The Discovery 1 sets out from Tuakau.

The Waikato River may be New Zealand’s longest river, originating on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu and emptying into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, but it is still little known, although a river cruise operation aims to showcase its merits.

Ian and Judy Simpson’s lovely Epsom home together with their luxury riverboat and waterside property just minutes from Tuakau gives them the best of two entirely different worlds.

While the family home is in a garden suburb close to the heart of Auckland, Discovery 1, is the flip side of the bustling city coin, providing the Simpsons with a rural retreat and a business operating under the banner of Discovery River Cruises.

And it is their unique cruise operation that comes as a surprise to both New Zealanders, who thought they had seen it all in this country, and to international visitors who are astonished that such a fascinating journey with many places of interest goes virtually unnoticed by tourists.

The Simpsons, however, admit they have been completely won over by the twist and turns of the Waikato River, the peacefulness of life on the water and the many unusual sights both midstream and along the river banks.

In fact, Ian, whose career revolved for many years around the aviation industry – he started out in the air force – is discovering that being anchored offshore provides for a very stress-free environment.

Nevertheless, the couple don’t spend all their time on board Discovery 1, which they had built just down the road at Mercer. They also have a purpose-built house as a ‘meet and greet’ centre located just a few strides up the hill, overlooking their moorings.

Double cabin with en suite bathroom.

It offers all the comforts of home to guests who have perhaps flown in from overseas or had a tiring car journey. They can shower, enjoy a meal and catch a nap if they so wish.

However, the real fun starts when they step on board to be met with sumptuous ‘boatel’ facilities starting on the spacious top deck where there is room to party, sound system, galley/barbecue facilities and an eight person jacuzzi which quickly puts guests into relaxation mode.

Downstairs, up to eight guests are accommodated in four spacious cabins each with their own en suite and wall mounted LCD TVs with built-in DVD players, under bed storage, fully filtered water system and doors opening to the outer deck. Beautifully appointed, with stylish interior furnishings, all designed by Ian, they differ little from a luxurious hotel suite.

In addition two small lounges with privacy doors, quality sofa beds and wall-mounted television sets can be used for additional guests. While these two rooms don’t have en suites, a separate bathroom means there is no need for  visitors or extra guests to infringe on bathroom facilities attached to the four cabins.

Wander forward and there’s a spacious and gracious lounge with dining area, fully equipped galley, large screen TV with Sky, entertainment system and doors to the outdoor deck where there is al fresco seating.

Onboard dining.

Enjoying wide views and a wonderful sense of comfort, the first class facilities allow for guests to self cater or to have an onboard chef. There are various culinary options available from barbecue up top to a full, sit down, three-course dinner.

Most recently one overnight group were catered for by top Bombay restaurant Bracu, which sent out a chef to provide lunches and dinner.

On the first day the chef was on board from 10am to 8.30pm and the next day from 10am to 3pm in order to ensure an outstanding culinary experience. He cooked, served and chatted, providing guests with a unique, interactive meal service which earned appreciation and praise.

“The overnight cruise and dinner for eight was a surprise birthday celebration and believe me it was a real surprise,” Ian says. “Like so many others the group was astounded by the abundant birdlife and moving landscape of the river."

Ian adds that menus and itineraries can be pre-selected or customised to suit an event or circumstances.

“And while we offer a variety of onboard activities and amusements, there’s plenty in the way of sightseeing and shore trips to keep guests intrigued especially if they are cruising for more than a night or two.”

Judy and Ian Simpson.

Indeed, unknown to most people the Waikato River and surrounding districts offer plenty – on and off the water. Ian says his guests have enjoyed various water sports, quad bike safaris, mountain biking, kayaking, a Maori cultural experience, caving, abseiling, a day of golf and stops at various historic sites.

“When the river is high, especially from autumn through to spring, we can travel as far as Hamilton in the south but this isn’t possible in summer when water levels drop.

“However, the Waikato delta also offers fascinating scenery with its 30 or so small islands and some particularly different views.”

While overnight and short, two or three-day cruises are popular options, the Discovery 1 has hosted many a corporate day cruise and conference as well as boutique weddings and honeymoon excursions.

Ian says he is particularly fortunate to have a seasoned river man as skipper of the luxury launch.

Warwick Mills’ association with the river goes back more than 35 years working for companies such as Tuakau Sands and the Puni Sand Plant. Also a keen fisherman,  he knows every turn intimately and believes the cruise is a great concept.

“In fact, we’ve only touched the tip of what’s available,” he says. “There are so many ideas that could be further explored.”

As for the Simpsons, they are delighted that Discovery 1, launched in 2008, but developed from an idea which originated 10 years earlier, is slowly being discovered.

Having owned a houseboat on Australia’s Murray River, they were convinced that the lower Waikato would be ideal for a river cruising operation. It has also offered them a change of lifestyle and relief from the pressures of commuting between New Zealand and Sydney where they also have business interests.

“We still cross the Tasman a lot but have now been able to leave our Australian interests in the hands of a great management team so we can concentrate on our river cruising operation,” Ian says.