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Please note our 2023 - 2024 cruising season will available for online bookings June, July 2023.

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About

The Paddle Steamer Waimarie offers locals and visitors to Whanganui a unique river related experience. Cruises run over the warmer months (October-May) with private charter cruises available by arrangement. The paddle steamer is also avilable for functions while moored at the wharf.

Our cruises

Include Cruising at 11, Themed and Private charter cruises.

All cruises operate on the Whanganui River also known as Te Awa Tupua, aboard our iconic Paddle Steamer Waimarie  – New Zealand’s only coal fired paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Riverboat Centre

The Riverboat Centre is the central hub for all Waimarie experiences and is where you can make bookings, purchase tickets and merchandise, marvel at the architecturally designed building and uncover river memorabilia at our Waimarie Museum.

The Paddle Steamer Waimarie is a not-for-profit organisation and is operated by the Waimarie Operating Trust whose role is to ensure it operates as a financially sustainable, highly regarded premier experience.

The Whanganui Riverboat Restoration & Navigation Trust Board works alongside the Waimarie Operating Trust Board to maintain the condition of the Paddle Steamer Waimarie  – overseeing all of its regular maintenance requirements.

You will be greeted by a dedicated team of staff and crew (both employees and volunteers) at our Riverboat Centre and aboard our Paddle Steamer Waimarie – all who go above and beyond to ensure your experience is one to remember.