When the Auckland Boat Show kicks off on March 6, it will be a celebration of New Zealanders’ love of being on the water. So much so that there will be more than 1.3 kilometres of boats on display on the marina alone.
The show kicks off on March 6 in central Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour. Once focused primarily on domestic releases, it’s grown into the region’s show of choice to release large yachts and other vessels from around the world as the New Zealand boating market increasingly seeks out the new, innovative and luxurious.
Some of those large yachts now entering the New Zealand market are from the Greek brand Omikron Yachts, which was recently awarded the prestigious European Powerboat Award for its OT-60 and launched a new flagship OT-80 off the back of that success.
“We’ve recognised the need for bigger and bigger yachts to grace the sparkling Waitemata,” says Paul McDonald of McD Yachts, the brokerage house introducing both the OT-60 and OT-80 to New Zealand.
“Having a 60 ft plus motor yacht like the Omikron OT-60 gives the opportunity of cruising Fiji or around the Pacific which gives a great winter vacation and also extends the usability of the yacht throughout the year,” adds McDonald, who will present the yachts virtually at the show. McD Yachts will also present the Wildcat Project in Auckland. See sidebar.
For the first time in New Zealand, two Sunreef yachts will be on display in a New Zealand boat show. At 23 metres, and with space for eight guests and three crew, the Sunreef 70 Ginette is available for charter via Ocean Independence. She comes complete with a full toy garage, including a five-metre Smuggler Marine RIB, two paddleboards, wind-surfing, kite-boarding, scuba-diving, and gamefishing equipment, plus
a private chef to cook any catches.
For those who prefer to own, a custom Sunreef 80ft motoryacht built for extended voyages will be on display within the brokerage section of the show.
Another debut this year: European Marine will present the Sasga 55FB. This striking flybridge yacht is made for cruising with superb performance, excellent range, comfort, and ease of handling. It is well-suited to New Zealand conditions with a full flybridge, large sundeck and spacious interior to cater to any weather.
Sports Marine will feature new models from leading brands Saxdor, Princess Yachts and Nimbus. The Saxdor 400 GTO will make its New Zealand debut, a flagship model that embodies exceptional performance and cruising ability.
Princess Yacht’s V55 is the perfect Hauraki Gulf boat. With three generous cabins and room for six people to sleep overnight, a sleek profile and sweeping knife-shaped hull windows, every detail of this British-built yacht has been crafted to perfection.
Available in single or twin shaft, the Swedish brand Nimbus 365 Coupe defines low maintenance and easy boating. It fits perfectly within our varied coastal and lake boating conditions.
The Yacht Sales Co. (incorporating Multihull Solutions) will showcase some of the world’s leading sailboat models at this year’s show: the exceptional Dufour 470, as well as the Tanna 47 and Elba 45 sailing catamarans by Fountaine Pajot.
Show visitors can book a private inspection of the models on display with The Yacht Sales Co. : www.yachtsalesco.com/boat-shows-events/the-yacht-sales-co-2025-auckland-boat-show.
Yacht owners, power and sail, need places to berth, repair and refit their boats. The team from Marlborough Sounds Marinas will be showcasing the best of New Zealand’s world-class boating facilities. Marlborough Sounds Marinas lead the way in sustainable marina operations, as the only marina network in New Zealand accredited under the International Clean Marina programme.
As New Zealand’s largest marina operator with marinas at Picton, Havelock and Waikawa at the top of the South Island, the team is looking forward to connecting with customers and boaties. See stand 111 in the ground floor pavilion.
Port Whangarei Marine, Northland’s leading shipyard, offers world-class facilities and a comprehensive range of services for vessels of all sizes. Located in the heart of Whangarei, the facility is equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to complex refits and full restorations. The shipyard features extensive hardstand space, modern undercover sheds for refits and painting, and full-service infrastructure including 100-tonne and 560-tonne travel lifts.
It is also an MPI-approved Transitional Facility.
Meet their team on Stand 212, VEC Level 2.
Something for everyone
It’s not all about big boats, though. Family Boats will premiere BRIG’s latest RIB model at the Auckland Boat Show, the new Navigator 22. Featuring a reinforced deep-V hull, spacious console, ergonomic helm seating, and sharp design, this vessel delivers a thrilling, stable ride even at high speeds.
Innovision Boats will have the IV7000 Amphibious (Boating NZ January 2025) on their hard stand (stand OS8), along with details of a version with a custom seating layout ready for build March/April and another due for July/August. Show attendees can also chat to the team about Innovision’s latest design, currently in fabrication, the IV616 Venture. Designed initially for a customer in Brisbane with versatility and performance in mind, the IV616 Venture features Innovision’s super-soft riding plumb bow hull, engineered with hydrodynamic stability chines to deliver the perfect balance of comfort, capability, and functionality.
And sticking with the amphibious theme, there will be new amphibious models from Stabicraft – Stabi-X – and Sealegs, among others.
On a slightly different note, Red Paddle Co offer paddleboards with performance-based construction that feels grounded, stable, and safe. Red creates world leading inflatable paddleboards and premium outdoor kit sold in over 60 countries worldwide.
Award winning and patented technology offers unrivalled performance and stiffness, which is backed by a worldwide five-year warranty. Catch Red Paddle Co. inside the Events Centre.
The show also has a fast-growing reputation for being a hub for innovation releases, with new technologies and fine-tuned services released at the show from within New Zealand’s marine industry.
Power Equipment will be using the show to launch the new SmartGyro 80 stabiliser, which will be on display at Power Equipment’s stand. They’ll also display the new Yanmar E-Sail Drive electric propulsion system for yachts and the new Gori Hybrid propeller, a folding propeller that switches between sailing performance and regeneration modes.
Tenob Wholesale will introduce new products alongside its usual range of chandlery and marine equipment. These include the Quick Intercepta range of interceptor trim tabs from MC2, which actively reduce both roll and pitch of a boat up to 50% and the new Quick wireless chain counter.
Suzuki Marine will introduce its new 8-year warranty for its four-stroke DF40 to DF350 outboard engine, Advance Trident is presenting the new Simrad NSS4 and Sea Turner is introducing an innovative dinghy lifter designed specifically for vessels that don’t suit traditional davit cranes.
Sea Turner’s ST40 offers boat owners a safer, more efficient, and stress-free way to lift and store their boats. The Sea Turner system can usually be installed without significant reinforcement or modification – just 8 bolts to secure it onto a hardtop or foredeck. Boat owners, motorhome owners, and boat builders can see the lifter in action at the Auckland Boat Show.
Another innovative product is being presented by See-LEVEL – the MKII Fast Seasickness Headset, now available with a Professional Soft Carry Case – the perfect anti-seasickness solution for travellers and professionals who need portability and convenience. Purchase includes a lifetime license for See-LEVEL’s advanced seasickness relief software, ensuring you’re always equipped with the best in VR seasickness technology. Catch See-LEVEL on stand 202, Events Centre, level two.
Boats need insurance. With over 50 years of global experience, Pantaenius has built a strong reputation among Kiwi boat owners – particularly those with high-value vessels – by offering exceptional coverage and unmatched service. They can identify exactly what coverage suits your vessel, lifestyle, and plans – so you get the right protection without paying for what you don’t need. The Pantaenius team will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with comprehensive insurance information tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for local coverage or offshore cruising options, our team is ready to help you find the right solution.
Tickets on sale now
Tickets are on sale now for the Auckland Boat Show 2025, and visitors can expect a bigger show than in 2024, which displayed 400 boats and a wide array of marine product and service companies. The event’s sea trial marina allows show visitors to not only learn about new products, vessels and services, but to also experience them on the Waitematā Harbour.
“We’re a marine nation and it makes sense that we lead the world in creating better ways to be safer, faster, and more sustainable on the water,” says show organiser, Stacey Cook.
Tickets are on sale now: www auckland-boatshow.com
