Motor Vessel Wairua

19/01/2025

Day 1 done

Thank you to our crew and to our passengers. Even with an extra trip put on, you still kept arriving.

We are back on the water tomorrow from 10am. See you there

19/01/2025

Whanganui, THANK YOU!

We are partway through day 2 and we have been overwhelmed with the volume of passengers.

Our last sailing for today is at 3pm. However!! We will be back for day 3 tomorrow!

18/01/2025

Day two, let's go!

First sailing at 10am
$10 Adults, $5 Children
Dogs welcome
EFTPOS available

18/01/2025

We had a great day out on the river today, sharing our story and our little piece of New Zealand history with you all.

We're back at it tomorrow from 10am, down at our berth

$10 adults, $5 children (EFTPOS available)
Dogs on leash welcome with their humans

See you all tomorrow!

17/01/2025

Day one of Vintage Weekend is well underway, thanks to everyone who has joined us already.

Still plenty of time to join us for a ride this weekend, $10 Adults, $5 Children and we are always dog friendly for friendly dogs

17/01/2025

Sailing today!

See you there.

15/01/2025

Cruising this weekend from 10 ‘till 4.

Gate sales only, no pre booking.

14/01/2025

One of the cool little things we did to celebrate Wairua’s 120th birthday was to take some photographs using cameras that would have been common on riverboat excursions in the first half of last century.

Fortunately Ben had the goods and we have a couple of those pictures to share.

Camera is a Rolleiflex made 1945-49.

13/01/2025

Slow progress on this side, we tried to get it done before winter but weren’t successful.

Some timber replacement will be required as we move forward. But for now, getting closer.

13/01/2025

Not long now folks, see you down here next weekend.

Let’s set a record and get 1000 people through over the three days!

No pre-booking, gate sales ONLY.

13/01/2025

Only a week away now, next Monday.

09/01/2025

Head along to Coastguard Whanganui on Friday 24 January to take advantage of the Old4New campaign.

Old4New is back!

Bring along your old lifejackets and trade them to get a discount on fit-for-purpose Hutchwilco lifejackets.

Friday 24th Jan
11:00am to 4pm
Our shed on Wharf Street
Old life jackets can be in any condition!

08/01/2025

31/12/2024

What a day!

✔️ Rain
✔️ Wind (large serving)
✔️ A little mud
✔️ Stunningly beautiful river
✔️ CAKE
✔️ More wind
✔️ Spray through the wheelhouse

It was certainly an adventure and the perfect way of celebrating the birthday of a vessel that has spent her life adventuring. Thank you to those who joined us.

30/12/2024

We have been watching the wind and the forecast through the night, the conditions are still within our operating limits and will be improving further so we are going to proceed with today’s cruise to Hipango Park.

It may potentially make for a cold voyage back this afternoon into 15 kn of southerly, we recommend a jacket.

29/12/2024

There are only nine seats left!

Motor Vessel Wairua turns 120 on New Year’s Eve, help us celebrate with a cruise to Hipango Park and enjoy a perfect day out on the river.

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday 31 December
Adults $65.00
Children $35.00
Family (2A+2C) $165.00

This is a hugely discounted trip and these rates are not likely to be repeated soon. Don’t miss out!

BYO picnic lunch, morning tea provided onboard. There is a very favourable birthday cake forecast.

Bookings and information at www.motorvesselwairua.co.nz

28/12/2024

As we approach Wairua’s 120th birthday, we have been reflecting on our favourite memories associated with our lucky little ship.

What’s your favourite memory aboard Wairua?

Captain Sam’s favourite memory was passing Te Tuhi landing at the bottom of the Ahu Ahu Valley for the first time, site of Wairua’s 1913 accident described in Paddlewheels on the Wanganui. It’s one thing to read it, but another thing to be there.