find everything you need for your adventure along the trail.

Supplies

There are several stops along the way for supplies.

Accommodation

From camping to motel to luxury stays, find all you need here.

Camping

Prepare to pitch your tent amidst picturesque campsites.

Eat and drink

The fuel to keep you pedalling, we’ve got it covered.

Bike hire

The most important piece of equipment, hire available here.

Things to do

There is plenty to explore off the proverbial beaten track.

Tour operators

We partner with the best of the best and have everything covered.

Transport providers

Assistance with getting yourself from one point to another.