In 1890 Alexander Hatrick negotiated with the Government for a subsidy to run a riverboat service from Wanganui to Pipiriki. In 1897 the service was extended to Taumarunui. Many farming localities adjacent to the River were settled around the turn of the century by riverboats which transported settlers, livestock, provisions, mail,and tourists from Wanganui to Taumarunui.
The use of riverboats started to decline from 1908 when the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line was completed. The passenger service finally ceased in 1939, with the mail services to the middle sections of the River continuing for some years.
An old Maori walking track from Taumarunui to Aukopae was used as a dray track prior to the commencement of the riverboat service, and was upgraded to enable goods to be taken to and from Taumarunui.
The Aukopae boarding house was about 500m away with a walking track from this building.
There is more information on the nearby Heritage Trails noticeboard.
The cache is a 600ml Rubbermaid container.
Please recover it well.