Te rohe | - Location
1A Taupo Quay, Whanganui

Ngā haora mahi | - Opening hours
Sailing season: Please see our website for detail and to book online.

Te utu | - Admission
Riverboat Museum: Admission by donation.

The Riverboat Museum is home to the Paddle Steamer Waimarie, New Zealand's only steam powered, coal fired paddle steamer. The museum tracks the history of an era when the Whanganui River was a tourist attraction during the 1890s - 1940s. The main route prior to 1936 up & down the river from Wanganui to Pipiriki (79km) was by riverboat with a fleet of 12 riverboats in operation over 40 years.

Paddle Steamer Waimarie was in service from 1900 - 1949 & in 1952 she capsized & sank at her moorings. In 1993 Waimarie was salvaged from the Whanganui River & restored over 7 years. The museum has a wonderful array of photographs which illustrate a little known feature of New Zealand's history. Today Paddle Steamer Waimarie runs cruises up the Whanganui River like she did nearly 50 years ago. Cruises include commentary of historical points along the river, food & drink, two saloons, toilets & the engine room is open for viewing. A real heritage experience in up-to-date comfort.

The Paddle Steamer Waimarie continues to operate on Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River and offsets its carbon footprint by supporting local tree planting initiatives which primarily relate to the health of local whenua and Te Awa Tupua.

Ngā momo kohinga -
Collection Strengths

Social history

Technology

• Reference library

• Public programmes

• Guided tours

• Wheelchair access

• Function space

• Toilets

• Parking

• Shop

• Postal address

  Riverboat Centre 1A Taupo Quay, Whanganui 4500

• Phone number

  64-6-347 1863; 0800 STEAMER (7832637) 

• Email address

  info@waimarie.co.nz

• Website

  https://www.waimarie.co.nz