Part of NZ Martime History on Trade Me for a dollar

Part of New Zealand Maritime history listed on Trade Me for a dollar

New Zealand’s historic Otunui Paddleboat is listed on the Trade Me auction site as a one dollar reserve which closes Sunday 31 May. At 108 years old, the Otunui is one of New Zealand’s oldest operating paddleboats.

The auction is for the vessel which, at 60 feet long and 16 tonnes, has a shallow draft at two feet and can sit on the bottom of the water in low tide. It cruises at five knots.

The boat is fully operational and surveyed to carry 48 passengers. It has a modern diesel motor, new hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors on the paddlewheels. The paddlewheels operate to go forward and reverse to “drive” the boat and the rudders assist with steering. 

The Otunui, which would make for a great houseboat or a unique café, has a galley kitchen with a gas stove and sink and a large fridge. It also has a toilet and bathroom shower/sink. It was re-carpeted in 2014 and in 2015 given new "clears" (side window curtains) for better views. It comes with a pull out sofa that sleeps two.

There is a 2000w Pure Sine inverter to run the fridge, or vacuum cleaner, and an 85w solar panel to keep the batteries topped up. A separate 160Amp alternator charges the house batteries for the inverter. It has holding tanks, LPG heat and hot water.

The sale includes VHF radio, GPS, five life rafts, several life-rings, flares, a fire pump and extinguishers and other safety equipment. There is a PA intercom system and a stereo with MP3 input. 

Owner/operator Peter Koole says he’s selling it because it’s time for a change. “I’ve been operating the boat for five years and have carried about 10,000 people in that time and although I enjoyed showing people some of New Zealand’s amazing scenery, it’s time for me to move on to new projects.”

“The Otunui Paddleboat made her start in Wanganui in 1907; anyone who has taken a cruise will know how special she is. It would be great for someone to decide to save the boat and help to preserve this important part of our heritage.”

The vessel is located in Tauranga on the Wairoa River Reserve, on the corner of Wairoa Road & SH2, Tauranga Waimarino Adventure Park and must be removed as part of the conditions of sale.

ENDS

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