What it is
The Earnslaw was built for New Zealand Railways by John McGregor and Company of Dunedin. Its steel parts were carried by rail to Kingston at the southern end of the lake, where the ship was assembled and launched on 24 February 1912; it made its maiden voyage to Queenstown on 18 August 1912. Known as the Lady of the Lake, it carried passengers, sheep and cattle to the high-country stations around the shore, which had no road access.
The ship is 51.2 metres long, with two coal-fired boilers and a top speed of about 13 knots. Passengers can watch the stokers shovel coal in the engine room. Today it sails across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm, and its white hull and red funnel are a familiar sight from the Queenstown waterfront.
Getting there by bus
The ship departs from Steamer Wharf, and the Steamer Wharf / Crowne Plaza stop (stop 13), about 60 m away, is served by route 1 (Sunshine Bay/Remarkables Shops). The QTN Bay stop (stop 611), around 70 m away, is used by route 6 (Queenstown/Hilton).
Stanley Street Bus Hub, about 6 minutes' walk, connects with routes 1, 4 and 5 at Stop B (stop 500), route 1 at Stop A (stop 501) and routes 4 and 5 at Stop C (stop 502).
