The TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship turns a 100 years old on 18 October 2012.
To mark this historic occasion we’re throwing a week long party and everyone’s invited! With everything from special lake cruises, period costumes, bands, entertainment, food and lots of activities for the family, this is an event not to be missed.
View events schedule >So come join the festivities at the TSS Earnslaw Centenary Celebrations from the 14-22 October 2012 in Queenstown and be a part of a once in a life-time experience!
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"The Minister of the day, whom I called the Great Train Robber, wanted to take the Earnslaw off the lake as part of its plans to modernise the railways system...
I kicked up a fuss because they said they were planning to sink it on the end of the Queenstown park, but instead of sinking it he agreed to..." |
Launched by New Zealand Rail in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the last surviving and grandest steamship to have ever graced Lake Wakatipu. Named after Mount Earnslaw (the highest peak in the region), she is 168 feet in length, 24 feet across the beam and weighs 330 tonnes.
Originally built by J McGregor and Co in Dunedin, the TSS Earnslaw was dismantled and transported by rail to Kingston at the lake’s southern tip for reassembly and launching.
The TSS Earnslaw has since served the remote farming communities around Lake Wakatipu, including the original Walter Peak Station.
Her working roles have included; cargo ship, livestock carrier, passenger transporter and pleasure steamer.
Read more about the TSS Earnslaw's History
