Whanganui Riverboat Restoration and Navigation Page

In 1899, she was built to carry people along the Whanganui River. Decades later, she lay at the bottom of it — silent, forgotten, buried in mud. Then our community brought her back. After nearly 50 years underwater, the PS Waimarie was salvaged, restored, and relaunched in 2000 through sheer determination, grit, and belief.

For the past 25 years, she has steamed proudly again, carrying thousands of passengers, sharing the stories of our river, and becoming a living symbol of Whanganui. She is not just a boat. She is our history, our identity, our taonga.

Now, she needs us again.

In 2026, Waimarie must come out of the water for her mandatory survey, and her decks, worn down after 25 years of service, must be completely replaced. This is not optional. Without this work, she cannot sail.

We are a not-for-profit, a community-owned vessel, and just like before, this next chapter will depend on the power of a community. While we are working hard across grants, sponsorships, and events, we still need the support of people who believe in what Waimarie represents.

Because this is bigger than timber and steel. It is about keeping history alive, protecting skills, stories, and a way of life that cannot be replaced, and making sure future generations can stand on her decks and feel what we feel today.

If she could be lifted from the river once before, we can carry her forward again. Be part of the next chapter of Waimarie.