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Travel to the beautiful river side town of Whanganui, hauled by both steam locomotive Ab 608 and diesel locomotive Da 1410. Choose between doing your own thing, or jumping on a serene cruise of the Whanganui River onboard the coal fired paddle steamer "PS Waimarie". Leaving Kapiti as most others are still sound asleep, we quickly escape the coast and delve into the rurality of the Horowhenua. After a stop in Palmerston North we head up the trunk through the townships of Feilding and Marton before turning onto the Marton - New Plymouth railway line for the last stretch into Whanganui. After crossing the 290km long Whanganui River, we proceed slowly down the short 5km branch line taking us to Taupo Quay.
TRAVEL ON THE PADDLE STEAMER WAIMARIE!
Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Paddle Steamer Waimarie was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000. She is now the only one of her kind in operation in New Zealand. Your cruise leaves the Riverboat Centre Wharf and heads upriver taking in the scenery and views of Whanganui which can only be experienced from Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River. The commentary shares riverboat history and points of interest along the way. Check out the boiler that powers our paddle steamer, and maybe meet the homing pigeons and send a message with them on their flight back to the Riverboat Centre.
Departing Paekakariki/Paraparaumu/Waikanae/Otaki/Levin
Adult 13+ yrs - $209
Child 2-12yrs - $179
Departing Palmerston North/Feilding
Adult 13+ yrs - $189
Child 2-12yrs - $169
Buses will transport you from your arrival at the station to the Waimarie River Boat Centre.
DO YOUR OWN THING!
There will be a collection of vintage cruiser bikes for hire for a small fee to those keen to take exploring to the next level.
There will be short tours available at the Durie Hill Elevator. It is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is still used on a daily basis by locals and visitors.
There are multiple places to go, and things to see on a cruiser bike or on foot. Take a tram ride for a small fee and arrive at the Riverboat museum, be blown away by NZ Glassworks, admire the sculptures and views from the Motua gardens along the river, indulge in local cuisine, or simply shop local.
Departing Paekakariki/Paraparaumu/Waikanae/Otaki/Levin
Adult 13+ yrs - $159
Child 2-12yrs - $139
Departing Palmerston North/Feilding
Adult 13+ yrs - $139
Child 2-12yrs - $119
Book at https://steaminc.org.nz/book-train-trip/river-city-express/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Paekakariki Railway Station, Paekakariki, Paekakariki , New Zealand
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Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
