Pedal boats are making their way back to the Lake Te Anau foreshore this Saturday (April 20).

Fiordlanders who have lived in Te Anau long enough remember a time when tourists and locals alike could enjoy a pedal boat ride on the lake on a calm day. 

This Saturday that era makes a return when tourism operator Fiordland Jet inaugurates the seven pedal boats that will be available for hire.

Fiordland Jet co-owner Chris Adams guessed it had been around 25 to 30 years since they were last a prominent feature on the lake's foreshore. 

The idea to bring them back came from what seemed to be a community desire for them, along with wanting to add another day activity that could encourage tourists to stay longer in town. 

The new fleet comprises three yellow "water trikes" that can hold two to three people, and four pedal swans: one to hold a couple and three swans to hold four people.

Mr Adams said his wife, Sue, spent "countless hours" searching the Internet to find and source the right products. Getting the tick from local authorities also took about 

a year. 

The company's neighbours along the lakefront, like Real Journeys, Southern Lakes Helicopters, and Wings and Water, were all supportive of the effort, 

he said.

Pedallers could enjoy the lake up to 200m away from the shore, and the fleet would be available to ride year-round on smooth days.

To celebrate the new venture, Fiordland Jet is offering pedal boat rides for free — or for a donation to the Fiordland Trails Trust — to local residents and holiday home owners, and a 50% discount for tourists this Saturday (April 20) from 10am to 3pm.

After that, they'll be available for hire for 20 minutes at a time between $20 and $30 depending on the boat and how many people want to hop on. Kids under the age of 10 will be required to have an adult on board as well.