Motor Vessel Wairua

Motor Vessel Wairua Motor Vessel Wairua
Heritage River Cruises and Personalised Charters

After companionway looking spiffy again after some varnish. Toilet door panelling to be replaced, both door frames and s...
02/07/2025

After companionway looking spiffy again after some varnish.

Toilet door panelling to be replaced, both door frames and steering covers still to be done back there.

Anybody want to polish the portholes?

Had quite the kerfuffle doing a full service on our steering as grease had dried up in the top port rudder bush, leading...
02/07/2025

Had quite the kerfuffle doing a full service on our steering as grease had dried up in the top port rudder bush, leading to a stiff helm. Having everything apart was a good time for a general clean.

Several days of WD40 and a good clean out fixed the problem.

All roller pins were removed, checked for wear, cleaned and lubricated.

The wooden steering covers will be refitted this week once the varnish has been completed.

All shackles and connections were re-moused with stainless steel wire, preventing the pins coming undone.

New tiller link pins were fitted.

New grapnels have been painted and are ready for ropes. Some folks prefer a couple of feet of chain on them but in the r...
02/07/2025

New grapnels have been painted and are ready for ropes.

Some folks prefer a couple of feet of chain on them but in the river, we have found it to be unnecessary. They are mostly used for clearing flotsam from around the vessel after a fresh.

Inching closer to painting the foredeck in a fresh coat of green now that the new bitts have been painted.Although it’s ...
02/07/2025

Inching closer to painting the foredeck in a fresh coat of green now that the new bitts have been painted.

Although it’s been decided to paint the bow handrails first so we don’t muck up the green.

Did you know that the white bitt tops aren’t just decorative, they prevent accidental trips at night.

Fantastic opportunity to join us for a discounted charter cruise this month. *Up to 38 passengers*Upstream or down to th...
30/06/2025

Fantastic opportunity to join us for a discounted charter cruise this month.

*Up to 38 passengers
*Upstream or down to the port
*Self-catering or select one of our competitive catering options
* Optional heritage commentary available

50% non-refundable deposit required to make a charter booking with the final balance payable no later than seven days prior to the cruise. Terms and conditions apply.

27/06/2025
Over 20% OFF for charters booked and sailed in July. Email your inquiry to info@motorvesselwairua.co.nz
26/06/2025

Over 20% OFF for charters booked and sailed in July.

Email your inquiry to [email protected]

Companionways have also been started today.
25/06/2025

Companionways have also been started today.

That’s our good luck back in order.
25/06/2025

That’s our good luck back in order.

First of the four new rubbish bins for the vessel have been completed two more to go. Also exploring some wooden recycli...
22/06/2025

First of the four new rubbish bins for the vessel have been completed two more to go.

Also exploring some wooden recycling crates to use for charters.

Thank you very much for coming with us, glad you enjoyed your cruise and we hope to see you soon. 
17/06/2025

Thank you very much for coming with us, glad you enjoyed your cruise and we hope to see you soon. 

Address

1H Taupo Quay
Whanganui
4500

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1:30pm
Friday 10am - 1:30pm

Telephone

+64279493630

Website

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Our Story

Motor Vessel Wairua Heritage River Cruises and Personalised Charters

Motor Vessel Wairua was built over in London by Yarrow & Co. Shipbuilders back in 1904 and was sent out here as a kit-set, to be assembled on the riverbank just opposite our mooring at Moutoa Gardens.

She was launched and commissioned into service in November 1904 and ran on the middle section of the Whanganui River between Pipiriki (about 60 Miles upstream of Whanganui) and Whakahoro (a further 55 Miles above Pipiriki).

Wairua carried passengers and cargo along that section of the river until about 1938 before being withdrawn from service and brought back down to Whanganui to be used as a pontoon for some of the larger riverboats that were still operating.