Waimarie® offers locals and visitors to Wanganui a unique river-related experience. Cruises run over the warmer months (October-April) with private charter cruises also available by arrangement in-between.
Our cruises include Cruising at 11, Cruising on Friday, Themed and Private charter cruises.
All cruises operate on the Whanganui River aboard our iconic Waimarie Paddle Steamer – New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Waimarie Centre (previously known as the Whanganui Riverboat Centre) is the central hub for all Waimarie® experiences and is where you can make bookings, purchase tickets and merchandise, marvel at a 134-year old architecturally designed building and uncover river memorabilia at our Waimarie Museum.
Waimarie® is a not-for-profit organisation and is operated by the Waimarie Operating Trust Board whose role is to ensure it operates as a financially sustainable, highly regarded premier experience.
The Whanganui Riverboat Restoration & Navigation Trust Board works alongside the Waimarie Operating Trust Board to maintain the condition of the Waimarie Paddle Steamer – overseeing all of its regular maintenance requirements.
You will be greeted by a dedicated team of staff and crew (both employees and volunteers) at our Waimarie Centre and aboard our Waimarie Paddle Steamer – all who go above and beyond to ensure your experience of Waimarie® is one to remember.
We are lucky enough to have a large number of Waimarie supporters, made up of local and national businesses, organisations and individuals who gift their expertise and money to ensure Waimarie® can continue to operate as a truly iconic New Zealand heritage experience.