For those keen on leaving a place they visit better than how they found it, the RealNZ Walter Peak Eco Experience is just the adventure you’re looking for. Journey away from the hustle and bustle, across the lake for a day of exploring and conservation at Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll have the chance to get your hands dirty when planting a native tree or shrub, while learning about the Walter Peak Land Resoration Project, and the incredible native wildlife in the area. Don’t go home hungry; enjoy a Ploughman’s Platter loaded with produce from the restaurant garden you ventured through earlier. It’s an immersive experience that leaves you feeling more connected to this beautiful high country farm. Cruise back to Queenstown leisurely aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, giving you time to appreciate your new found appreciation for this whole new side of Queenstown activities.
1. Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
One of the best ways to experience the deep blue water of Lake Whakatipu is aboard the TSS Earnslaw. This historic steamship is as old as the Titanic, and has been lovingly restored to retain its old-world charm yet function as the ‘lady of the lake’; the vessel to carry passengers out to Walter Peak for this eco experience. This 45-minute scenic cruise is the beginning of a unique day in Queenstown.
Reach the shores of Walter Peak High Country Farm on the southwest side of Lake Whakatipu, where your host greets you. The large homestead with its rustic buildings and established garden is a sight for sore eyes and is the ideal setting for an eco-tourism experience.
2. Plant a native tree
Roam the grounds on a tour with your host, before rolling up your sleeves and planting a native tree or shrub. This hands-on experience is the best way to learn about the conservation efforts happening in the region. While there has been a great deal of clearing invasive species going on, the planting of native flora in key areas has begun too. With the help of visitors on this eco-tourism experience, the forest will return and it will bring back native birds and insects that once thrived at Walter Peak.
Read more on the conservation projects in the south here.
3. Enjoy a paddock-to-plate lunch
After touring the lush restaurant garden, stroll to the Walter Peak buildings for a platter-style lunch crafted by the onsite executive chef. The seasonal menu uses produce straight from the garden, making this a wholesome, fresh dining experience. Homegrown tastes better, as you sit on the shores of Lake Whakatipu and soak in your surroundings.
4. Learn about wildlife and conservation efforts at Walter Peak
To be able to go home and flex your knowledge on native bird life and native plant species, chat away with your hosts. These guys are locals who are not only knowledgeable but passionate about the area and its wildlife and horticulture. Through the planting and conversation, learn about the Land Restoration Project going on in this special place, and how your choice to join this experience is contributing to returning the land to its natural heritage.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
