New Zealanders continue to invest in boats, but are we using them as much as we used to? With reported usage softening, the boating community faces a new set of challenges—and opportunities.
The love affair between Kiwis and their boats is still going strong. Whether it’s a tinny, a kayak, or a gleaming 40-footer, New Zealand’s national fleet continues to expand each year. But dig a little deeper, and a more nuanced picture begins to emerge. While boat ownership remains high, actual time on the water appears to be dipping.
A nuanced change in usage
According to the latest nationwide monitoring data, just 40% of New Zealand adults—around 1.7 million people—are active boaties (own a boat or go out on a boat). That’s down 9% from 49% the year before, and marks a return to pre-pandemic levels after a temporary COVID-era surge. The boats are here—but more of them are “staying on the trailer” or fewer people have access to a boat to head out on.
This disconnect between ownership and usage is quietly reshaping the boating landscape.
Ownership is still hugely popular. Vessel registrations and new boat deliveries suggest a buoyant industry. Trend data (and general observation) tells us that by far the most popular boat to buy is still the powerboat: under six metres tops the charts, followed closely by those over six metres. Jetboats, too, remain popular. And there’s still healthy activity at the upper end of the market. High-value powerboats (launches) and late-model sailing boats are turning over steadily—especially those in excellent condition and with up-to-date service records. Interest remains strong for vessels with walk-through transoms, newer rigging, and game fishing layouts, and quality listings are drawing competitive inquiry. Older-model boats in less then excellent conditions, when maintenance becomes more of a concern, around the $100,000 mark find it harder to change hands.
But the bit of data we found most interesting, data from the government’s Boating Monitor shows that actual on-water activity—measured in (the 2023/2024 Financial Year) exposure hours—is down. Fewer trips are being made, and they’re often shorter.
Those who own boats are reporting that they’ve simply had less time, less opportunity, or less motivation to get out there. In many cases, it’s economics doing the steering. Higher living costs, interest rates, and travel expenses are all shaping discretionary decisions. While the appetite to own a boat hasn’t faded, the practicalities of launching it every weekend might be catching up with us.
The changing face of the Kiwi boatie
The modern boatie is also changing. The most active age group on the water? Not retirees or middle-aged families—but young adults aged 18 to 24. They’re making the most of lightweight, lower-cost options like jet-skis, kayaks, and compact powerboats. Participation then tapers during the early parenting (or pre-parenting years) years—no surprises there—before lifting a little again while the kids start growing and enjoy the boating excursion, and then another jump for those who are post-60, often with more leisurely craft and shorter coastal trips.
Interestingly, men continue to dominate boating participation across most vessel types. Women continue to be underrepresented in high-exposure usage hours. Although this trend may be turning. This may be related to feelings of safety while on board. But we will write more on this in a later article.
So where does this leave us?
For the recreational boating community, it’s a gentle wake-up call. Boating is still embedded in the Kiwi lifestyle—but actual participation is thinning, and not just because of seasonal changes. A growing national fleet doesn’t guarantee an increasing on-water culture.
For the industry, the challenge is twofold: maintain momentum in a market still buoyed by either entry-level or premium vessel sales, while encouraging broader participation across a diverse demographic.
Attracting first-time buyers is only part of the picture—supporting those buyers to become regular, confident boaties is just as important.
Making the most of what we’ve got
At its core, boating in New Zealand remains something special. Our coastlines, lakes, rivers and harbours are still among the best in the world, and Kiwis are still drawn to the water—whether for fishing, fun, or just finding a quiet spot away from the bustle. But with fewer trips being made, and shorter days on the water, it’s worth asking the question: are we getting the most from our boats? The answer might lie not in buying more vessels—but in making more use of the ones we already have.
See more: IPSOS Maritime NZ 2023-2024 Financial Year Update
