Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

Aboard Faith, a beautifully kept 1935 Scottish motor yacht, the evening feels less like a standard lake cruise and more like a small social occasion from another age. You’ll leave Te Anau’s historic wharf, hear stories from the crew, sip champagne, and watch the light change over Lake Te Anau.

I like the small-scale setting, which keeps the boat personal rather than crowded, and I like the hands-on element: you may get to steer, help with the sails, and tour the yacht instead of simply sitting in a seat. The main consideration is the weather. You need a jacket, and the exact sailing experience depends on conditions.

Key points to know

• Faith is the attraction: This 1935 Scottish motor yacht is carefully preserved, with a story that stretches from the United Kingdom to Te Anau.
• The cruise lasts 90 minutes: That is enough time for a drink, canapés, boat stories, a quiet-cove stop, and a sail back across the lake.
• You can take part: The crew may invite you to steer or assist with the sails, making this more active than a normal sightseeing cruise.
• Captain Adam and Sophie may be your hosts: Other crew members have included Paul, Nina, Jenny, and Kevin, all connected with the boat’s operation.
• Drinks are included: Champagne, wine, beer, tea, coffee, and other drinks are available, with canapés served during the outing.
• The mood is quiet and intimate: This suits couples, families with older children, honeymooners, and anyone wanting a slower evening in Te Anau.

Starting at Te Anau’s historic wharf

You meet at Te Anau’s charming historic wharf 15 minutes before departure. There is no transportation included, so you’ll need to make your own way there. That is worth remembering if you are staying outside central Te Anau or planning a full day in Fiordland.

The first impression comes from the boat itself. Faith is not a modern sightseeing vessel built for large numbers. She is a 1935 Scottish motor yacht with the polished fittings, compact spaces, and old-fashioned character you would expect from a vessel that has been lovingly maintained for decades.

The crew treats the boat as part of the experience, not just as transport. Captain Adam has been praised for his warm manner and storytelling, while Sophie has helped welcome passengers and explain the yacht. Depending on the departure, you may meet other crew members, including Paul, Nina, Jenny, or Kevin.

I would arrive with enough time to look around the wharf and settle in before boarding. This is not the sort of activity where you want to hurry from a hotel or dinner reservation. The pace begins the moment you step onto Faith.

Faith, a 1935 yacht with a story to tell

The boat’s age gives the cruise its reason for being. Plenty of lake trips offer views, but Faith adds a physical connection to the past. You can look at the timber, fittings, deck, and working parts while the crew explains how the yacht came from the United Kingdom to New Zealand and became part of life on Lake Te Anau.

A tour of the boat is part of the outing. You are not limited to one fixed viewing area, and the crew may explain how the motor yacht also operates under sail. This makes the experience appealing to anyone interested in boats, restoration, or practical maritime skills.

The upkeep is also part of the story. Keeping a historic yacht operating is not a simple matter, and the crew’s enthusiasm for restoration comes through in the way they present Faith. I especially like that the boat’s past is not treated as a museum display. You get to see it working on the water.

The small size creates a more sociable atmosphere, too. You may chat with the crew and other passengers as the boat moves around the lake. That can be a real advantage over a large cruise with rows of seats and a constant engine hum.

A gentle cruise across Lake Te Anau

Once underway, Faith cruises across Lake Te Anau while you take in the surrounding scenery. The lake is framed by the South Island’s wild Fiordland setting, and evening light can soften the hills and shoreline as the sun drops.

This is a sightseeing trip, but it is not rushed. The 90-minute duration gives the crew time to combine several parts of the experience without turning each one into a quick photo stop. You can listen to the boat’s story, enjoy a drink, look around the deck, and still have time to simply watch the water.

The motor is used for part of the cruise, and the boat may also sail. The contrast is one of the best features. Under power, you cover the lake in a practical way. Under sail, the mood becomes quieter and slower, with the boat gliding rather than pushing forward.

The calm pace suits the setting. You will not be trying to tick off a long list of landmarks. Instead, you get a close view of the lake, the boat, and the changing light. For me, that makes this a good choice after a busy day of walking or sightseeing in Fiordland.

Champagne, drinks, and canapés on board

Drinks are complimentary and unlimited during the cruise. Champagne is the obvious match for the setting, but the offering is broader than champagne alone. The cruise has included wine, beer, tea, coffee, and other drinks, so you are not required to drink alcohol to enjoy the meal.

Canapés are served during the outing. The food has been described as a selection of sweet and savoury bites, with one account noting six different canapés. The portions are intended as generous snacks rather than a full dinner, so plan your evening meal accordingly.

I would not book this as a substitute for dinner unless you are happy with light food. It works best as an early evening treat before or after a meal in Te Anau.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated if you ask. One passenger specifically found no clear vegetarian option available on the day, so vegetarians and anyone with allergies should contact the operator in advance rather than rely on what appears on the serving tray.

The food and drinks matter because they reinforce the character of the cruise. You are not buying a sightseeing ticket and then paying separately for every small extra. The price includes the refreshments, which keeps the evening relaxed and makes it easier to focus on the setting.

The quiet-cove pause

A particularly appealing part of the route is the stop in a sheltered cove. The boat anchors, and the atmosphere becomes still. This is the point where you can enjoy the canapés without the movement of the boat and take in the silence of the lake.

The cove stop also gives you a break from active sightseeing. You do not need to keep looking for the next view. You can sit with your drink, talk with the people on board, and listen to the crew’s stories.

That quiet pause is important because Te Anau is a gateway to some of New Zealand’s busiest natural attractions. After a day built around schedules, roads, and walking tracks, a sheltered corner of the lake offers a different kind of experience.

The stop is weather dependent, like the entire cruise. Conditions may affect where Faith can go, how long the boat can sail, and how comfortable it is to remain outside. Bring a jacket even on a pleasant afternoon. Evening air on the lake can feel cool once the sun drops.

Steering, sails, and a more active evening

This cruise is not strictly hands-off. The crew may let you help steer Faith or assist with the sails. That opportunity is one reason I would choose this trip over a standard lake excursion if you enjoy learning how things work.

You are not signing up for a formal sailing lesson, and the exact level of participation can vary. Still, the chance to take the wheel or help raise sail gives the outing a practical edge. You become part of the boat’s movement instead of simply watching the view pass by.

One honeymooning couple particularly enjoyed steering and helping hoist the sails. Another passenger became a deckhand for part of the cruise. These details suggest that the crew makes an effort to involve people, though you should not expect every passenger to receive the same task or the same amount of time at the helm.

If you prefer to sit quietly, that is fine too. There is no need to be sporty or experienced. The crew handles the boat, and you can enjoy the cruise from the deck while others take part.

Sailing back as evening settles

After the cove stop, the crew may unfurl the sails for the return journey. This is often the most atmospheric part of the evening. The engine gives way to the softer movement of the sailboat, and the lake becomes the main sound around you.

A return under sail gives the trip a satisfying shape. You begin with the historic motor yacht leaving the wharf, pause for drinks and canapés in a sheltered area, then finish with Faith gliding back toward Te Anau.

The setting can be especially attractive around sunset, when the light turns warm across the lake. Exact sunset conditions depend on the season and the weather, so I would think of this as an evening cruise with a chance of sunset colour, not a guaranteed sunset spectacle.

The crew sometimes adds extra touches. Captain Adam has played bagpipes on board for some outings, creating a memorable New Zealand evening with a distinctly Scottish sound. That is a special possibility rather than a scheduled part of every cruise.

What the $86 price includes

At $86 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto Lake Te Anau. It is also not simply a 90-minute boat ride. The price covers the historic vessel, the live English-speaking guide, unlimited complimentary drinks, and canapés.

The value depends on what you want from a lake trip. If your priority is covering a large area or seeing as many viewpoints as possible, a longer sightseeing cruise may suit you better. If you want a small boat, personal hosting, food, drinks, and a story connected to the vessel itself, the price is easier to justify.

The boat’s limited capacity is part of the value. You avoid the feel of a large public cruise, and the crew has room to speak with passengers directly. The strongest part of the experience is not a single landmark. It is the combination of Faith, the lake, the food, the stories, and the quiet pace.

The high rating of 4.9 from 48 ratings reflects how consistently the crew and boat have pleased people. The most repeated strengths are the friendly service, the fascinating story of Faith, the tasty canapés, the choice of drinks, and the peaceful setting.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the cruise to couples looking for a romantic evening, especially honeymooners or anyone marking a special occasion. The champagne, low passenger numbers, quiet cove, and sunset setting all work well for that purpose.

It also suits families with adult children. One family enjoyed the outing with a son in his twenties, and the chance to tour the boat and help with sailing gives younger adults something to do beyond looking at scenery.

Boat enthusiasts will get the most from the details of Faith’s construction, working systems, restoration, and journey from Britain to New Zealand. You do not need specialist knowledge, but curiosity helps.

This may be less suitable if you dislike small boats, want a full meal, or need a fixed itinerary regardless of weather. The cruise is weather dependent, and sailing conditions can change the mood and movement of the outing.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is useful information when comparing options. I would still confirm any specific access needs with Fiordland Historic Cruises before booking, since historic vessels can have practical limits even when an activity is described as accessible.

Practical details before you book

Allow time to reach the historic wharf and arrive 15 minutes before departure. Transportation is not included, so arrange your own route to the meeting point.

Bring a jacket. Even a mild day can turn cool on the lake in the evening, particularly when the boat is sailing or sitting at anchor.

English is the tour language, and a live guide is provided. The crew’s role is central to the experience, so expect plenty of conversation about Faith, the area around Te Anau, and the boat’s operation.

If you have dietary requirements, ask in advance. The operator says these can be accommodated, but the vegetarian comment makes advance notice sensible.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary by date, so check availability when choosing your evening.

Should you book the Faith evening cruise?

Book it if you want a personal, story-led evening on the water, not a large sightseeing boat or a full dinner cruise. Faith, the chance to steer or help with the sails, and the quiet-cove stop make this a distinctive choice in Te Anau.

At $86, the outing earns its price through the vessel, hosting, drinks, food, and small-group feel. Bring a jacket, tell the crew about dietary needs, and leave room in your schedule for weather to set the pace.

I would choose this cruise for a final evening in Te Anau, a honeymoon, or a slower break between more strenuous Fiordland activities. If that sounds like your kind of night, Faith offers a memorable way to see Lake Te Anau from a very different angle.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Te Anau’s historic wharf.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive 15 minutes before the activity begins.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes.

What is the name of the yacht?

The yacht is called Faith. It is a 1935 Scottish motor yacht.

What is included in the price?

The price includes entrance fees, complimentary unlimited drinks, and canapés.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are complimentary and unlimited during the cruise. The available selection can include champagne, wine, beer, tea, and coffee.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

Yes. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but you should ask in advance.

Do I need to bring anything?

You should bring a jacket.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.