Motor Vessel Wairua

Established in 1904, Motor Vessel Wairua is an original member of the Alexander Hatrick & Company fleet that operated on the Whanganui River from 1891 to 1960. Wairua operated between Pipiriki and Maraekowhai from 1904 to 1938 carrying passengers, mail, cargo and livestock over more than 100 rapids every day of her working life. After retirement in 1938, she returned to Whanganui to be used as a pontoon, eventually being claimed by the river, seemingly lost to time. After 38 years buried in the mud of the river, Motor Vessel was salvaged by a group of locals and restored over a period of 19 years. The vessel was relaunched in 2006 and cruises the river for the enjoyment and education of our locals and visitors to Whanganui.