Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Paddle Steamer Waimarie
4.5
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About
Undoubtedly one of the most authentic ways to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history from the heart of Whanganui cruising aboard the iconic Paddle Steamer Waimarie - NZ’s only coal-fired paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era and on a journey 125 years in the making. View cruise information, our timetable, charter information, prices, and purchase tickets online at our website. This is a must do experience when travelling the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. A visit to our riverboat center and museum is always a great opportunity to learn more about this iconic era in Whanganui's history.
Whanganui, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Paddle Steamer Waimarie
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
72
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
2
PETER S
Sydney, Australia86 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a great sunny day to go up and back on this Steamer. From the Captain to the Engine Room all where very helpful and friendly. We visited the engine room but did not shovel the coal into the boiler to hot and hard work.. A quick bite in the galley with drinks all reasonable prices. The trip cost NZ $45.00 per adult. Be quick to do this cruise as they are building a cycle bridge over the river and they forgot to check to see if the Waimarie will fit under it at high tide. . A local told us it could be a while before it is place over the river because when they designed the new bridge it was to short to fit over the river. So it had to be extended. I wonder which Govt. Depart. is in charge of this.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and 4 star rating. We appreciate that you found the costs reasonable and enjoyed your time with us.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Myrddin
Levin, New Zealand607 contributions
Jan 2021
What an absolute two hours of any day. You travel an hour up and an hour back the Whanganui river on this reconstructed paddle steamer. Yes STEAMER! Coal power for this old lady. The sounds, the steam, the smell and the soot all take you back to a time long since forgotten.
The staff are very helpful and more than willing to take a moment or three to tell you about the vessel you are on.
The very small on board cafe serves excellent home made cakes and savouries at a cheap price that won't bust your budget.
Highly recommended
The staff are very helpful and more than willing to take a moment or three to tell you about the vessel you are on.
The very small on board cafe serves excellent home made cakes and savouries at a cheap price that won't bust your budget.
Highly recommended
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review and high recommendation merlin a. Our team work hard to provide a great Waimarie experience and you are quite right, there is something about the sound, steam and smell that is very nostalgic. Sounds like the cafe was a hit too, again thanks.
Written 19 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carol j
Palmerston North, New Zealand1,673 contributions
Mar 2020
I cannot think of a better way to spend 3 hours in Wanganui than a leisurely cruise up the Wanganui river on the only coal fired paddle steamer in NZ.
Built in 1899 it steamed the river carrying passengers until it was left at the bottom of the river for 50 years.
Uplifted and lovingly beautifully restored so we may once again enjoy this unique steamer.
It steams up river for hour then returns, blowing her whistle to let one and all know she is still operating.
Along the way the informative and welcoming crew relay the history of the Wanganui river.
Carrying a pigeon on board it is released to head back to base with a message as was done years gone by.There is food and drink on board and the toilets have a porthole to peek out of.
Fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Built in 1899 it steamed the river carrying passengers until it was left at the bottom of the river for 50 years.
Uplifted and lovingly beautifully restored so we may once again enjoy this unique steamer.
It steams up river for hour then returns, blowing her whistle to let one and all know she is still operating.
Along the way the informative and welcoming crew relay the history of the Wanganui river.
Carrying a pigeon on board it is released to head back to base with a message as was done years gone by.There is food and drink on board and the toilets have a porthole to peek out of.
Fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star rating and review Carol. We are very pleased you found the Waimarie experience fantastic.
Written 8 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beeceedee37
4 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We really enjoyed our 2 hours cruising on the PS Waimarie, even though we got some rain showers along the way. (There is plenty of covered seating onboard so you don’t get wet.) The history information delivered via the loudspeaker was very interesting, although we would recommend going through the museum at the Riverboat Centre first if possible, to give more background to what you see & hear on the trip. Definitely a must-do trip when visiting Whanganui.
Written 8 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review Beeceedee37. We are pleased you found your experience with us to be excellent and a must do in Whanganui.
Written 19 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trevor P
2 contributions
Jan 2023
An idyllic way to spend a couple of hours. Lovely outlooks along the river (it was a hot sunny day). The crew were friendly and helpful.
Note: If you are intending doing the lunch stop trip, it may be advised to pre-order lunch from the cafe as the queues were long, which wouldn't leave alot of time to eat. Food on board was of a good quality and reasonably priced
Note: If you are intending doing the lunch stop trip, it may be advised to pre-order lunch from the cafe as the queues were long, which wouldn't leave alot of time to eat. Food on board was of a good quality and reasonably priced
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and feedback. We are pleased you enjoyed your time with us.
We have amended the cruise to a 1.5hr stop over to allow for the food and drink orders at the cafe.
Written 19 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandane B
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Travel on a unique coal fired paddle historical paddle steamer is a unique experience, an opportunity for todays youngsters and indeed, their parents to enjoy this great part of NZ’s maritime history. The crew are warm and friendly and the chief engineer will invite you to the engine room to watch how the boilers are stoked with coal, which creates the steam to turn the paddle wheels.
Friday’s Jazz cruise was extra special with Andrew London trio performing numbers ‘up a lazy river ‘ ( Whanganui River) and other great standards such as Mack the Knife, to ensure our toes kept tapping throughout the cruise.
The fully inclusive vino and nibbles on cruise ticket was very welcoming, and the well stocked bar was available throughout the cruise for additional beverages.
Highly commend PS Waimarie for an enjoyable evening on the river , with stunning scenery on a balmy summer evening.
Friday’s Jazz cruise was extra special with Andrew London trio performing numbers ‘up a lazy river ‘ ( Whanganui River) and other great standards such as Mack the Knife, to ensure our toes kept tapping throughout the cruise.
The fully inclusive vino and nibbles on cruise ticket was very welcoming, and the well stocked bar was available throughout the cruise for additional beverages.
Highly commend PS Waimarie for an enjoyable evening on the river , with stunning scenery on a balmy summer evening.
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star review and high recommendation Jamie. We are very pleased you enjoyed your time with us on the Jazz Cruise.
We agree, a part of New Zealand’s maritime history to be experienced and enjoyed by young and the not do young.
Written 23 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brandane B
Auckland, New Zealand4 contributions
Jan 2021
The coal fired paddle steamer is unique icon on the Whanganui River, of great historical value and a great asset to the tourism of the beautiful city of Whanganui.
The paddler is a pleasure to see on the river, and for a very enjoyable one hour sailing to Upokongaro where we turn and sail back down stream. The two hour 'voyage' is very enjoyable and can visit the engine room to watch the boilers being stoked with coal, or an opportunity to visit the bridge. The paddler has two lounges with bar facilities and some snack food. My trips were during the Vintage jazz festival where we were entertained by the Andrew London Trio, well respected and well known jazz musicians, who kept our feet tapping and even encouraged a few to dance! Highly recommend this trip if on visit to Whanganui.
The paddler is a pleasure to see on the river, and for a very enjoyable one hour sailing to Upokongaro where we turn and sail back down stream. The two hour 'voyage' is very enjoyable and can visit the engine room to watch the boilers being stoked with coal, or an opportunity to visit the bridge. The paddler has two lounges with bar facilities and some snack food. My trips were during the Vintage jazz festival where we were entertained by the Andrew London Trio, well respected and well known jazz musicians, who kept our feet tapping and even encouraged a few to dance! Highly recommend this trip if on visit to Whanganui.
Written 24 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Brandane B, thank you for joining is on the Jazz Cruises and your glowing review, recommendation and 5 star rating. The Andrew London Trio are most certainly great to listen to with their unique sound.
Written 25 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MCRwindsor
Ammanford, UK204 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We chose to do this trip because of the uniqueness of this boat and we were not disappointed. The smell when the steam builds up is so evocative! The crew were very helpful and friendly, which also adds to the enjoyment. During the trip a couple of homing pigeons with a message written by one of the passengers were released. You can’t take your own food and drink on board but they do sell a selection of both. There are toilets too. The cost for us was $85, which was $45 for and adult and $40 for an over 65, which we thought was very reasonable. We did the two hour 11 am trip, which you can board at 10.30 am. Don’t forget to collect your boarding pass from the office! I would also advise getting there early to get decent seats. As it was a sunny day, we chose to sit on the upper deck under the canopy.
Written 31 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the 5 rating and your positive feedback MCRwindsor.
We are very pleased you enjoyed your time with us on the Waimarie.
Written 1 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bigbirdandgrizzly
Auckland, New Zealand310 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
This little 2 hour trip was a delight, especially if you love steam engines. This original steam paddle boat is a rare thing indeed with full steam power, coal fired boiler and rod and chain rudder. There won’t be many of these in the world.
A lovely journey, entertaining commentary from the captain. Some food and drink available. Marvellous.
A lovely journey, entertaining commentary from the captain. Some food and drink available. Marvellous.
Written 26 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi bigbirdandgrizzly, thanks for the 5 star review. We are pleased you enjoyed the Waimarie experience. She is a lovely old paddle steamer and as you mention, only one of a few left.
Written 1 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan P
Tawa, New Zealand21 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
Mum & I really enjoyed the 2hour trip on the paddle steamer. The staff, scenery, other passengers & the 2 homing pigeons just made the trip. I did see there was a pub up near where we turned round and I reckon they could do a good deal for a lunch stopover or perhaps afternoon tea?
Definitely recommend all New Zealanders do this trip when you’re visiting Whanganui.
Definitely recommend all New Zealanders do this trip when you’re visiting Whanganui.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi janp443, we are very pleased you and your Mum enjoyed your cruise with us. Thanks for the review and recommendation.
Written 25 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Waimarie has a sailing season in the summer time. Our new season begins on the 20th October 2018 through to end of April 2019.
The winter months is time for the annual maintenance and maritime NZ compliance.
The website
will be updated with the new sailing schedule by the 1st September 2018.
Written 27 July 2018
Hi, my mum and I are booked on the evening cruise next friday. We will be looking for accommodation. Can you please advise us on what locality we should be looking in?
Written 4 March 2017
Waimarie
Whanganui, New Zealand
A motel neat the river,Riverside Motel is the closest to the Waimarie Centre. If you wish for an upmarket place I suggest
The Sienna Motor Lodge, Kingsgate, or Midtown Mtor Inn.
These are all in Voctoria Av
Written 5 March 2017
During Nov and Dec 2016. sailing times are 11 a.m. on
Sat and Sunday. You need to board at 10.30 a.m.
There is a one hour sailing on Fridays at 5.30 a.m.
Written 25 November 2016
The trip we went on was a two hour journey up the river as far as Upokongaro and from memory started at 1100hrs returning just after 1300hrs.
Written 22 February 2015
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