Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Maps
Photos
Information
Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Relax on Waimarie Paddle Steamer. Listen to the commentary; visit the engine room and maybe throw some coal in the firebox; meet the homing pigeons and send a message back to the Riverboat Centre.
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.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Paddle Steamer WaimarieCommercial organisation |
|
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui |
|
|
Categories |
|
|
|
Operating Season And Hours |
The Riverboat Centre is open 10.00am-2.00pm Tuesday to Sunday (October-May) or by arrangement. |
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
|
Directions Whanganui River Office |
||
|
Coordinates |
Boat Cruises
Reviews
-
5.0/5
The highlight of my experience, Totally authentic.
You can even go down to the engine room and not only watch, but also feel, smell the experience. You even get a lesson from Steve the fireman.
Then when you get hungry, those scones are unbeatable, served by a fraulein who loves The river with such an intense passion. Thanks guys, especially Murray the skipper, this was my greatest experience ever.
-
5.0/5
We were part of a tour for 24 people and we all had a wonderful time, learning about the history of the river etc, great trip, keep up the good work
-
5.0/5
What a stunning adventure - where can you go 110 years back in the past?
We flet the sweat at the steam engine - we heard the story, We enjoyed the time, had the wine. Absolutely great stuff.
-
-
5.0/5
I went on this as a spur of the moment venture.It was great, fantastic staff an what a story.
Highly recommended.
-
4.5/5
You know you're on a genuine steam boat alright, after you get off and are covered in soot.
It was a really nice day out.
-
-
-
2.5/5
1 hour up the river, 1 hour down the river.
You see everything on the way up, the return is boring.
