Motor Vessel Wairua

02/11/2024

Some days being alongside isn’t all that bad.

31/10/2024

December Availability for Charter Cruises

Friday 6 December 2:00 pm to Late
Sunday 8 December 3:30 pm to Late
Friday 13 December 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (10% discount available)
Saturday 14 December 5:30 pm to Late
Friday 20 December 2:00 pm to Late
Saturday 21st 3:30 pm to Late

Lots of different options and add-ons available. Send us a message or an email [email protected]

50% non-refundable deposit required to book with the final balance payable seven days prior to the cruise taking place. A copy of our terms and conditions is available upon request.

29/10/2024

One of our most popular function dates, Friday 6 December (first Friday of summer) has become available again from 3 pm onwards.

We also have a gap on Friday 13 December at 2 pm for a one hour cruise, we can do a really, really good price on that one.

You will need to move fast on these dates, send us a Facebook message or an email to enquire. [email protected]

28/10/2024

Let’s try and increase the page likes this week folks.

If you have enjoyed your cruise with us, invite your friends to like our page so they can come and experience the river as well.

28/10/2024

Really proud to have played a very small part by donating a couple of days labour to this amazing project by Upokongaro School Community

Upokongaro School – teamwork makes the dream work

Last year the Upokongaro school student council asked their peers what they would like to have at the school and why. The students responded with swings, because they are relaxing, they make them happy, and it would be great to have a new playground item.

Getting swings is expensive, but the kids were determined to follow through with their goal, so each class came up with a fundraising scheme. Each Friday, a different class ran a fundraising event. These included a car wash in their car park and the sale of cupcakes.

Local farmers came to the ‘party’ and ran a ‘Steel Horse Motorcross Ride’ which raised over $6000.

The school was also able to get a grant from the Four Regions Trust, Upokongaro St. Mary's Church took up a collection one Sunday (the school participates in the annual Harvest Festival), and Mega Mitre 10 provided materials. Thanks to them and other contributors such as Excav8d Limited, which levelled the paddock for the play area, and Guy Hollister, the new playground was officially opened on Friday, October 18.
Erin Browne, Tumuaki (Principal), says, “We extended our school field and found an opportunity to install a large school sandpit as well. We had a wonderful morning with parents and supporters at the school for the opening. Brylee, one of our Year 8 students, and Khan Blue, our youngest student, cut the ribbon.”

The school is open for the community to use as well as those doing the Mountains to the Sea cycle run. It is a great place to have a picnic.

The whole school and supporters celebrate the opening.

28/10/2024

Just a little bit breezy out there today but a big thank you to everybody who came down for a cruise on the river.

Numbers were down on previous years but we know times are hard and the weather wasn’t exactly fantastic this year.

We will do our best to put on at least one more day of specials this year, but other than that we will be doing the 30 minute specials for Vintage Weekend 2025.

Our regular cruises can be booked at www.motorvesselwairua.co.nz

27/10/2024

24/10/2024

Where are you number 2530? We miss you 😔

24/10/2024

After you take a cruise with us this weekend, head down the road and try out a totally different form of transport. 

24/10/2024

There is still time to book your Christmas function or social gathering.

Good availability in November and early December but things are filling up.

[email protected]

22/10/2024

Come down and join us this weekend for a 30 minute cruise!

20/10/2024

We are aware of a regatta occurring on the river this weekend.

There have been some issues with this particular regatta over the years in respect to navigational safety.

Furthermore, due to past issues with one of the organisers, resulting in harassment and bullying of myself and my staff after raising these issues (and others), collectively we do not feel in a safe position to continue any dialogue.

Motor Vessel Wairua will be operated in accordance with all Maritime Rules and other relevant legislation. We expect all other river users to do the same.

20/10/2024

Screw Steamer Waione
A. Hatrick & Co. Riverboat Service

Built by Simpson Strickland at Dartmouth, she was launched on the Whanganui River in 1901 and was the largest of the tunnel hull vessels that operated here.

Originally built as a 91 foot steamer, she was lengthened out to 103 feet in 1904.  The steam engines were replaced with Thornycroft kerosene engines in 1930. Both were second-hand and came from smaller vessels in the fleet. 

She connected Whanganui with Pipiriki right up until the 1940s. After that, she was relegated to passenger excursion work until she was ultimately sold to be used as a gravel barge in 1954.

Her remains are buried under the sand dunes near Cobham Bridge. 

 Remarkably, A copy of her drawings survive to this day. 

20/10/2024

Oh yeah, that’s how our replacement bollards came out. A quick coat of primer just to stop the rust until we can get them machined and fitted. 

18/10/2024

Come down and join us for a 30 minute cruise next weekend. The last opportunity for our specials this year!