Iconic paddle steamer

Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Waimarie Paddle Steamer was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000 to make her New Zealand’s last steam-powered and coal-fired passenger paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, we can but dream of the hustle and bustle of the trading settlers and iwi who knew the Waimarie Paddle Steamer of old. Instead we can enjoy her resurrection with a leisurely river cruise more fitting to her stately grace. Loved by adults and children alike, a scheduled or private charter cruise on the Waimarie Paddle Steamer is undoubtedly the most authentic way to experience Whanganui River’s riverboat history.

Unique river cruises

Regular cruises run during warmer months (October-May) and private charter cruises can be made by arrangement anytime. Experience live and recorded commentary, homing pigeons and an original steam engine aboard every ‘Cruising at 11’, live music aboard every ‘Cruising on Friday’ and special entertainment aboard one of our themed cruises. Eat and drink from ‘The Galley’ – our licensed bar serving a range of refreshments. To find out more, view our cruise timetable and prices and to book online visit www.waimarie.co.nz

Visit us

The Riverboat Centre is located on the banks of the Whanganui River in the heart of Whanganui city and is where you can make bookings, purchase cruise tickets and merchandise and marvel at a 134-year old architecturally designed building. It’s also home to our Waimarie Museum where you will discover artefacts and memorabilia from the river-boat era on the Whanganui River as well as the operations of the famous Hatrick & Co fleet.