The historical displays are interesting, but everyone's here for the PS Waimarie , the last of the Whanganui River paddle steamers. In 1900 she was shipped out from England and paddled the Whanganui until she sank ingloriously at her mooring in 1952. Submerged for 41 years, she was finally raised, restored, then relaunched on the first day of the 21st century. She now offers two-hour tours up the river, boarding 10.30am. Book in advance.
