25 years of PS Waimarie

125 Years in the Making: Celebrating Waimarie’s Journey

This January, we’re marking a milestone that’s been 125 years in the making—25 years since the Paddle Steamer Waimarie was restored and returned to the Whanganui River, and 125 years since she was first launched. It’s a story of resilience, community, and a deep love for our river, and we’re inviting you to be part of the celebration.

A Vessel with History in Every Rivet

Waimarie’s journey began in 1899 when she was built in London and transported to New Zealand, where she became an integral part of life along the Whanganui River. For over half a century, she carried passengers, goods, and stories up and down the awa, connecting people and places. But in 1952, her service came to an abrupt halt when she sank to the bottom of the river, her future uncertain.

For 40 years, she lay beneath the water—until a dedicated group of locals took on the challenge of bringing her back to life. What followed was an extraordinary effort to raise, restore, and relaunch her. On January 1, 2000, Waimarie took her first cruise as a fully restored heritage vessel, ready to share her story with new generations.

A Community Effort, A Living Legacy

The success of the Waimarie over the past 25 years is no accident. It’s a testament to the vision, dedication, and sheer hard work of those who saw her potential—not just as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing piece of Whanganui’s story.

“It’s a remarkable milestone,” says Jen Britton, Manager of the Waimarie Operating Trust. “For a vessel of this nature to still be operating today, in the condition she’s in, is no small feat. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but here we are—stronger than ever.”

For Marion Johnston, Chair of the Whanganui Riverboat Restoration and Navigation Trust, seeing the Waimarie thrive today is proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that all the hard work and fundraising back in the ’90s has created something lasting. She’s now an essential part of Whanganui’s tourism and hospitality scene, and that’s something worth celebrating.”

While visitors from all over continue to embrace the Waimarie experience, we know there’s still more to do to engage our own community. “As locals, it’s easy to take things for granted,” Britton says. “The Waimarie is part of the fabric of Whanganui, but she needs local support to keep thriving. This is the perfect time to reconnect and be part of her story.”

Full Steam Ahead

As New Zealand’s oldest operating paddle steamer and the last of her kind in the southern hemisphere, Waimarie’s future is bright. “She’s in fantastic shape,” Britton says. “The boiler overhaul was recently completed, setting us up for at least another 20 years. As long as we stay on top of maintenance, there’s no reason she won’t keep going for another 25 years—and beyond.”

Of course, keeping a vessel like Waimarie running takes skilled hands, and we’re currently on the lookout for a full-time skipper to lead her next chapter.

Join the Celebration

As Chairman of the Waimarie Operating Trust, Stuart Hylton puts it: “This is a chance for Whanganui to celebrate the incredible efforts that brought the Waimarie back to life 25 years ago. She’s an icon, a reflection of our history, and a symbol of our connection to the river.”

So whether you’ve cruised with us before or you’re long overdue for a trip, we invite you to be part of this special moment. Join us in celebrating a vessel that has stood the test of time and a community that refuses to let her story end.

We’ll see you on deck!

Posted by Jen Britton on March 15, 2025