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Please note our 2023 - 2024 cruising season is available for online bookings now

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2 - Hour cruise

Experience the charm of river travel as it was in days gone by with our two-hour cruise.

Embark on a journey from the Riverboat Centre Wharf, where you'll be swept up the river, immersing yourself in the scenery and unique views of Whanganui that can only be appreciated from Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River.

As you cruise along Te Awa Tupua - Whanganui River, you'll see heritage homes, hear commentary with riverboat history and fascinating points of interest along the way and see Whanganui from its heart.  

Don't miss the chance to see the boiler that powers our paddle steamer and perhaps meet our homing pigeons, even sending a message with them on their flight back to the Riverboat Centre.

Our friendly team is always available to answer any questions you may have during the journey.

Please note as we are a licensed venue bringing your own food and alcohol is not permitted on any sailings.

Information

  • 2 Hours.
  • Available up to six days a week during the warmer months (September to May - please see our booking calendar on our website)
  • Boarding is at 10.30am.
  • Check in at the boarding gate
  • Departs from the Riverboat Centre Wharf

Prices

  • Adult: $55.00
  • Adult -  Local (Must live in Whanganui): $50.00
  • Child (5-15 years, under 5 free): $20.00
  • Seniors (Age 65+): $50.00
  • Infants (Ages 4 & under): Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children (Ages 5-15): $130.00
  • When booking Family Passes please select 1 for 1 Family Pass which is 2 Adults & 2 Children, add additional adults, children, infants & seniors from the other booking options.

 

Tram Ride - Available Sundays only as an add on to either the 2-hour cruise or Upokongaro Stop over - See Additional Information below

  • Adult: $5.00
  • Children & infants: Free

 

Inclusion

  • 2 hour cruise on the Paddle Steamer Waimarie
  • On board commentary
  • Wonderful views
  • Meet the homing pigeons and perhaps send a message back with them on their flight to the Riverboat Centre
  • The nostalgic sound of the steam whistle, the boiler powering the paddles, and the paddles making way their way through the water
  • View our Riverboat Museum before or after your cruise at no addition cost

 

  • A tram ride if you choose, Sundays only, see Additional Information.

Additional Information

  • Suitable for all ages
  • Licenced bar on board. Snacks and hot and cold beverages available for purchase
  • Eftpos available
  • Wheel chairs up to 680mm wide can access the vessel but please contact us before making your booking.

 

  • Tram Rides - Sunday's only - Step back in time with a trip on Whanganui’s fully restored tram. Her name is Mable and she provides short trips along the downtown Whanganui Riverbank on Sunday afternoons, thanks to a wonderful group of local volunteers.
  • When you book on the paddle steamer you can also choose to book a ride on Mable which will be awaiting your return from our Sunday 11am cruise. Included is a tour of the Tram Shed where the team will share the tram's history.  After which you will  be returned to the Riverboat Centre. Only $5.00 for adults, Children & Infants Free.
  • You can find more information on Whanganui Tramways Facebook page Whanganui Tramways | Facebook