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Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday 10am - 2pm Saturday 10am - 2pm Sunday 10am - 2pm

Paddle Steamer Waimarie

Name: Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Address: Riverboat Centre, 1a Taupo Quay, Whanganui, 4500, NZ
Telephone: +6463471863
Rating: 5

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Paddle Steamer Waimarie

Where the past meets the present Undoubtedly the most authentic way to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history.
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Regular cruises aboard the iconic Paddle Steamer Waimarie - NZ’s only coal-fired paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era. The vessel is available September - May and for private charter cruises by arrangement. View our cruise timetable, prices and purchase tickets online or at the Riverboat Centre, where you can also uncover river memorabilia in the Riverboat Museum and marvel at the turn of the century architecturally designed building.

26/07/2025

📷From the Archives - When the river gave her back 📷

Image 1: The remains of the water tube boiler photographed once PS Waimarie was refloated. You can see what is left of it today beside the Riverboat Centre and Museum

Image 2: Shows the state of the port engine still covered in silt with water in the hull giving us a glimpse of how she was found.

Did you know? While the boiler was rebuilt from scratch to original spec, the engines running today are the originals, carefully salvaged, fully refurbished and still going strong.

21/07/2025

“Golden hour. Steam rising. The river gliding. 🌞
Would you rather:
☕ Sip coffee and watch the world slow down?
🥂 Or raise a glass of bubbles as the sun dips low?

18/07/2025

🔥Expression of Interest: Partnerships & Fundraising Coordinator🔥

The Paddle Steamer Waimarie has been part of Whanganui’s awa and community for more than a century. With significant works planned for 2026 to secure her place on the river for years to come, we’re looking for a Partnerships & Fundraising Coordinator to help ensure her story continues into the future.

We’re seeking a well-connected, community-minded individual to lead a focused fundraising campaign, including the planning and delivery of one signature event to bring our supporters together.

You might be the right fit if you:

👉 Can tap into Whanganui’s community spirit, build on existing relationships and build new ones to grow support
👉 Are confident building partnerships and securing financial and in-kind support
👉 You are passionate about heritage, storytelling, people, and place
✨ Bonus points if you can bring fresh ideas, think outside the box, and love finding creative ways to make things happen

The nature of the engagement (contract or employment) is flexible and will be shaped around the skills, experience, and availability of the right person.

If you are keen to play a meaningful role in supporting and sharing a living piece of Whanganui's history helping her remain a vibrant part of the community than this role could be you.

Send us your expressions of interest to 👉 [email protected]

06/07/2025

From the galley to the still 🥖🥃

When the on-board galley had surplus baked goods, we knew we didn’t want them to go to waste. So we sent them over to our friends at Good Bones Distilling, and they’ve turned them into their latest small-batch brew!

From the riverboat to the still, it’s all about keeping it local, reducing waste, and creating something worth raising a glass to. 🥂

👉 Head over to www.goodbones.nz to get your hands on the latest release.

01/07/2025

You can't Google this kind of heat🔥🔥

14/06/2025

It’s World Gin Day! 🍸

And what better way to celebrate than with a sip of something truly local?

Crafted by the team at Papaiti Gin, our limited-edition The Waimarie Gin is a nod to 125 years of river tales, steam, and community spirit. Smooth, elegant, and just a little bit smokey, she’s the perfect pour for today... or any day really.

Available direct from Papaiti Gin
👉 https://papaitigin.co.nz/products/the-waimarie-gin

12/06/2025

We’ve missed the smell of the river.

The hush that settles in as we leave town behind.

The quiet waves against the hull as we head upriver.

Its Winter-but Spring is calling...

Find your 100% this September!

Address

Riverboat Centre, 1a Taupo Quay
Whanganui
4500

Opening Hours

Thursday	10am - 2pm
Friday	10am - 2pm
Saturday	10am - 2pm
Sunday	10am - 2pm

Telephone

+6463471863

Website

http://www.waimarie.co.nz/

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Experience New Zealand’s only coal fired paddle steamer.

Undoubtedly the most authentic way to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history. October to May we provide regular cruises and charters aboard the iconic Paddle Steamer Waimarie, New Zealand’s only coal fired paddle steamer still in operation on the same river she operated almost 120 years ago.

After your cruise you can also uncover river memorabilia at the Riverboat Museum adjacent to the Waimarie jetty.