Low tide delays uplift of Whanganui's Paddle Steamer Waimarie

The PS Waimarie was due to be slipped on Sunday, but low tides have pushed that out to Monday. Photo / Lewis Gardner

The process to lift the Paddle Steamer Waimarie out of the Whanganui River has been delayed until Monday, June 28, after tides in the river were lower than expected.

Around 150 people gathered along the banks of the river and Dublin Street Bridge on Sunday to see the 122-year-old vessel lifted out of the awa by two large steam traction engines, but hopes were quickly dashed as it became clear the river level was too low for the manoeuvre.

Whanganui Riverboat Restoration and Navigation Trust chairwoman Marion Johnston said it was deemed too unsafe to proceed, with the group now hoping Monday's water-level proves safer.

"It was just too dangerous to pull it out with the river the way it was, so we're hoping it might be slightly better tomorrow [Monday] midday," Johnston said.

The vessel is being taken out of the water for its annual winter maintenance, as well as a more detailed survey conducted twice every decade.

"This year we are also pulling the boiler out for survey. As a passenger service vehicle, Maritime NZ requires that every five years it has to come out of the water for a detailed inspection.

"In previous years, we've been able to use a commercial slipway at Q-West. But the nature of their operation now means we can't do it any more, so since 2016 we've been doing it like they used to in the riverboat era.

"Just as an added spectacle, we have got the steam traction engine society involved and they haul it out. It's pretty unique."

The process on Monday will be exactly the same, and the trust invites anyone wanting to witness the spectacle to come and watch.

"It's still to be pulled out by the traction engines. They've very generously agreed to stay in place overnight."

Spectators are invited to gather and watch the slipping at midday on Monday at Kowhai Park near the Dublin Street bridge.