Evening Cruise Lake Te Anau: 1935 Motor Yacht with Champagne

Champagne and canapés aboard a 1935 yacht while the lake goes quiet around you.

An evening cruise on Lake Te Anau aboard the Faith, a restored 1930s motor yacht, with champagne and gourmet canapés included. The boat anchors in a sheltered cove of the captain's choice, where the engine cuts and you listen to the sounds of the lake. A local crew provides live commentary throughout the 90-minute journey. Minimum drinking age is 18. Dietary requirements should be noted at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening Champagne Cruise on Lake Te Anau

• Arrive at Te Anau historic wharf
• Board the 1935 motor yacht Faith
• Set out on evening cruise
• Enjoy photo opportunities on lake
• Watch crew drop anchor in remote bay
• Relax with afternoon tea and refreshments
• Listen to nature with engine off
• Sip champagne and savour gourmet canapés
• Experience sunset over Te Anau

The experience

What makes a 1935 motor yacht different from any modern boat? The Faith was built for a different pace. You board at Te Anau's historic wharf and head out onto the lake as the light begins to soften. The crew drops anchor in a remote bay (one they choose based on conditions and the season), and that is when the real moment arrives: the engine stops, the world quiets, and you sit with champagne or a non-alcoholic option while gourmet canapés come around. The boat carries a local crew who know the lake and its history, and they offer live commentary as you move through the sheltered coves where the best photo light happens.

The 90 minutes unfold in two parts: the cruise itself, where you watch the landscape change as you move deeper into the bays, and then the anchor drop, where time slows. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available alongside the champagne. The crew serves afternoon tea and refreshments while you have the chance to simply listen: to the water, the birds, the absence of engine noise. This is not a high-speed tour or a crowded sightseeing run. It is built around stillness and the particular light of evening on the water.

The boat suits all fitness levels and infants can travel (they sit on an adult's lap, or in a pram or stroller if you prefer). Service animals are welcome. Public transport options exist near the wharf if you need them for getting there. Any dietary needs should be mentioned when you book so the crew can prepare.

What’s included

• Champagne, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks.
• gourmet canapés and afternoon tea.
• live commentary from a local crew member.
• the 90-minute cruise aboard the restored 1935 motor yacht.
• anchor drop in a remote bay of the captain's choice.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Fiordland Historic Cruises

Is this one for you?The cruise moves at the pace of a 1930s yacht (no rushing, no crowds), so you get the lake and the light without the noise of a modern engine once you anchor. Book this if you want to sit still and listen as much as you want to see.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the evening cruise on Lake Te Anau?

The cruise runs 90 minutes from departure at the wharf to return. Most of that time is spent on the water, with the anchor drop in a sheltered bay lasting long enough to finish your champagne and canapés while the engine is off.

What happens when the boat anchors in the remote bay?

The crew cuts the engine and you sit in silence with the landscape around you. Afternoon tea and refreshments are served, and you have time to listen to the sounds of the lake and take photographs without the noise of the motor.

What drinks and food are included on the cruise?

Champagne, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options are all included. Gourmet canapés come with the cruise, and afternoon tea and refreshments are served while you are anchored. Dietary requirements can be arranged if you mention them at booking.

What is special about the 1935 motor yacht called the Faith?

The Faith is a restored classic motor yacht built in the 1930s, designed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of that era. Boarding it is part of the experience. You step into a different time and pace the moment you leave the wharf.

Can I take photographs during the evening cruise?

Yes. The itinerary notes amazing photo opportunities throughout, especially as you enter the sheltered coves. The golden evening light and the remote bay setting are designed for it.