Nestled in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Lake Te Anau beckons adventurers with its serene beauty. Aboard the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht, visitors can embark on a captivating 3-hour cruise, soaking in the breathtaking scenery and learning about the yacht’s fascinating past. But the journey doesn’t end there. A guided walk through the Hidden Lakes promises to unveil the region’s stunning natural wonders, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for this untamed corner of New Zealand. With complimentary refreshments and knowledgeable crew members, this immersive experience promises to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- A 3-hour boat cruise on Lake Te Anau that explores the Hidden Lakes in Fiordland National Park, including a 45-minute guided walking tour.
- The cruise aboard the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht, built in 1935 and previously served in the Royal Navy during WWII, provides onboard amenities and crew-led history.
- Passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks, tea, and a selection of canapés and desserts during the cruise and upon return to the wharf.
- The cruise offers opportunities to visit the engine room and take a turn behind the wheel of the historic yacht.
- The scenic journey showcases the stunning natural beauty of Fiordland National Park, including towering peaks and serene, mirror-like lakes.
Contents
Activity Overview
This 3-hour boat cruise on Lake Te Anau provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the Hidden Lakes in Fiordland National Park.
Priced at £67.50 per person, the tour operates in English and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can freely cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying upfront.
The cruise takes place aboard the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht, built in 1935, which served in the Royal Navy during World War II.
Onboard, guests will enjoy complimentary drinks, freshly prepared tea, and canapés, while learning about the vessel’s rich history from the knowledgeable crew.
Experience Highlights
Guests aboard the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht can expect a scenic 40-minute cruise to the Hidden Lakes in Fiordland National Park, where they’ll embark on a 45-minute guided walking tour to learn about the local flora and fauna.
During the cruise, passengers will be offered refreshing drinks as they take in the stunning lakeside views. The knowledgeable crew will share the vessel’s fascinating history, including its Royal Navy service during World War II.
Upon returning to the wharf, guests can indulge in a selection of freshly prepared canapés and desserts, and even get a chance to visit the engine room and take a turn behind the wheel.
Itinerary Details
Passengers meet the crew at the historic Te Anau wharf 10 minutes before departure, where they receive a personalized safety briefing upon boarding the ‘Faith’ motor yacht.
The 40-minute cruise to the Hidden Lakes follows, with complimentary drinks offered onboard.
Upon arrival, guests embark on a 45-minute guided walk, learning about the local flora and fauna from the knowledgeable guide.
Afterward, they return to the wharf, where a selection of canapés and desserts awaits.
For those interested, there’s an option to visit the engine room and even take a turn behind the wheel of the historic vessel.
Participant Information
Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a waterproof camera, and a jacket for the boat cruise and guided walk. Any dietary requirements should be communicated to the tour operator in advance.
The tour offers several options for participants:
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Explore the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht, including a chance to visit the engine room and take a turn behind the wheel.
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Enjoy freshly prepared tea, canapés, and complimentary drinks during the cruise and walk.
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Learn about the local flora and fauna from the knowledgeable guide during the 45-minute guided walk.
With a focus on the vessel’s history and the scenic natural surroundings, this 3-hour Lake Te Anau experience promises an engaging and memorable outing.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Ratings and Reviews
Overwhelmingly, the Lake Te Anau boat cruise has received exceptional customer ratings, with an overall score of 5 out of 5 based on 96 reviews.
Passengers have been consistently impressed with the crew’s friendliness and the historic significance of the 1935-built ‘Faith’ motor yacht.
The guided walking tour of the Hidden Lakes in Fiordland National Park has also been a highlight, with travelers praising the informative commentary on the local flora and fauna.
While the value for money has been rated 4.9 out of 5, the overall experience has been deemed excellent, with many recommending the cruise to those interested in historic vessels and scenic walks.
Boat’s Historical Significance
The history of the ‘Faith’ motor yacht, built in 1935, holds a captivating narrative that enthralls passengers on the Lake Te Anau boat cruise. This historic vessel has a storied past, having once served in the Royal Navy during World War II.
Passengers can learn about the ‘Faith’s’ remarkable journey:
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The yacht was originally commissioned in 1935 and used for recreational pleasure cruises along the picturesque Lake Te Anau.
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During the war years, the ‘Faith’ was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and outfitted for patrol duties, playing a vital role in the defense of New Zealand’s coastal waters.
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After the war, the ‘Faith’ was returned to its owners and resumed its duties as a scenic tour boat, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Fiordland National Park.
Scenic Fiordland National Park
Beyond the ‘Faith’s’ captivating history, the boat cruise offers passengers a chance to enjoy the scenic splendor of Fiordland National Park.
The 40-minute journey across the tranquil waters of Lake Te Anau leads to the Hidden Lakes, where a guided walking tour awaits. During the leisurely stroll, visitors will learn about the unique flora and fauna of this protected wilderness.
Meandering through the lush, verdant landscape, they’ll be awestruck by the towering peaks and serene, mirror-like lakes. This immersive experience allows travelers to truly disconnect from the outside world and connect with the breathtaking natural beauty that defines Fiordland National Park.
Onboard Dining and Refreshments
Passengers aboard the ‘Faith’ can enjoy a selection of freshly prepared refreshments during the scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau. The onboard hospitality includes:
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Complimentary tea and coffee served throughout the journey.
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A delightful array of canapés and desserts offered upon return to the wharf.
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The option to indulge in complimentary drinks while taking in the stunning Fiordland scenery.
These thoughtful culinary touches, combined with the historic charm of the 1935 motor yacht, create a truly memorable experience for guests.
The attentive crew ensures that every passenger is well-fed and hydrated as they explore the Hidden Lakes and learn about the vessel’s captivating history.
Lake Te Anau: 3-Hour Boat Cruise With Guided Walk
“Beautiful boat on a beautiful lake with wonderful skipper and guide. Relaxed, uncrowded boat and lake, and a terrific hike with our knowledgeable g…”
Recap
Set out on a captivating 3-hour cruise of Lake Te Anau, followed by a guided walk through the stunning Hidden Lakes of Fiordland National Park.
Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty, savor delectable canapés, and explore the fascinating history of the historic ‘Faith’ motor yacht.
This all-inclusive experience promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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