Waikato River Explorer to Get Major Overhaul

Monday 19 September 2016

Press Release:  Waikato River Explorer

 

Hamilton’s only cruise boat operation, the Waikato River Explorer, will this month embark on the most extensive renovation of its iconic boat, the Cynthia Dew, since opening for business on the Waikato River in 2012.

 

On Monday 26 September, the 14.35 metre long Cynthia Dew will be lifted by crane from the Waikato River at the Grantham Street Boat Ramp and transported by truck to Tauranga, where she will undergo four weeks of repairs and renovations.  The boat is expected to be out of the water by 11:30am.

 

“This is huge,” says Waikato River Explorer co-owner Darren Mills.  “We are about to embark on a month’s worth of renovations on the boat, costing an absolute fortune, but she will be as good as new for the new season.”

 

Built in 1979, the Cynthia Dew has been working hard as the flagship of the Waikato River Explorer for more than four years, taking passengers from the Hamilton Gardens upstream as far as Mystery Creek and downstream through Hamilton City as far as the Fairfield Bridge.

 

Famous for its friendly staff, fresh food and licensed bar, the Waikato River Explorer has been a hit with people looking for a unique way to celebrate birthdays or special occasions or just wanting a relaxing weekend cruise on the river.

 

After her month-long stint in Tauranga, the newly renovated Cynthia Dew will return to Hamilton on Friday October 21, ready for the new season of operation for the Waikato River Explorer.

 

“We’ll have her back in the water by Labour Weekend,” says Mr Mills, “for what promises to be our biggest summer season to date.”

 

The improvements to the boat will include:

 

A new four-year Certificate of Survey from Maritime NZ
Complete repaint of the hull and any repairs required
New propeller shaft seal
New electronics for the wheelhouse
New rails on the bow
New duckboard on the stern for both passenger viewing and boarding
New ceiling inside
New tables
New black water pumps (for the poos)
And last but not least, a replacement engine

 

“There will be a lot of improvements and changes and to the boat,” says Mr Mills, “however we remain committed to our philosophy of excellent customer service and sustainable tourism.”

 

 

For more information contact Waikato River Explorer:

 

Website:  www.waikatoexplorer.co.nz

Phone:  0800 1 EXPLORER (0800 139 756)

Mobile:  022 426 1431