Traveler Reviews

• Ted 08-May-2019

  We boarded a 100 plus year steamship for a cruise down one of the most beautiful lakes we have ever been on. During the ship voyage we were entertained by a live piano player and were able to sample more of New Zealand’s wonderful wines. On arrival at High Country Farm we were greeted by a very friendly staff who got us seated and a drink order taken taken in a very short period of time. We were then invited to go up and sample what the buffet had to offer. Everything was nicely prepared, very tasteful and plentiful. Meats, seafood, salads, bread, and lots of desserts. The staff obviously were experienced and ready to serve a large group. After dinner we were escorted to an outdoor amphitheater where we were treated to a sheep shearing demonstration and then had the pleasure to watch two sheep dogs at work. It was quite interesting watching the dogs search out and herd a small flock of sheep in a back meadow. The Meadow was lighted so we had no trouble seeing everything unfold. After the show everyone returned to the steamship for the trip back to Queenstown wharf. The Piano tried to lead a sing along that was unfortunately not very entertaining due to the antiquated music selections. Maybe doing this with music from the 60’s and 70’s might have created more interest. All in all a great evening, well organized and a good pace to events. The evening certainly merits a four rating.

• Joann H 06-Mar-2019

  I would highly recommend this trip for all ages! Steamship was awesome! Food was plentiful and delicious! Best creme brûlée! Sheep shearing was very good and entertaining!

• Maria R 19-Nov-2018

  Great food, cruise and demonstration. Actually saw a sheep sheared! The food was plentiful and delicious...had everything you could have ever wanted and more on the buffet.

• Barbara S 11-Apr-2018

  It was absolutely bucketing down when we took this tour! However the ferry ride on the steamer to the farm was warm and cozy and we enjoyed a glass of wine. It looked like the gardens at the farm were beautiful but we obviously didn't linger outside. The dinner was fantastic - a huge variety of wonderful food and I am sure no-one left hungry. The sheep shearing was interesting and we enjoyed hearing about raising sheep and a little bit about farm life. We are glad we took this tour despite the weather.

• Craigandsharon M 24-Mar-2018

  Awesome night. Great food and surroundings. The cruise across the lake was breath-taking.

• Deavila303 28-Feb-2018

  what a great experience. the steam boat ride out there was so cool and the scenery, you can't beat that. The buffet was excellent with everything you could ever imagine for choices. The sheep shearing was fun to watch too.

• David L 27-Feb-2018

  great cruise and meal.

• Roy H 10-Feb-2018

  It's an interesting boat-ride. Pulls up in front of the farm. About 15 minutes later, the door opens and you can find a seat. Plenty of food. My only complaint is that it got back to the harbor point about two minutes after the boat-shuttle left for hotel across the bay. So I waited an hour for the next shuttle-boat.

• Geoffrey B 07-Feb-2018

  Not really Gourmet but it was ok as barbecues go. It was as well organised as it could be for such large numbers all arriving at the same time by boat. There are plenty of tables for two available. Drinks are a bit expensive. Guests on our trip were mostly Chinese. The boat TSS Earnslaw is a magnificent twin screw steamer and was the highlight of the evening. You can view the engine room from above and watch the stokers piling on the coal. Upstairs in the lounge a pianist plays a grand piano on the trip back to Queenstown and there is a song sheet to follow for those who wish to join in.

• David R 12-Jan-2018

  Very nice end to the day. Nice cruise on the beautiful lake - in style. Very nice dinner - meats exceptional. Interesting short show by the farmer of shearing and sheep dogs herding then home again. Sing-a-long on the way home if you wanted to join in. We would do again and highly recommend.