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Support Our River Heritage Your donation helps us keep Whanganui’s riverboat legacy alive. Every contribution supports the preservation of our historic vessels, the stories we share, and the experiences we create for our community and visitors. Together, we can protect this living heritage so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
What our other guests have said
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
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 a fantastic experience and trip with an awesome team, thoroughly recommend it.
Gareth Davies
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 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
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
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
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 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