The Boiler

The Paddle Steamer Waimarie’s original boiler was removed when she was salvaged in 1993. Her new boiler is a replica of the original.

The original boiler was built at the shipyard of Yarrow & Co. at Poplar, London in 1899. This type of boiler was made for use in torpedo boats capable of reaching speeds of 32 knots and the beauty of it is the speed of raising steam from cold. The boiler could be up to pressure in an hour. These were the first successful water-tube boilers used in naval vessels.

The replica boiler differs from the original only in that the steam drum ends are welded; on the original the steam drums ends were riveted. The original boiler was re-tubed in 1918 and 1936.

The replica boiler was lifted into the vessel on 19 May 1999.

On the first firing of the restored Paddle Steamer Waimarie’s boiler, steam was raised from cold to 160 psi in 55 minutes.

What our other guests have said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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