It was like something in the fairytale, sitting on the bow in the 1912 vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw, since the moonlight danced across Lake Wakatipu and the bright lights of Queenstown twinkled within the distance.
At first, I figured I saw a shooting star, however realised it had been the embers flying in the bright red funnel from the coal-fired steamship and off to the night sky, joining all of the different stars inside the inky black sky.
It was the type of moments you simply always remember. The rush of the cold air upon the face, a bellyful of delicious barbecue, the warmth of the number of local pinot noirs, as well as the singalong that was happening downstairs echoing across the ship.
I head downstairs, looking into the engine room simply because they stoke the furnace with coal, and spend time reading captions on old photos within the museum below deck. It absolutely was fascinating researching the history in the ship as well as the surrounding region.
We had dinner at Colonel's Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak – a practical high country farm where impressive gardens wrap around the homestead. The original homestead was damaged by a fireplace in 1977, however it continues to be carefully reconstructed.
Real Journeys
Real Journeys, the master of both Walter Peak as well as the TSS Earnslaw, embarked on the major conservation project, clearing 155 hectares of invasive, non-native trees and weeds, replacing them with extensive planting of native bush – giving back the land to the natural heritage.
Real Journeys was started by Les and Olive Hutchins in 1954. They began with the Manapouri-Doubtful Sound Tourist company, fulfilling their imagine sharing the astounding wilderness with other people. As their company grew, they started directing a number of their profits into conservation activities, and they now support many different initiatives.
It was at 1969 the business bought and restored the vintage steamship that more than the years have become this kind of iconic fixture from the Queenstown landscape.
This year marks 65 years because the couple started their company and the heritage and exceptional big plus with the location continues being distributed to the guests who come to visit.
Q&A with Peter Greer the Skipper from the TSS Earnslaw
This born-and-bred Queenstown skipper has witnessed much change through the years around Queenstown.
How have you reach become skipper?
When I had been a kid the Earnslaw was chugging over the lake – but I never imagined I would skipper it one day. Once i left school I went overseas – so when I came back I started employed by Real Journeys.
How has Queenstown changed over time?
Queenstown has always stood a vibe that it's growing bigger, which is often been a place to select an adventure and party.
Do you've had a favourite time round the lake?
Yes, the 4pm trip – it's often a quiet trip.
What are five things people to Queenstown must do?
Climb the boulders over at The Remarkables – climbing within the rocks is a very fun move to make. There's a lot of good jet boating, it's exciting since the boat is so small you're feeling everything also it really gives that feeling of speed. Even rising the gondolas or even the Cardrona chairlift along with your bike throughout the the summer time is great, and then hooning down. There's a small hill beside Calvin Heights – the farmer who used to own it would let people go up there as there is an enormous oriental fortress remaining from the movie set. And going into Skippers Cannon to find out in which the goldmining continues to be, and find out exactly what it would have been like in the 1860s. And obviously visitors should come out on TSS Earnslaw!
