6 BBQ Cruises in New Zealand, With the Price Beside Each

1.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ & Lake Whakatipu Cruise

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

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or Spirit of Queenstown. Enjoy a generous local BBQ buffet, gardens beside Lake Whakatipu, and a lively farm show with sheep shearing and working dogs. Presenters and dogs vary, with past shows featuring Pete, Josh, Joe, Echo, Mia, and Kim.

“The gourmet BBQ was insane! So much food available and lots of different cuisines to choose from. Highly recommend. ☺️ Staff were all lovely too.”

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2.Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch & Queenstown Lake Cruise

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

Take a 3.5-hour round trip from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw when scheduled, enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ buffet, then watch sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations before returning across Lake Wakatipu.

“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 about 5.5 hours aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a working replica schooner sailing from Russell through the Bay of Islands. Captain Magnus and the crew invite you to help with sails, steer, climb the rigging, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery. Morning tea, fresh scones, a chicken BBQ lunch, and optional return ferry transport from Paihia are included.

“A brilliant experience with lots of activity, if you want, or do nothing. Skipper Magnus and his crew ensured that everyone had a fabulous time on board the sailing ship.”

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4.Lake Cruise to Walter Peak Farm with BBQ Buffet

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

Cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak on the Spirit of Queenstown, then enjoy a wood-fired BBQ buffet at the Colonel’s Homestead. You’ll have time for a farm demonstration, lakeside gardens, and views across Lake Whakatipu. Jo leads the sheep-shearing show, while Jacob has been praised for warm lunch service.

“Great trip to Walter’s Peak, food was great and plenty to choose from.”

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

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

From Rotorua, you’ll kayak Lake Rotoiti with an experienced guide such as Justin or Ricky, stop at lakeside hot pools, enjoy a Kiwi BBQ, then paddle into boat-only caves to see glowworms and freshwater crayfish. No kayaking experience is needed, but plan for several hours on the water and bring swimwear and a towel.

“Our tour was changed to morning due to not enough people. We had a great time kayaking across the lake beautiful weather. Spent an hours soaking in the hot springs, so relaxing. Our guide Justin was so helpful and gave a great commentary on our tour. Thank you Justin.”

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6.Hot Pools Kayak & Evening Barbecue

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

Paddle across Lake Rotoiti with a trained guide, soak at boat-only Manupirua Springs, and eat a Kiwi barbecue before sunset and glow-worms. Guides have included Justin and Ricky, with stories of Maori legends along the way. Allow six to seven hours, including transfers, and prepare for about two hours of paddling.

“This was our favorite activity of our whole trip! Thanks for being so fun and treating us so well!”

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