Whanganui paddle steamer Waimarie to undergo ‘significant’ maintenance work so sailing can continue next year

The Waimarie paddle steamer will undergo major maintenance work for up to four months. Photo / NZME

The paddle steamer Waimarie is gearing up for major scheduled maintenance work so she can continue sailing on the Whanganui River.

Waimarie Co director Stuart Hylton says New Zealand’s only authentic operating coal-fired paddle steamer is “tired” after 26 years of carrying more than 300,000 passengers.

He said PS Waimarie would conclude her sailing season on June 6 so “significant” scheduled maintenance work could be done to meet Maritime NZ inspections and safety audits to “allow the vessel to keep being Whanganui’s number one TripAdvisor attraction for Whanganui”.

The work requires an out-of-water inspection, full deck replacement and preservation to ensure the vessel continues operating safely and sustainably.

Hylton said continued investment in maintenance was critical to preserving the vessel’s future.

“This vessel only exists today because generations of people fought to save it, believing that Whanganui and future generations would continue to benefit from having the people’s vessel on the river,” Hylton said.

“These works are another important chapter in ensuring PS Waimarie remains part of Whanganui’s identity and visitor experience for future generations.”

The project is estimated to cost $600,000, with $90,000 already raised by Waimarie Co.

During the Whanganui District Council’s Annual Plan 2026-27 submission hearings, Hylton said the company had applied for a further $380,000 through the Lottery Environment and Heritage grant.

He said the company hoped to hear the verdict on the grant in late May, which would be “pivotal”.

“We are confident to raise the rest of the money if that is successful,” he said.

At the hearing, Hylton and Waimarie Co manager Jenna Britton asked the council to enable the vessel to be pulled out at Whanganui Port for Q-West to carry out the work over up to four months.

“Suffice to say that some of the communications have been a little bit lacking and we are a month away from wanting to be ready to pull the vessel out,” Hylton said.

They also wanted to raise awareness of the risks if they were unsuccessful.

Britton said the company was “working hard in the background” to find alternatives if the present plan was not feasible.

The alternative was to lift and transport the vessel to another location, which could cost about $100,000 more, Britton said.

If the vessel was pulled out at the riverbank near Kowhai Park and the Dublin St Bridge, as in 2021, it would not guarantee environmental mitigations, she said.

PS Waimarie on the riverbank at Kowhai Park in 2021. Photo / NZME

Hylton said PS Waimarie would not be able to sail next year if the work was not done.

“We all know what the Waimarie brings for the economy – she is the vessel that brings the past to the present,” he said.

“She gives us the opportunity to pull people here to tell some of our stories.”

The final public sailing of the season will be a special “Meeting of Steam” cruise, celebrating two of New Zealand’s heritage transport experiences coming together one last time for 2026.

The PS Waimarie will meet the visiting steam train at the Whanganui Rail Bridge as it arrives in the city, giving Steam Incorporated another opportunity to return to Whanganui this year.

Britton said the event was a fitting way to close the season, bringing together rail and river heritage in a “unique, one-of-a-kind Whanganui experience”.

“Bringing these two heritage experiences together is a nod to Whanganui’s rich transport and tourism history, and a great chance for us to see the end of the season out quite proudly,” Britton said.

“To see these two heritage icons meet at the rail bridge has always been a cool and nostalgic experience for both locals and visitors alike onshore or aboard the train or boat.”

Tickets for the final Meeting of Steam on June 6 are limited and will be available through the official PS Waimarie booking channels.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.