Wairua Whanganui Riverboat Services

The Motor Vessel Wairua has a unique form of propulsion that is known as tunnel drive or raised propeller boat. That is the propeller is located in a tunnel above the bottom of the vessel and the water is drawn up into this and then thrust out of the stern past the vessels rudders. Avery early fore runner of today’s jet boats. This enabled the Motor Vessel Wairua to work in very shallow water.

The Motor Vessel Wairua was one of the vessels most used to carry settlers and supplies to the Mangapurua Landing, gate way to the famed Bridge to Nowhere settlement. We call the vessel Mr Hatrick’s Motor Vessel Wairua because the Wairua is the only vessel operating on the Whanganui River that was actually built for Alexander Hatrick founder of the Riverboat Service.

Now faithfully restored to first class condition, The Motor Vessel Wairua offers Day Picnic Trips to Hipango Park, Cruises to Upokongaro and Personalised Cruises for all occasions.