Although it was already a significant route to the interior, the major development of the river as a trade route was by Alexander Hatrick, who started the first regular steam-boat service in 1892. The service eventually ran to Taumarunui where rail and coach services connected with points north. One of Hatrick's original boats, paddle-steamer PS "Waimarie", has been restored and runs scheduled sailings in Whanganui. Another of the Hatrick boats, MV "Wairua", has also been restored and can be seen on the river.