PS Waimarie

PS Waimarie on the Whanganui River

The PS Waimarie is an historic riverboat based on the Whanganui River in New Zealand.

History

It is a paddle steamer, built by Yarrow & Co in London in 1899 as a kitset. Assembled at Wanganui, and named PS Aotea, she began service with the Wanganui Settlers River Steamship Co.[1]

In 1892 Alexander Hatrick was contracted by Thomas Cook to carry tourists to Pipiriki[2] on the paddle-steamer; the journey was "The Rhine of Maoriland" tourist route into the interior of New Zealand. Hatrick's company purchased the Aotea in 1902 and she was renamed Waimarie, which means peaceful waters in Māori.[1]

The Waimarie operated a regular service between Wanganui and Pipiriki until 1949, carrying cargo, mail and passengers. In 1952, she sank at her moorings in Wanganui.

Restoration

Salvaged in 1993, a six-year restoration project began, and PS Waimarie commenced tourist cruises in 2000.

During the summer season she operates cruises on the lower stretches of the river, including dinner cruises to Avoca Hotel at Upokongaro and trips to Hipango Park for overnight camping.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Whanganui River Boat Center". Retrieved 19 June 2010.
  2. ↑ "Hatrick, Alexander 1857 - 1918 - Merchant, shipowner, tourism entrepreneur, mayor". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography Volume Two (1870-1900), 1993. http://www.dnzb.govt.nz. 1993. Retrieved 19 June 2010.