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M.V. Wairua
History
The Wairua along with its sister Waiora were built by Yarrow & Company at Poplar London and sent to Wanganui New Zealand in sections, re assembled and launched to begin service in the famous Hatrick & Company river fleet in November 1904. The Wairua was employed on the Pipiriki to Marae Kowahai section of the Whanganui River, climbing the 108 rapids to service Hatrick & Co’s Houseboat.
The vessel is driven by the screw in tunnel system, an early forerunner of the modern day jet boat. This unique type of propulsion became most popular with Hatrick & Company vessels and was ideally suited to conditions on the Whanganui River.
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Wairua is most often remembered as one of the main service vessels for the Bridge to Nowhere settlement at Mangapurua. Many photos exist of Wairua at the Mangapurua Landing unloading passengers and goods for the settlers.
Originally a steamer Wairua was converted to a Motor Vessel in 1913.
After a very busy life upriver based at Pipiriki Wairua was withdrawn in 1938 and eventually brought down to Wanganui to become a fender at Hatricks Wharf for the larger vessel Waione. In 1955 after the Waione was sold Wairua sank at her moorings. |
In 1987 the Wairua was salvaged and over the next 19 years David McDermid, Kevin Clark, Ian McMurray and Mark Campbell painstakingly restored the vessel to its former glory. M.V. Wairua re entered service on the 15th October 2006.
Wairua Specifications
Built 1904
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Yarrow & Company Poplar London |
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Length
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19.8 metres |
Width
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2.4 metres |
Depth
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1 metre at midships |
Draught
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.4 metres |
Power
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6 LW Gardiner Diesel 85hp |
Propulsion
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Screw in Tunnel |
| Passengers |
Maximum 38 |
| Crew |
2 |
| Speed |
Maximum speed 10 knots |
About Hipango park
Located 25kms upriver from Wanganui Town the 30 acres of Native Forest that comprise Hipango Park was donated to the Town for use as a pinic ground by Waata Hipango in 1913.
It contains the old fighting Pa. Potakataka.
A large picnic ground with toilets, BBQ’s, water and a shelter for wet days are also on site.
Hipango Park is the first of the Whanganui River Reserves reachable from Wanganui and is only accessible by boat.
Gallery
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M.V. Wairua is available for Picnic Excursions to Hipango Park some 25km upriver from Wanganui. This is an all day excursion to the first of the bush clad river reserves accessible from Wanganui Town.
This trip is generally available by Charter for groups wishing to have a relaxing outdoor and private picnic experience. However we will accept bookings for a minimum number of 10 adult passengers on a per passenger basis but reserve the right to add further passengers.
Visitors need to be physically fit as the walk to the park from the river is steep.
Over night camping trips to Hipango Park can also be arranged.
Note Maximum Passengers 38
Wairua is a most flexible vessel and other trips of varying times, durations and distances can be arranged to suit the visitors needs.
Please do not hesitate to ask
Private Charter $1500 per day
Scheduled Cruises:
Adults $50
Childre $20
Under 5's Free
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