I must admit I have never been a fan of "all you can eat" style restaurants because all those restaurants I have been to thus far compromised on quality. Not to mention the fact that many of them explicitly tossed us out after about 3 hours even though we did not even consume alcohol. And I am delighted to admit that Colonel's Homestead restaurant is an exception to this. There is a huge variety of vegetables and meat-based dishes without a shred of compromise on quality! Our tour operator recommended this place. We had to take a ferry fo get to the "other side" of Queenstown. And I didn't anticipate such a family-like vibe with such a variety of meals.
This is part of a package steamship tour on TSS Earnslaw Cruises from Queenstown. We didn't have any expectations for a BBQ dinner when we booked our trip. However, their crispy suckling pig turned out to be the best in the world I've ever had; the salted caramel ice cream and sticky date pudding are also highly recommended.
I've never been a big fan of buffets, however, it changed my preconceived notion that buffets can be so fresh and tasty.
Honest I did not expect much from the BBQ lunch here, which was part of the Earnslaw cruise... But I was shocked at how much food there was, and the taste which was fantastic.. Rivals any of the restaurants in queenstown. The value was exceptional.. Would highly recommend eating here together with doing the cruise..
A must do in Queenstown is the TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak and includes the BBQ Lunch or dinner. Highly recommended the crispy roast pork and sticky date pubbing. A great 4 hour return trip.
Fantastic experience. Very relaxing and pleasant time.
Attentive and friendly service.
Great chefs. Excellent barbecutionists.
The View is unreal. Weather in late April was just a little nippy, but still holding off a jacket.
Drinks a little pricey, but not too unexpected for a tourist destination.
The sheep sheering was satisfying to watch. The sheapard dog herding was also much fun to watch. Don't miss it if you've never seen it!
Trip on the steamer and dinner at The Colonel's Homestead. Excellent in every way.
Special shout out to Kim and Miss the two sheepdogs who showed us how it's done.
Don't miss this trip, it's worth it.
Loved this restaurant, delicious salads, hot grilled meats, rich, exquisite desserts, sweets, the kids were so happy.
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Ruth Gutenberg
Dined at TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining on 3 Aug 2022
The best lunch/dinner experience in QT! Why spend $129 on a lunch you ask? Well let's start with the fact that it is not only the best lunch in QT but also includes a tour on a 110 year old STEAM BOAT and a farm visit with sheep dog/ sheep shearing show. Have you ever been on an actual steam boat before that runs with coal? You can even visit the steam room and watch the engine. How amazing is that? Oh you are more into nature than boats? Well the view from the Earnslaw, which takes you right to the middle of the lake, could not be more breathtaking. You are surrounded by 4 mountain ranges and have an unobstructed view from the crown range to the southern alps. If neither steam not mountains tickle your fancy how about a giant bbq where experienced chefs prepare not only a variety of meat dishes but also a all kinds of salads and veggies, even vegan cheese and a pear and goats cheese quiche to die for. Which meats you ask? Well all of them XD Chicken, pork belly (yes with crackling of course) lamb and beef. Speaking of beef- if you are more the cow cuddling type: there are three super fluffy highland cows who can not wait to meet you. Need any more reasons to spend $129 on a BBQ? I don't.
Unparalleled views of the lake and the best buffet experience I’ve ever had. Staff were professional, from the moment they wave as your boat docks, to the moment you leave the restaurant. Food was delicious, with the pork belly being a highlight for me! I can’t wait to come back, this time for the dinner buffet experience.
This is our second time to join TSS Earnslaw with BBQ. We really enjoyed the time on TSS Earnslaw ,listening to the piano and enjoying a warm cup of coffee will bring you a very calm feeling and also the BBQ is still as delicious as it was four years ago. Big thanks to the whole team for bring such good experience.
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