MV Waireka

After decades away, one of the last survivors of the historic Hatrick riverboat fleet will soon return to the Te Awa Tupua - the Whanganui River

Motor Vessel Waireka built in 1908 has been gifted back to the people of Whanganui from the family of the late Shane Jones. After spending several years laid up on the edge of the Ohakuri dam on the Waikato River the Waireka is sitting in Putiki undergoing restoration and will soon be back traveling the waters of the Whanganui River.

If you want to follow along with the restoration and know when the Waireka is ready to be back in operation, head over to our Facebook group

Supporters

Without the ongoing volunteer and generous support of these local businesses getting the Waireka home and back into service would not have been possible

What our other guests have said

Great Family Experience A great family day out with family from the UK. A leisurely day trip in fantastic weather showing beautiful scenery. Fantastic crew who looked after us and kept us informed of key points of interest. Just a gentle happy time.

ukrokeby

A perfect steam cruise. The trip was well organized and planned with a well drilled team. The trip left on time and all staff volunteered information on the operation. The steam engine room is a highlight with the ability to enter the room and watch the operation.an excellent trip.

davidgW

Fantastic - must do - Whanganui experience. It's a lovely trip with so much to see and lots of interesting information too. Wave out on your trip - locals love it too. You'll be thrilled you had this fantastic experience - guarantee it

Rebecca NZ

Thank you for a fantastic experience and trip with an awesome team, thoroughly recommend it.

Gareth Davies

Such a nice time on board! Two kids loved it! Got to pat the homing pigeons and watch the engineer shovel coal to the firebox.. friendly deckhand made the kids day with the lollipops! Thanks to all the crew for a fun trip

Karen Shaw

We couldn't have had a better experience! Beautiful scenery, friendly staff who couldn't do enough to help. We will be doing this trip every year without a doubt. Highly recommended!

Stacey Bell

The only coal fired paddle steamer in New Zealand. Journey an hour up the Whanganui river as far as the Upongongaro church. A ride that was once a mainstay of 19th century travel. A great experience. Highly recommended.

John Sherborne

A peaceful delight The 2-hour trip was a delight. Interesting commentary and the ability to get down to the engine. Friendly and informative crew too. And you can buy beers!

William H

Enjoyable experience Was a lovely authentic steamboat ride across the river in Wanganui. Great to see a piece of NZ history and learn a bit about Wanganui. The tour was lovely, and the views were great. You can even enjoy a drink on the boat while you enjoy the view.

Lillottie12

Fantastic experience. Even had homing pigeons on board that they released when we got to the farthest point from the beginning. Great little cafe/bar on board also.

Simon Cope