Paddle Steamer Waimarie

The paddle steamer Waimarie plies the Wanganui River every day of the summer months. In the late 1800s the Whanganui River was an international tourists' mecca, boasting a 12-strong fleet of riverboats run by Alexander Hatrick & Co to provide access from the coast to Taumarunui. PS Waimarie was built in 1899 by Yarrow & Co Shipbuilders at Poplar, London, and transported in kitset form to Wanganui. Originally named Aotea, she was operated by the Wanganui Settlers River Steamship Co until 1902, when she was sold to Alexander Hatrick and renamed Waimarie (good fortune/peaceful waters). For more history go to http://www.riverboat.co.nz/history.html.