A 1935 yacht changes your pace. Step onto Faith, a classic Scottish motor yacht built in 1935, for a sunset-style evening cruise on Lake Te Anau with champagne, canapés, and that rare feeling of time slowing down.

I love the small-boat feel, where the mood stays relaxed instead of crowded. I also love that you can help steer and sail Faith, so it’s not just watching, it’s participating.

One consideration: the menu is canapés, so if you have vegetarian needs, ask ahead to make sure the options fit you. (They say dietary requirements can be accommodated, but one guest didn’t see a vegetarian option on the day they went.)

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Faith is a 1935 Scottish motor yacht, preserved for modern visitors.
• Unlimited complimentary drinks are part of the ticket, including champagne and even tea and coffee.
• Canapés are included, and on at least one cruise they served six.
• You may get hands-on time at the helm, including helping steer and hoist sails.
• There’s a quiet anchored stop in a sheltered cove, which is when the lake feels extra peaceful.
• It feels intimate, with low passenger numbers compared to bigger lake cruises.

A 1935 Scottish yacht on Lake Te Anau at golden hour

If you’ve done the usual bus-and-scenery loop, this one is different because it’s about the boat as much as the water. You’re boarding Faith, a Scottish motor yacht from 1935, and the whole evening has a “step back in time” vibe without being stuffy.

The setting also matters. Lake Te Anau can be wonderfully calm in the evening, and the cruise is timed for that softer light. You’ll be sipping champagne and eating canapés while the shoreline and distant views roll by at a pace that actually lets you look.

Stepping aboard at Te Anau’s wharf, and why “small” matters

You’ll arrive at Te Anau’s historic wharf and board from there. The experience runs 90 minutes, so everything stays focused on the time you spend on the lake, not long transfers or extra stops.

This matters because the best part is the on-board atmosphere. Multiple reviews point to the advantage of low numbers on board, meaning the guides can spend time with people instead of rushing through a script. Even if you’re not chatty, you’ll still feel like part of the group.

One practical note: you should show up 15 minutes early. It’s not just about getting on board, it also helps you settle in before the cruise starts.

Champagne and canapés: more than a snack, less than a meal

The ticket includes drinks that are complimentary and unlimited, plus canapés. That combination is why this cruise works as an evening plan. It’s not trying to replace dinner, but it’s also more than a single “nibble.”

From the information and reviews, the drink selection includes champagne, and there’s mention of tea and coffee as well. If you don’t want champagne the whole time, you’re not stuck.

Food-wise, expect canapés served during the cruise. One guest mentioned there were six canapés on their sailing. If you want a fuller meal after, you can plan to eat elsewhere once you’re back, because this experience is designed as an adult-friendly outing focused on drinks, snacks, and the lake.

Dietary needs: what to do so you’re not guessing

The operator states that all dietary requirements can be accommodated, as long as you ask. Still, one review notes they did not spot a vegetarian option on the day they went. So here’s my advice: when you book, tell them you’re vegetarian or have allergies, and ask what’s planned for the canapé selection.

That one email (or message through your booking) is the difference between an effortless evening and a “will I be able to eat much?” moment.

Helping steer Faith: hands-on fun without needing boat skills

This cruise is one of the rare “sit back and enjoy” experiences where you might also get a role on the water. Highlights include helping steer and sail Faith, and several reviews mention guests doing exactly that.

What I like about this for your trip is that it turns the cruise into a story you can participate in. You’re not just looking at the scenery. You’re learning what a motor yacht feels like to manage and how sailing can change the motion of the boat.

You may also hear special touches from the crew. One review mentions bagpipes played on board, which is the kind of detail that makes the evening feel uniquely Te Anau and uniquely them, not generic “tour boat” entertainment.

And yes, there’s a friendly social side too. People talked with each other during the cruise, especially because the group is small.

Motor sailing on Te Anau: what the 90 minutes actually feels like

You’re on the water for 90 minutes, which means the cruise is long enough to feel like an experience, but short enough that you won’t be exhausted afterward. The pace also stays forgiving for visitors who are tired from hiking Fiordland all day.

Based on what’s described, the evening typically includes a blend of motoring and sailing. Sails get unfurled at some point in the cruise, and on return, the boat is described as gliding across the lake.

That mix is important. Motoring is steady and comfortable. Sailing adds motion and a different rhythm, which is why it’s such a highlight when it happens. Even if you’re not “into boats,” you’ll notice the change.

The sheltered cove stop: why anchoring is the secret ingredient

A standout part of the experience is the peace and quiet when Faith is anchored in a sheltered cove. This is where the evening becomes less about activity and more about atmosphere.

On a calm lake, anchoring gives you space to hear the water and to take your time with photos and simply watching the shoreline drift by. This is also when the group vibe usually softens, because you’re not moving at full pace.

And it fits the champagne-and-canapés format perfectly. You can slow down, sip something warm or cold, and enjoy the feeling that you’re alone in a landscape that doesn’t feel busy.

The crew and the boat story: small details that make it feel real

The guides are part of the value here. Reviews repeatedly mention that the hosts are engaged and enthusiastic about both the boat and the area, including the restoration and upkeep of Faith.

You’ll also get a tour of the boat itself. One review says they toured the yacht top to bottom, and multiple people comment on how fascinating the yacht’s history and stories are. That matters because the boat is the “star,” and the best way to appreciate it is to understand what you’re looking at.

Crew names vary by sailing, but the information you’ll see from previous guests includes Captain Adam, Captain Paul, and assistants such as Sophie, Nina, and Jenny. If you get one of those hosts, you can expect a friendly, chatty style, with stories and local context.

One more fun detail: reviews mention the captain and crew making time for conversation, not just a checklist of facts. That’s a big reason this cruise feels like a special night rather than a scheduled ride you forget.

Is $86 for 90 minutes good value in Te Anau?

Let’s talk money the way you probably think about it: $86 for an evening cruise is not “cheap,” but it can be a good deal if you’re comparing it to how much you get.

Here’s what the price includes:

• Unlimited drinks (champagne plus more)
• Canapés
• A live English guide
• A 90-minute time slot on a historic 1935 yacht
• Help at the helm, and at least some sailing time

In other words, you’re paying for a premium setting and premium extras. You’re not just buying a seat on the lake. You’re buying a guided evening on a restored boat where drinks and snacks are covered.

The small-group feel also improves value. If you end up in a larger cruise, your time with the crew gets chopped up. Reviews here mention low passenger numbers, and that quality usually raises the sense of value, even when the ticket price isn’t the lowest.

Weather, jackets, and simple practical tips

Cruises are weather dependent, so plan with flexibility. If Te Anau is having a windy or rainy moment, the cruise may not run as expected.

What you should bring is straightforward: a jacket. Evening air on a lake can get cooler than you expect, especially if you’re sitting on deck while the boat cruises and then anchors.

If you tend to feel chilly easily, dress in layers. Keep it practical, because you’re not dressing for a formal event, you’re dressing for comfort on the water.

Who should book this Faith champagne cruise?

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A Te Anau evening plan that’s not just another viewpoint stop
• The charm of a real historic vessel, Faith, rather than a generic tour boat
• An experience with drinks and snacks included
• Some active fun, like steering help or sailing participation

It’s also ideal for couples, since the setting feels romantic and calm. But it can work well for solo travelers too, because the small group and friendly crew make it easy to chat without being forced.

If you have mobility needs, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a major plus for many visitors to Fiordland.

Should you book the Evening Champagne Cruise on Faith?

If you like your evenings with a bit of character, this is an easy yes. The combination of a historic 1935 yacht, unlimited complimentary drinks, and a chance to help steer and sail is what makes it feel worth doing once, even if you’re a “boat person” or you’re not.

Book it especially if:

• You’re already in Te Anau and want a special night that doesn’t require long logistics
• You care about the experience being intimate rather than mass-group
• You’re happy with canapés as the food focus for the evening

Think twice if:

• You need a full dinner meal included (this is canapés, not a full dining experience)
• Your dietary needs require very specific options, since one review noted uncertainty about a vegetarian selection. Just ask when you book so you’re covered.

FAQ

How long is the Evening Champagne Cruise?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes.

Where do I meet for the activity?

Meet at Te Anau’s historic wharf. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the activity starts.

Is champagne included?

Yes. Drinks are complimentary and unlimited, and champagne is included as part of the drink selection.

Are canapés included in the price?

Yes. Canapés are included.

Can I help steer or sail the yacht?

Yes. The highlights include participating in helping steer and sail Faith.

What if I have dietary requirements?

All dietary requirements can be accommodated, as long as you ask.

What should I bring?

Bring a jacket.

Does the price include transportation?

No. Transportation is not included.

What if weather affects the cruise?

All cruises are weather dependent, so conditions can affect whether the sailing runs.