Luxury Houseboat on the Waikato River a First for New Zealand

by Ian Simpson
(Auckland, New Zealand)

Luxury Houseboat a first for New Zealand. With planning well advanced and the support of the local Iwi to revive the waterways of the Waikato River and to promote tourism in the Franklin district, Ian and Judy Simpson from Discovery Houseboats are building the first luxury river boat in New Zealand.

The luxurious 21 metre long and 8.5 metre wide floating hotel will be similar to the elite Australian Murray River houseboats. Accommodation facilities will include four Queen sized double bedrooms each with their own ensuites and two rear lounges that can be converted into bedrooms providing 12 people to sleep in luxurious comfort. The top deck includes a heated 10 person spa pool, BBQ, sun lounges, wet bar, fridge and table and chair setting. The vessel will provide the latest in supreme comfort, class and style for both international and NZ tourists.

The $1 million project is based on a well proven Australian design and building has started in Mercer. Build time is estimated at 14 weeks with the Australian boat builder and NZ surveyor overseeing the complete build, beginning with the assembly of the components of the boat which have been constructed and shipped over from Australia.

Franklin-based companies Haven Homes and Carlielle Kitchens will then be responsible for the interior design and fit out of the boat. It is great to be involved with a project that is unique and positive for the Franklin community and a first for New Zealand. It is a great way to showcase Franklins talents to the international tourist markets said Gary Millington, Managing Director of Haven NZ.


Other Franklin and New Zealand companies will provide support services including the hire equipment, security, plumbing, electrical work, outboard motors and marine accessories. The project see the culmination of a dream for Discovery Houseboat owners Ian and Judy Simpson who are enthusiastic about Franklin and have developed a strong passion for the history of the river and the desire to return it to it's former glory when as many as 60 commercial boats such as the Rawhiti 11 and Freetrader used the river.

The people of Franklin have been fantastic and very supportive of this venture. It has been an extensive, long process with many different parties involved but I would like to especially thank the local Iwi for their assistance, says Ian. A documentary is being produced on the construction of this unique venture for New Zealand and will also cover the history of Mercer, Tuakau Landing and the section of the Waikato River that the boat will use. The boat will be launched at Mercer with the intention to be based at historical site of Tuakau Landing.

Public Open days will be offered as the boat nears completion. The boat will offer a variety of options, self drive, day drive and full service. For more information visit www.discoveryhouseboats.com