Operator Real Journeys is planning a series of public festivities to mark the 100th birthday of the popular Lake Wakatipu ship between October 14 and 22, two years from now.
The operator since 1965 of the last passenger-carrying, coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere intends to meet representatives from the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the committee organising the 2012 commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Arrowtown.
Real Journeys Queenstown operations manager Tracey Maclaren yesterday said anniversary plans were tentative, but the eight-day celebration would begin on October 14 with a evening function on the steamer for former crew members.
Real Journeys will host a private function at Walter Peak station homestead on October 15.
The anniversary day of October 18 will feature an Earnslaw cruise to Kingston and a re-enactment of her official launch and maiden Wakatipu voyage 100 years ago to the day. Bands will greet the ship as she berths at the Steamer Wharf, in Queenstown.
"As we understand, it was a huge event to have such a huge vessel arrive in little old Queenstown," Miss Maclaren said.
"They made it a public holiday and the whole community celebrated her arrival."
The ship's high country heritage will be marked with a hoedown at Mt Nicholas Station on October 20. The following day, the ship will steam up to Glenorchy for a market and fun day, passing Walter Peak, Mt Nicholas, Elfin Bay and Kinloch, the stations where she used to transport freight, stock and passengers across the lake.
The ship will sail for Walter Peak for a family fun day on October 22 to round off the anniversary festivities.
The category 1 heritage vessel will also operate continuous one-hour return cruises to Frankton Arm and other scheduled trips in and around the programme.
"When we get to meet with Arrowtown celebrations [organisers], we'll be able to work on dovetailing together," Miss Maclaren said.
"We certainly want the community to celebrate with us and, where we can, join forces with the Arrowtown event."
Details of the programme for the centenary would be fine-tuned and posted on the Real Journeys website in January.
Bookings for the celebration will open in March.
