About the Vessels

Kiwi Cat, is a modern Alloy Catamaran made for shallow water cruising and ideal for the often-shallow river.

She was built in Picton in 2009 and is powered by two 90 HP Mercury Command Thrust Outboard Engines offering a very quiet ride. The vessel was initially built for scenic cruises in the Malborough Sounds at the top of the South Island.

She was brought to Hamilton by road and ferry in August 2018 by a group of local business people and was launched at the Pukete Boat Ramp.

Kiwi Cat was refurbished in 2018 with a brand new interior and new exterior seating. She was also re-certified by Maritime New Zealand until 2024.

Our new River Bus, is a fast Alloy Catamaran made for both shallow water and rapid transfers.

Designed originally and built by Waikato Boat builder Max Monkley (M.V. Waipa Delta) as a ‘Cray Boat,’ she was purchased by KJet in Rotorua in 2010 and converted into a Water Taxi for Lake Rotorua. Her time on the lake ended in 2020 as the borders to international tourists closed and she was put on the market.

Following extensive renovation by Q-West Boatbuilders in Whanganui throughout between October 2020 and May 2021, she was transported to Hamilton for the trial of our Commuter Service and to provide a shuttle service between Waikato Museum and Hamilton Gardens.

She is powered by two massive 300 HP Suzuki Outboard Engines offering a rapid, yet very quiet ride. Her top speed, when conditions allow is 35 knots (70 kph).

She is certified by Maritime New Zealand until 2026.