Evening Champagne Cruise on Historic 1935 Motor Yacht.

Sailing on Lake Te Anau feels like time travel. This evening cruise on the historic Faith (a 1935 Scottish motor yacht) pairs unlimited champagne with a classic, hands-on feel, as you glide and sail on the lake at sunset.

I love the way the crew keeps things personal. You get to help steer and take part in sailing, and the boat’s small-group vibe makes the whole 90 minutes feel calm rather than crowded.

One thing to consider: if you eat vegetarian, don’t assume it will be automatic. While the team says dietary requirements can be accommodated, one passenger did not spot a vegetarian option on the canapé selection, so I suggest messaging ahead.

Key highlights at a glance

• Faith, a 1935 Scottish motor yacht, preserved with serious pride
• Unlimited drinks plus canapés, served during the cruise
• You can help steer and sail, not just sit and watch
• Peaceful anchoring in a sheltered cove, ideal for quiet sunset vibes
• On some trips, Captain Adam brings extra flair, including bagpipes

Getting onboard Faith in Te Anau’s evening light

Te Anau is the kind of South Island town that slows you down. The cruise starts at the historic wharf, where you arrive 15 minutes early and get settled before you leave the dock for Lake Te Anau.

Boarding Faith is part of the fun. This is not a generic tour boat experience. The 1935 design feels intentional, from the classic look of the yacht to the way the crew welcomes you like you’re stepping into their world for the evening.

You’ll get an English live tour guide, and the pace is relaxed enough that you can actually listen. In the past, Captain Adam and his assistant Sophie have hosted, and other departures have featured Captain Paul along with crew members Nina and Jenny, depending on the evening.

What the 90-minute cruise feels like on Lake Te Anau

This trip is 90 minutes long, so you’re not committing to a whole afternoon. It’s long enough to settle in, enjoy drinks and canapés, and still have time for sailing action and a calm cove stop.

Here’s the flow you can generally expect:

First, you cruise out onto the lake with the sun shifting toward evening. While you’re underway, you’re served complimentary, unlimited drinks and canapés, so the start feels celebratory without rushing.

Then comes the hands-on portion. The crew invites passengers to help steer and sail, and you may see sails unfurl during the trip. One guest shared that after stopping in a quiet bay, the sails were opened and the yacht glided home across the lake, which is the kind of moment that makes you forget about schedules.

The last stretch keeps the mood gentle. Even with sailing, the experience stays comfortable, and the boat ride is described as smooth, which matters because Lake Te Anau can feel dramatic in Fiordland.

Champagne, canapés, and why the timing is the whole point

The biggest promise here is simple: champagne and canapés while the lake changes color. This isn’t just a drink stop. The boat’s schedule lines up with golden evening light, which makes everything look better, including your snack tray.

Drinks are complimentary and unlimited, which can be great value if you plan to have a glass or two during the cruise. And because the service is built into the sailing time, you’re not constantly leaving your spot to queue or refill.

Canapés are included, and they’re generous. People have mentioned there being multiple items, and at least one guest counted six canapés, calling them delicious. If you have dietary requirements, the operator says they can be accommodated, but you should still ask when you book so your selection is ready to go.

Helping steer and sailing Faith: the difference between watching and doing

If you’ve done enough sightseeing cruises, you know the drill: sit, listen, take photos, repeat. This one adds a layer of participation that makes it more memorable.

You can help steer the yacht and take part in sailing moments. That might mean you’re holding your position at the right time, learning what the crew is doing, and getting a real sense of how the yacht moves under sail.

One review even described a passenger getting an hour as a deckhand, which tells you the crew likes to share responsibility, not just facts. Captain Adam and Sophie have been praised for being warm and attentive, and Captain Paul has also shared stories while guiding the group through what’s happening on the water.

And yes, there can be extra entertainment. One passenger specifically mentioned Captain Adam playing bagpipes onboard, which is the kind of surprise that turns a nice cruise into a story you’ll keep telling.

The sheltered cove stop: calm water, close conversation

A highlight you should plan for is the moment the yacht anchors in a sheltered cove. This is where the cruise shifts from scenic cruising to quiet time.

Because you’re anchored, the noise level drops. You can hear conversation more easily, and it becomes easier to focus on the guide’s explanations and the boat’s details. One guest described the bay as quiet, then noted that sails were unfurled afterward for the glide back across the lake.

This is also a great time for photos, but don’t treat it like a photo sprint. The best images often come when you pause, look up at the fading light, and let the moment settle.

If you’re the type who likes small, personal experiences, the cove stop is where the intimate feel really shows. People have mentioned low numbers on board compared with larger group cruises.

Price and value: what you get for $86 per person

At $86 per person for 90 minutes, this cruise is priced like a premium evening activity, not a budget add-on. The value comes from the combination of things that are usually separate on the water: the drinks, the canapés, and the fact that you’re on a historic vessel.

Unlimited drinks alone can swing the math if you enjoy a champagne toast while sightseeing. And the canapés are included, so you’re not paying extra for snacks during the cruise.

Next, you’re paying for a specific kind of boat experience. Faith is a 1935 motor yacht, and the crew spends time touring you around and sharing stories about the yacht and the local area. That kind of onboard history and interaction typically costs more when it’s offered in addition to a standard sightseeing cruise.

Finally, entrance fees are included. That means fewer surprise costs once you’re there, and more of your evening budget stays focused on the experience itself.

The main limitation is simple: transportation to Te Anau is not included. So factor in your drive or local travel time, especially if you’re staying outside town.

Practical tips so your evening runs smoothly

A few small things make a big difference on the water, especially at dusk in Fiordland.

Bring a jacket. Even if the day was warm, evenings on the lake can cool down quickly once you’re out and the sun goes. A light, warm layer is usually enough, but I’d rather you be slightly overdressed than chilly.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early so you can check in and get settled without stress. This matters because the cruise is timed, and you do not want to cut it close at the wharf.

It’s also weather dependent. That’s common for lake cruises, but it still affects what you should do with the rest of your day. If you have flexible plans, this is the kind of activity that benefits from having a backup option nearby.

Wheelchair access is listed as available, so if you or a companion uses a wheelchair, this is a solid point to keep in mind while choosing your activities in Te Anau.

Who this cruise suits best in Fiordland

This is a great fit if you want something more personal than a mass-market boat tour. The hands-on steering and sailing moments are especially appealing if you like learning by doing instead of only listening.

It also suits couples and small groups who want an evening that feels special but not stiff. The tone comes across as elegant and relaxed, and multiple guests highlighted the friendly, engaged hosts and the comfortable pace.

If you’re celebrating something, this is an easy choice because the champagne and canapés set the mood quickly. And if you’re a first-timer in Fiordland, the cruise gives you a different angle on the region without needing a full day of driving and hiking.

Should you book the Evening Champagne Cruise on Faith?

I’d book it if you want an evening in Te Anau that feels like you’re sharing a real experience with the people running it, not just consuming a standard attraction. The combination of historic Faith, unlimited drinks, included canapés, and the chance to help steer and sail is exactly the kind of value that can outperform pricier, less personal tours.

I’d hesitate only if you need a very specific dietary setup and haven’t already checked in. The operator says dietary requirements can be accommodated, but because canapés are a key part of the experience, I’d message ahead if you’re vegetarian or have strict needs.

If your goal is a calm, scenic 90 minutes on Lake Te Anau with a classic yacht and memorable moments like sailing action and possible bagpipes, this is a very strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Evening Champagne Cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes.

How much does it cost?

It’s $86 per person.

What is included in the price?

Entrance fees are included, and drinks are complimentary and unlimited. Canapés are also included.

Are transportation costs included?

No. Transportation is not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a jacket.

Is the cruise weather dependent?

Yes. All cruises are weather dependent.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the yacht wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.