I sit here and have to take a moment to take it it all in. Infront of me the beautiful Lady of the Lake; The Earnslaw toots it’s horn, people meander around the shoreline marvelling at the pink sunset infront of us and a gorgeous concoction of smells from the bbq behind me meanders towards my nostrils. I’m at Walter Peak Station with Real Journeys. I don’t want to be anywhere else.
A few days later I think about being over there. A forty minute boat ride on one of the oldest boats known to man (I may exaggerate, stay with me), history and family right at your feet. A beautiful homestead to wander the gardens, a sheep sheering show and a delicious eyes-pop-out-of-your-head-at-the-selection bbq to round it all off.
A chance to see a part of the lake you don’t normally see. A chance to experience an oldie-worldy way of life that still stands the test of time. It’s beautiful and still standing and I love that.
I had recently been on a Real Journey’s trip to Doubtful Sound and was aware of their trips being A** and this one did not disappoint.
Once off the Earnslaw you are led into the homestead where a delicious and frankly massive amount of food is waiting. Meats of all types, fish and seafood, cheeses and crackers, hot buttery potatoes. So many types of dessert my grandma would have been proud (she loves a good creme brûlée). Sauces, sides and salads.
I may have have seconds. I may have had thirds. I may have to start exercising properly.
After all that gorgeous deliciousness (you’re getting the picture) we headed outside to a lovely sunset and the old woodshed where we watched the amazing sheep dogs gather their sheep in for a show. The sheering of a sheep is a sight to behold in itself, quick as a flash there was a sheep ready and ripe for Spring. Two dogs sat ready for more work and I hadn’t even had chance to take my coat off. Legends.
The sun had set, the sheep had lost a little of their dignity, we had been fed and watered (and a lovely drop of local Pinot to boot) and we were ready for the off. Back to Queenstown to revel in the romantic memories of Walter Peak Station and all that Creme Brûlée.
Experience Walter Peak for yourself! Which tour have you done before? Which one did you like the best?
