GREAT NEW ZEALAND RIVER JOURNEYS - THE WHANGANUI RIVER WITH SAM HUNT

Series tracing the course of New Zealand’s three largest rivers, reflecting the history and the people of each area.
At the confluence of the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers at Cherry Grove, Taumarunui, Sam Hunt introduces and begins his journey by jet boat down the Whanganui River. Captain Barry [Crocker] and Sam take an exhilarating trip down river passing by many historic places and meandering through the Whanganui National Park region. An old river identity, Jock Erceg gives Sam a tour of his small personal Nukunuku Museum, where many artifacts etc. from the river have been collected by Jock over a number of years. Still shots and the history of the Houseboat are included in the documentary. Ivan and Hillary Russell recall early events and the memories of the Houseboat during its short time on the Retaruke River, before it was mysteriously gutted by fire in 1973.
Other scenes include: Archive footage of River steamer trips up river. The Bridge to Nowhere and Arthur Bates who gives the history of the area. Ken Howarth takes over the wheel of a jet boat and their journey continues. Tommy Trainer demonstrates the catching of eels in a hinaki. The restored M.V. Ongarue river steamer at Pipiriki. A stopover at Jerusalem. The Kawana Flour Mill and Norm Hubbard who was responsible for its restoration. A visit to Roger Casey’s isolated farm which is accessible from the main road only by cable-car. Dave Mc Dermott is responsible for the retrieval of the Waimarie, one of Alexander Hattricks paddle-steamers which sank in the early 1950s. Sam’s journey ends at the mouth of the river.