Top 6 BBQ Cruises in New Zealand

1.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,713 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95Our pick

Take a 210-minute RealNZ outing from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown catamaran. Expect a lakeside BBQ buffet, farm animals, sheep shearing, and a sheepdog display. Guides such as Pete, Joe, Josh, Mia, and Echo have helped make the farm show a highlight.

“Amazing views and food — the sheep-shearing part of the farm show wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was absolutely spectacular.”

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2.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,196 reviews · from $98Top rated

Sail from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, or possibly the Spirit of Queenstown, for a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, gardens, lake views, and a sheep-shearing and sheepdog show hosted by the farm team, including Pete.

“The lake view during the cruise was quite beautiful, and the BBQ lunch was nice! They got all kinds of meat, so don’t miss it if you are a meat lover!”

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3.Bay of Islands Tall Ship Sailing on R. Tucker Thompson Including BBQ Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 361 reviews · from $111

Spend 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and his crew invite you to help with sails, try the helm, climb the rigging, swim, and enjoy scones plus a chicken BBQ lunch. Paihia ferry transport is available if selected.

“Capt Magnus and his crew showed us just how beautiful the Bay of Islands really is! Fascinating to learn the history of the ship’s creation and how this activity directly supports youth development in sailing. Bravo Zulu!”

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4.Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 66 reviews · 3h 30m · from $95

You’ll cross Lake Whakatipu on the Spirit of Queenstown, dine at Walter Peak’s Colonel’s Homestead, and watch a lively farm demonstration, including sheep shearing on some visits. Jo may lead the farm show, while Jacob has looked after lunch service. Drinks cost extra.

“Perfect low-key activity. The food was amazing, the farm show was fun, and the animals were sweet!”

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5.Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · from $135

Paddle Lake Rotoiti with a trained guide, stopping at warm natural pools, a lakeside barbecue, and two boat-only caves. You need no kayaking experience, and guides such as Justin and Ricky add local Māori stories along the way. Hotel pickup, equipment, instruction, and return transport are included.

“It was a beautiful experience, both energetic with the kayaking, interesting culturally with the local Māori stories, beautiful with the glow worms and relaxing with the lakeside hot pools! The bbq dinner was a nice bonus!”

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6.Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 6h 30m · from $130

Paddle across Lake Rotoiti with an English-speaking guide, soak in boat-access-only Manupirua Springs, eat a barbecue, then return at sunset to see glow-worm caves. Guides such as Justin and Ricky add paddling tips and Maori legends. Allow 6 to 6.5 hours, plus transfers.

“We liked everything in this activity. Good quide, hot pools, dinner, glowworms and fullmoon cayaking experience. WE RECOMMEND, worth of money! Sari and Jari (Finland)”

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