Auckland Boat Show opens for 25th anniversary edition
Around 30 boats are available for on-water sea trials throughout the four-day show The Auckland Boat Show opened yesterday (5 March 2026) at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, marking the 25th edition of the event. First held in 1999, the show has developed into New Zealand’s largest on-water boat exhibition.
The 2026 edition, which runs until Sunday (8 March 2026), features more than 200 boats from around 150 exhibitors, representing over 500 marine brands. Displays include both locally built vessels and international models.
Auckland Boat Show organiser Stacey Cook says reaching the 25-year milestone is a notable point for the event and the wider industry.
“For 25 years, this event has been owned by the marine industry and focused on excellence, innovation and boats in the water. That’s what makes it special, and that’s why it continues to grow.”
Around 30 boats are available for on-water sea trials throughout the four-day show.
“You can step aboard, talk directly with the people who designed and built these boats, and in many cases take them out on the water,” says Cook. “There’s nothing else in New Zealand quite like that.”
Inaugural Women in Marine event
The programme also included the show’s inaugural Women in Marine event, which kicked off the morning as the first panel of the 2026 edition.
The 75-minute session, hosted by MC Nicky Vaux, focused on participation and professional development within the marine sector, bringing together speakers from the marine business, sailing and outdoor recreation sectors.
Joining Vaux on stage was a panel including Hillary Buckman, managing director of Ocean Media; Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of Wild Chix; and Olympic sailing champion Jo Aleh, the first woman to sail with Emirates Team New Zealand.
“The marine sector is evolving,” says Cook. “We want to create space for women to connect, grow and see clear pathways into leadership, ownership and participation on the water.”
In addition to vessel displays, the show is featuring presentations and demonstrations covering boating safety, sustainability, fishing practices, marine biosecurity and general boating knowledge. Industry specialists and community organisations are also on the schedule to contribute sessions.
“People come to see what’s new, but they also come to learn,” says Cook. “Boating is part of our DNA, and with that comes a real desire to protect the marine environment and improve safety and skills.”
The marine industry in New Zealand contributes approximately NZ$3bn (US$1.77bn) to the national economy, and organisers say the sector has momentum.
“There’s real energy in the industry again,” says Cook. “This show is a celebration of how far we’ve come, but it’s also about where we’re heading – innovation, sustainability and world-class New Zealand craftsmanship.”
The Auckland Boat Show runs from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour. Tickets are available online at the show’s website.
