Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau
Overview
Available languages
40 hours
Mobile ticket
Cruise across lake Te Anau discover untouched wilderness and timeless heritage.
Set out across the fresh waters of Lake Te Anau and journey toward the breathtaking entrance of the South Fiord. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty that surrounds you as some of the world’s most untouched wilderness are revealed.
Enjoy a comfortable hike among dramatic landscapes and ancient native vegetation, shrouded in the secrets of millions of years. Wander beneath towering trees whose origins stretch back through time, and discover crystal-clear hidden lakes and awe-inspiring rock faces shaped by nature’s depths.
Relax and indulge in the luxury of being served delicious canapés and refreshing beverages, all while soaking in the serenity of nature.
At the end of your adventure, we’ll sail you back to Te Anau Township—leaving you with treasured memories of a truly extraordinary day.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Some restrictions for limited mobility
Please advise of dietary requirements
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fiordland National Park
You’ll arrive at the historic wharf on the edge of Lake Te Anau where you`ll be met by your crew who will give you a safety briefing, and an order of events for your cruise. The crew will cast off and give you time to explore the ship. You’ll be offered tea and coffee once under way, and either have a chance to chat with crew, or enjoy time to yourself. You’ll have some amazing photo opportunities at all times, especially as you enter the South Fiord of Lake Te Anau. You’ll dock on the Hidden Lakes wharf and have your nature guide take you for a 15-minute walk into the first of the Hidden Lakes. This is another wonderful place for photos. It’s an easy walk with no hills on the track. It`s a leafy trail, so you’ll want to have comfortable footwear.
Fiordland National Park
Upon return to the Faith you’ll have your afternoon tea and refreshments served, and time to relax and listen to the sounds of nature with the engine turned off. As you cruise out of the South Fiord your crew will raise the sails if the wind allows, and cruise back to Te Anau with the special feeling of big sails billowing above you. Upon return you’ll be accompanied back down the wharf to shore by your crew. At all times our intent is to be relaxed and allow you the flexibility of choosing to focus on the chapters of the experience which give you the most pleasure
What‘s Included
Local guide
Local taxes
Live commentary on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Gratuities
Meeting points
Te Anau
Te Anau New Zealand
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Scenic Cruise & Guided walk on Historic Motor Yacht Lake Te Anau
Reviews
76 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing
GrandTour14212921446,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My trip on Lake Te Anau with Fiordland Historic Cruises was one of the most genuine and memorable experiences I had during my time in the region — and that’s saying something. Having spent many years in the tour industry, I tend to be fairly critical, but this experience truly stood out. From the moment I stepped aboard, it was clear that this wasn’t a rushed, “tick-the-box” tour — it was something thoughtfully curated and deeply considered. Adam and Megan are caring, compassionate, and deeply genuine people, and that care flows naturally into everything they do. The pace of the trip was refreshingly slow, allowing us to really take in the beauty of the lake and feel present in the moment. We felt incredibly safe, relaxed, and genuinely looked after throughout the entire journey. Stepping off the boat for a gentle walk through largely pristine forest to secluded lakes only deepened the experience, adding a quiet sense of connection to the landscape that felt both rare and special. What stood out most was the sense of connection — not just to the place, but to the people guiding us through it. Their passion, kindness, and respect for the environment made the experience feel personal and meaningful, rather than transactional. If you’re looking for a tour that prioritises care, authenticity, and quality over rushing through an itinerary, I cannot recommend Fiordland Historic Cruises highly enough. This is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave the lake.
A Cruise and Walk to Remember
34familyoffive,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family spent a wonderful morning on the lake with Adam and Megan! The boat was extremely well maintained with comfortable seats and deck chairs, and we were free to walk around the vessel to explore. Adam told us fascinating history about the boat and the lake’s surrounding area, and our guided walk with Megan was very interesting as we saw the NZ flora and fauna up close. We had a delicious morning tea after our walk, accompanied by a fantastic view of the lake!
Lake Te Anau at its best
Reto B,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were greeted very friendly by the whole crew at the quai and led to the ship. The explanations were interesting and supported with pictures from a book. We had a very nice boat trip to an island and then a guided tour to the nature reserve. After half an hour we were back on the ship and were welcomed with a snack and a fine glass of wine. For the return trip we were allowed to hoist the sails. For us it was a great experience and we thank the crew for their competent and friendly support.
A MUST DO experience when in Te Anau!
annettepE7179LW,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing experience on Faith this afternoon superbly hosted by Adam, Megan and Meg. The added bonus was Adam getting out the bagpipes and very ably playing a few traditional Scottish tunes. Not what any of us was expecting but a great treat! Huge thank you to Adam, Megan and Meg for a fantastic and memorable afternoon.
Te Anau Boat Tour
Culture47495626525,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic way to spend a few hours in Te Anau. Adam, Megan and Sohpie were so passionate about the history and future of their vessel Faith. Also great knowledge of the lake and surrounding area. Highly recomend you include this tour in your iternery. Alan and Jackie
One of the best South Island trips
riversdale ys,,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on this trip today and it’s one of the best trips we’ve done over the 3 months we’ve been on the road travelling around the South Island. It’s a must do. The crew are friendly, informative and just amazing. Thanks heaps fir a great afternoon
Amazing day
822naomij,,Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this whole experience. The two hosts were friendly and informative and passionate about their beautiful historic vessel. The views were awesome, the walk was beautiful and afternoon tea was top shelf- even wine and beer provided. It was underpriced in my opinion. Worth so much more for this small group tour!
A Fantastic Cruise on Lake Te Anau
KatO466,,Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We (2 couples) thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on this beloved motor yacht "Faith" with Captain Adam, his assistant and 12 passengers. The yacht is fun to explore and the lake and surrounding scenery is fantastic. We enjoyed learning about the yacht's history, going on a short hike, helping raise the sails on the return trip, and sipping wine and beer and eating decadent sweet and savory treats on deck. We had the perfect weather to enjoy the sun on our faces and wind in our hair. This tour was a highlight of our road trip through the North and South Islands. Don't miss this one if your are in Te Anau.
A must-do in Te Anau
vanessas357,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an excellent trip to do in Te Anau. Adam. the captain, is a brilliant host, giving lots of info about the sailboat and the flora and fauna on the short hike to Hidden Lake. We were supplied with drinks on the way out, and then canapes and drinks after the hike. On the way back Adam was able to put the sails up and it was lovely and peaceful sailing across the lake and enjoying the beautiful views. If you are in Te Anau you should definitely take this trip.
Wonderful cruise
Dharmaji,,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic! Adam and John were amazing guides. Being on The Faith was a terrific departure from the crowded RealNZ tours - a much more intimate and personalized experience. Can't recommend highly enough.
From NZ$165.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Fiordland Historic Cruises