Explore Lake Maraetai and its tributaries with us on Otunui, a paddleboat with more than 100 years of history in New Zealand.

River Trail Shuttles - Riding or hiking the new Mangakino - Whakamaru Cycleway and Walking Trail? Talk to us about our Shuttle Service. We will drop you off from the paddleboat to cycle or walk back to Mangakino at a distance that suits you. 12km/8km or 6km all include the new 70m swing bridge

The Paddleboat Co - Tours on Lake Maretai

About the cruise
The Otunui makes regular trips on Lake Maraetai from the lakefront reserve in Mangakino. Our Lost World Cruise is proving to be quite popular. This two hour cruise heads south down Lake Maraetai towards the Whakamaru Domain passing the golf course, the Waikato River Trail boardwalk, wetlands and farmland before turning into the Mangakino Stream. Passing under the Waikato River Trail swing bridge and the Waipapa Road Bridge, the stream narrows and high cliffs rise above the boat.

The sights
Lake Maraetai was formed 50 years ago with the commissioning of the Maraetai Dam and today some native trees still stand in the river as ghostly reminders of a drowned landscape. We pass by native trees such as Tanekaha, Ponga, Rimu and some pine and willows while ignimbrite cliffs carved and channelled by water, wind and time, dominate the rivers-cape. Coots, Teal and Paradise Ducks, Cormorants, Swans and Falcons are a few of the birds we will see, along with many trout and the occasional wild boar along the river edge, curiously watching the boats passing.

The experience
Approximately 4kms upstream, the river narrows further, and this is our turning point and a great spot to tie up, turn off the engine and relax with a cup of tea or something colder. Using the current and the skipper’s skill, the boat is swung around midstream for the homeward journey where often a different perspective can be had by changing seats from Salon, to Fore or Stern decks for a new view of the passing scenery.

A commentary will point out features as we pass by and give a history of the lake, stream and local community. Any questions on the boat or the points along the way can be answered by the skipper or crew.

Mangakino attracts holiday-makers who come for its picturesque lake, trout fishing, water sports and river trails. The town’s attraction is its quintessential kiwi lifestyle.

Trip times
We are operating this winter season. Our scheduled trip times are 11.00am and 1.00pm, with an evening trip two hours before sunset.

• Lost World Cruise – 2 hours
  Experience our most popular cruise which takes you through spectacular scenery of vertical cliffs, drowned forests and a narrow river gorge up the Mangakino Stream.
• Sunset Cruise – 2 hours
  Enjoy a relaxing cruise while listening to jazz and blues music. Take in the evening sky and the tranquility of Lake Maraetai with a beer or glass of wine.
• Themed Cruise – 2 hours
  Organise your party - kid's pirate birthday, hen's night or stag do, singles night, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween or Christmas - whatever your special interest.
  
  Please phone to book as we need 8 passengers to run a trip. If it's just the two of you and your trip date is flexible, we can make up a group to run a trip.

Also available for:

• Private Trips & Charters
• Educational Trips
• Corporate Trips

The Paddleboat Co, Mangakino Enquiry Form

Address:

115 Rangatira Drive
Mangakino 3421

Phone: +64 7 882 8826

Mobile: 027 418 3930

Fax:

Web: Visit website

The Paddleboat Co, Mangakino Enquiry Form