Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

The star here is Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht that crossed from the United Kingdom to New Zealand and now cruises Lake Te Anau. You get more than a sunset boat ride: Captain Adam and the crew share the boat’s past, show you around, and may invite you to help steer or raise the sails. It feels personal because the yacht carries only a small number of people.

I like the mix of old-fashioned boat craftsmanship and wild Fiordland scenery. I also like the relaxed food and drink service, with champagne, wine, tea, coffee, and generous canapés included. The main consideration is the weather. The cruise runs only when conditions allow, and the evening can feel cool, so bring a jacket. Dietary needs can be accommodated, though one diner found the vegetarian choice unclear.

Key points to know before booking

• Faith is a 1935 Scottish motor yacht: The boat itself is the main attraction, with preserved details and a fascinating journey from the United Kingdom to Te Anau.
• Captain Adam is a warm, hands-on host: Depending on the sailing, you may also meet crew such as Sophie, Paul, Nina, Jenny, or Kevin.
• You get both motor cruising and sailing: The trip can include steering the yacht, helping with the sails, and gliding back under sail.
• Drinks and canapés are included: Champagne, wine, tea, coffee, and other drinks are served during the 90-minute outing.
• The quiet cove stop matters: Anchoring away from the wharf gives you a peaceful pause for food, conversation, and views.
• It is a small-scale alternative to a big sightseeing boat: The calm pace and low passenger numbers suit couples, families, and anyone who prefers a more personal outing.

Stepping aboard Faith at Te Anau’s historic wharf

You make your own way to the historic wharf in Te Anau and should arrive 15 minutes before departure. Transportation is not included, so plan that short transfer from your accommodation yourself.

The first few minutes are about the yacht. Faith is not a modern tour vessel dressed up with a few old fittings. She is a 1935 Scottish motor yacht with the character of a working boat and the finish of a much earlier age. The preserved woodwork, compact interior, and traditional details give the cruise its special feel before you even leave the wharf.

I would allow yourself time to look around rather than treating the boat as a simple way to get from one point to another. The crew are happy to explain how Faith reached New Zealand and how the family keeps her in service. That care is a major part of the experience. You are not only seeing Lake Te Anau from the water. You are spending time aboard a historic vessel that still operates as a boat.

The crew may vary, but Captain Adam is a recurring host, with Sophie and other crew members also leading outings. Their style is informal and involved. They do not simply point out views from a distance. They talk about the yacht, the lake, the surrounding Fiordland area, and the work needed to keep an old motor sailboat running.

The first cruise across Lake Te Anau

Once Faith leaves the wharf, the mood changes quickly. The town slips behind you, engine noise settles into the background, and the lake opens up around the boat. At 90 minutes, this is long enough to feel like an evening out but short enough to fit comfortably before or after dinner plans.

The route is less about collecting photo stops and more about enjoying the movement of the boat. You cruise across Lake Te Anau while the evening light changes over the water and surrounding scenery. The timing is especially appealing in the warmer months, when the low sun can give the lake a soft golden look.

Faith travels under power at points, but the cruise can also include sailing. That variety keeps the trip from becoming a passive ride. You might be invited to take the wheel or help with the sails, depending on the crew and conditions. One particularly enjoyable part of the experience is the change from the steady motor to the quieter glide of the yacht under sail.

Do not expect a fast ride. This is a gentle cruise built around conversation, scenery, and the boat itself. If you want an action-packed water activity, this will feel slow. If you want time to sit with a drink and watch the light move across Lake Te Anau, the pace is just right.

Anchoring in a sheltered cove

A stop in a sheltered cove gives the cruise its calm centre. Faith anchors, the crew serve the canapés, and you get time to eat without the distraction of a busy schedule. This is where the outing feels most like a small private gathering rather than a standard sightseeing trip.

The food is served in a casual, generous style. The selection has included several sweet and savoury canapés, with one account describing six different pieces. Drinks are complimentary and unlimited, and the range includes champagne, wine, tea, coffee, and other choices. You can enjoy a glass of champagne, but you are not limited to alcohol.

The cove stop is also a good chance to talk with the crew and the other people aboard. On a small yacht, conversation happens naturally. The mood is social without being forced, and couples, families, and solo visitors can settle into the same easy rhythm.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated if you ask ahead or tell the crew clearly. I would do this before boarding, especially if you need a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other specific option. The food is one of the pleasures of the cruise, but the exact menu is not listed, and one person found the vegetarian offering unclear.

Raising the sails for the ride home

The return is often the most memorable part because the crew can unfurl the sails and let Faith move quietly across the lake. Helping with the sailing gives you a useful sense of what the boat can do. You may be able to raise a sail, take the wheel, or assist as a temporary deckhand.

This is not a formal sailing lesson, and the exact level of participation depends on weather, safety, and the crew. Still, it gives the evening a hands-on element that a larger boat cannot easily provide. You are not just sitting behind glass while someone else operates the vessel.

The sail also changes the sound of the cruise. The engine becomes less central, and the water and wind take over. In a sheltered part of Lake Te Anau, that quiet can be striking, especially after the fuller social spell around the food.

One unusual touch has been Captain Adam playing bagpipes aboard the boat. This is not something I would treat as a guaranteed part of every departure, but it shows the personal character of the outing. The crew bring their own interests and stories into the evening rather than delivering a fixed script.

The stories that make the yacht worth knowing

The boat’s background is more than a decorative extra. Faith was built in 1935 in Scotland and later made her way from the United Kingdom to New Zealand. Hearing about that journey helps explain why the owners put so much effort into maintenance and restoration.

The crew also connect the yacht to Lake Te Anau and Fiordland. That local context adds meaning to the scenery. Instead of seeing only water, hills, and changing evening light, you get a sense of the place through people who work on the lake and care for the boat.

Captain Adam is often praised for being friendly and full of stories, while Sophie and other crew members add information about the area. The tone is warm rather than academic. You do not need a strong interest in boats to enjoy it, but anyone who likes old machinery, family-run businesses, or New Zealand transport history will get extra value.

The yacht’s condition is also part of the lesson. A wooden boat from the 1930s needs constant attention. When you walk around Faith and notice the finish, fittings, and compact layout, you see the result of long-term upkeep. The owners are not presenting a museum piece that sits at a wharf. They are keeping a historic vessel active.

What the $86 price includes

At $86 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Lake Te Anau. You can find simpler sightseeing options, and this cruise is not designed to cover a large area in a short time. The value comes from the combination of a historic boat, a small group atmosphere, crew time, drinks, food, and the chance to take part in sailing.

The included drinks help. Champagne, wine, tea, coffee, and other beverages are available without an added charge, and the canapés are substantial enough to function as a light evening meal for many people. You are paying for an experience with several layers, not just for a seat on the water.

I would consider it good value for a couple celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or final evening in Te Anau. It also works for families with adult children, as the chance to steer and help with the sails adds interest beyond the food and scenery. If you are counting every dollar or mainly want a quick lake photo, the price may feel high.

The 90-minute duration is another part of the calculation. It gives you a proper cruise without taking up half a day. You still have time for dinner afterward, although the canapés and drinks may be enough if you prefer a light evening.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this experience if you like boats, local stories, gentle scenery, and small groups. It is particularly well suited to couples, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a special final evening in Te Anau. The combination of champagne, old-world boat design, and sunset light gives it a celebratory feel without requiring a formal dress code.

Families can enjoy it too, especially with older children or adult sons and daughters who want to do more than sit and look at scenery. The hands-on sailing element gives the outing a clear focus.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, want a fast and highly structured tour, or need a guaranteed menu. The yacht is historic, which means space is more intimate than on a large modern vessel. Weather can also change the feel of the evening, and all cruises depend on suitable conditions.

Bring a jacket even during summer. The lake can feel cool once the sun drops, and you will be more comfortable if you can stay outside to enjoy the views rather than retreating indoors.

Practical details before you go

The activity is in English and includes a live guide. Wheelchair access is listed, but the yacht’s layout and access points may still matter for your particular needs, so ask the operator before booking if you need detailed assistance.

You meet at Te Anau’s historic wharf and arrive 15 minutes early. There is no included transportation. Starting times vary by date, so check availability when you choose your booking.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your South Island plans are still shifting.

The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 48 reviews, with especially strong praise for the hosts, the yacht’s preservation, the food, and the intimate size. I would focus less on the number itself and more on the pattern: the same strengths appear repeatedly, which suggests the boat and crew are the core reasons to book.

Should you book Faith’s evening cruise?

Book it if you want a personal, good-looking, story-filled evening on Lake Te Anau rather than a standard boat transfer. Faith’s 1935 design, the family care behind her upkeep, Captain Adam’s friendly hosting, and the chance to sail give the trip a character you will not get from a larger modern vessel.

I would make this a priority for a special occasion or for the final night of a Fiordland visit. The $86 cost is fair when you count the drinks, canapés, crew attention, and hands-on sailing. Just bring a jacket, ask about dietary needs, and keep your plans flexible around the weather.

FAQ

Where does the Champagne Cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Te Anau’s historic wharf. You need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts 90 minutes.

What boat will I sail on?

You will sail on Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht with a long journey from the United Kingdom to New Zealand.

Is champagne included?

Yes. Drinks are complimentary and unlimited. The available selection can include champagne, wine, tea, coffee, and other drinks.

Are canapés included?

Yes. Canapés are included, with sweet and savoury choices served during the cruise.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Dietary requirements can be accommodated, but you should ask the operator in advance and clarify the options you need.

Can I help steer the yacht?

The experience includes opportunities to participate in steering and sailing Faith. The exact activities depend on the crew and conditions.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring a jacket, since the evening on the lake may feel cool.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.