Welcome to the Paddle Steamer Waimarie, New Zealand's only coal fired paddle steamer.

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

Whanganui, voted most beautiful small city and steaming along the river you can tell why. Went on the jazz cruise and it was delightful, great music and a very friendly crew. I would recommend this to anyone.

Geoff Zuy

Great little museum showing the history of the Whanganui river and the boats that have travelled along it. We took the 2 hour cruise on the steam powered boat at a cost of $49 per adult. The staff were excellent and the commentary very informative. Lovely tea, coffee and cakes at reasonable...

Laura Heyes

Don't miss this 2 hour cruise on the river if you are in Wanganui. Fantastic trip, friendly and very knowledgeable crew. Museum also very cool. loved it

Ruth Bowater

Awesome experience. So glad I did it. Stunning views of the river and surrounds. It was fantastic hearing and seeing the history of this old steamer. Couldn't have had friendlier or more helpful staff.

Nico Doodeman

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

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

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

Thank you for letting us have our wedding on board the whole atmosphere and the friendliness of the crew and manager made it a great memorable experience for us we couldn't have had a better place to get married

Shane Burrell