Real Experience
IT MIGHT BE THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD WHERE ONE CAN BOARD A VINTAGE STEAMER AND HEAD OFF FOR A WINTER PICNIC BY THE LAKE SAYS QUEENSTOWN WRITER PETA CAREY
EVERY CHILD LUCKY enough to grow up in Queenstown feels a sense of pride and ownership over the TSS Earnslaw, affectionately known as ‘Ernie Boat’. Come winter it is a favourite trip for mums, with little ones in push-chairs, heading to the sunny side of the lake and Walter Peak Station to meet the farm animals. Sometimes, there are new-born lambs to feed, highland cattle with warm wet noses to rub and affectionate the farm dogs needing a pat. And, after a generous morning tea, there are always leftovers to feed the ever-hungry ducks. All Earnslaw’s fans were onboard for her 96th birthday with the celebration cake cut by Olive, Lady Hutchins, wife of the founder of Real Journeys the late Les Hutchins. Then again at Earnslaw’s centenary, everyone lined the wharf to celebrate again with primary school children, and their parents, dressed in period costume and waving flags. All squealed with joy as ‘ The Lady of the Lake’ steamed around the point. Such is the love for the Earnslaw. To journey on the Earnslaw to Walter Peak with my teenage daughter, yet again and many years after our first pushchair-forays to the sunny side, was a delight. This time we dined at the Gourmet BBQ lunch enjoying the astounding cuisine. If you could make it through the first two gobsmacking courses the array of desserts was the stuff of every child’s dreams.
However, it was the small details of the day that touched me so; the kauri tree grown even taller, the rose gardens still so very beautiful with their old world blooms, the highland cattle reliably nudging noses into outstretched hands, and the gentle sheep dog loyally herding everyone onto the wharf for departure.
We may have done the journey many times, but the Earnslaw’s voyage to Walter Peak remains a favourite. It may well be the ‘must-do’ experience for visitors, but it’s also a wonderful ‘old friend’ for locals.
For more information visit realjourneys.co.nz or phone 0800 65 65 01