Careers

Embark on a journey like no other. Join us and become a part of a rich legacy spanning over a century, where history and modern Whanganui collide. We aim to be the premier tourist offering in Whanganui while honoring the past and caring for our future. Enabled by tourism our not-for-profit organsiation is preserving pieces of our past for future generations to enjoy.

Employment Opportunities

The Waimarie offers a great environment to learn and thrive in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Marine sectors.

We have a range of employment opportunities during our season and typically recruit in August each year.

Looking for a rewarding career? We have a range of employment opportunities during our season and typically recruit in August each year. If you're interested in joining our team for the 2024/2025 season, send your expression of interest to [email protected].

Current Roles

We don't have any current vacancies but are always keen to hear from people interested in joining our team

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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]

Volunteer Program

Join us as a volunteer and share your skills in maintenance, from cosmetic work to keep the old girl looking as good as she did 126 years ago, to sharing your knowledge with our visitors about the Riverboat era, Whanganui, and Te Awa Tupua - Whanganui River. Reach out to us if you want to be involved in our volunteer program.

Training and Education

Are you a training and education provider looking for a space to learn and develop industry skills? We can work with you to build a learning platform that caters to your needs and outcomes.

What our other guests have said

Thank you for a fantastic experience and trip with an awesome team, thoroughly recommend it.

Gareth Davies

A perfect steam cruise. The trip was well organized and planned with a well drilled team. The trip left on time and all staff volunteered information on the operation. The steam engine room is a highlight with the ability to enter the room and watch the operation.an excellent trip.

davidgW

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

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

Enjoyable experience Was a lovely authentic steamboat ride across the river in Wanganui. Great to see a piece of NZ history and learn a bit about Wanganui. The tour was lovely, and the views were great. You can even enjoy a drink on the boat while you enjoy the view.

Lillottie12

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

Paddle and Bike Package - what a lovely time we had. We cruised up the river in the 125 year old steam driven Waimarie and got dropped off at Upokongaro and had a gin tasting and then lunch and then it was a pleasant bike back to the Riverboat Center. I highly recommend it. You could take a...

Anne-Marie Bright, Auckland

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

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

A peaceful delight The 2-hour trip was a delight. Interesting commentary and the ability to get down to the engine. Friendly and informative crew too. And you can buy beers!

William H