When the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show opens its gates on 15 May, it will mark another major milestone in what’s become one of Aotearoa’s most enduring and iconic marine events. Held at Auckland Showgrounds and stretching across four packed days, this year’s show comes just shy of its 70th anniversary, tracing its roots back to 1956 when it debuted as part of the Auckland Easter Show.
Since those early days—when fibreglass was new, and outboards were a novelty—the show has evolved alongside the boating lifestyle it celebrates. It went solo as “The Auckland Easter Show Boat Show,” and after a string of rebrands, landed its current title in 2001. The name now carries the trusted reputation of Hutchwilco, a proudly Kiwi manufacturer of marine safety equipment and a distributor of leading global marine brands like ACR, PAINS WESSEX and ZODIAC.
Innovation, inspiration and immersion
Held on 15-18 May at the Auckland Show Grounds. What’s on offer this year? Simply put: more of everything. The 2025 edition delivers a comprehensive experience for boaties of all stripes—from serious fishos and family cruisers to first-time trailer boat owners and tech-curious explorers.
Fishing gets top billing with the ever-popular Shimano Masterclass Series. These sessions bring together some of the sharpest minds in the industry, offering practical tips on gear, technique, and strategy. Whether you’re learning to softbait or refining your jigging game, there’s a masterclass for you.
Safety and seamanship are equally prioritised. The show’s Safety and Education Workshops cover vital topics such as “Crossing the Bar,” “Boating Safety Essentials,” “Trailer 101,” and the more confronting but crucial “What to Do When It All Goes Wrong at Sea.” A special session—Wild Chix Boating for Women—adds a refreshing perspective to the line-up, while the MetService Forecasting segment helps boaters make smarter decisions before heading out.
Debuting the future
Of course, the real showstoppers are always the boats—and 2025 doesn’t disappoint. From offshore-capable weapons to sleek runabouts, this year’s unveilings showcase the best of local and international boatbuilding innovation.
Surtees will reveal the all-new 720 Game Fisher, while Haines Hunter rolls out its Overlander Pursuit OP725. Amphibious fans can check out the new 8.6m Alloy MAX from Sealegs, and Southern Boats will display their edgy new XP516. Other notables include the Navigator 22 and 24 from Family Boats, Flyfin’s 6.1M 2050 Hard Top, Stabicraft’s trio of new models, and the luxe 800 Super Sport Amphibious by Smuggler.
Rayglass adds some polish with the brand-new 2700 Legend, and Marco’s 635 Souwester debuts alongside the latest Evolution model. Regal joins the fray with the LX2 and LS2 Surf, proving that comfort and performance are increasingly intertwined.
Stars, seafood and surprises
Beyond the boats, the show celebrates the full boating lifestyle. The Sealebrites area promises plenty of star power, with appearances from Matt Watson (The Fishing Website), Scott Parry and Matt Rumney (Fishing and Adventure), and Ben Brown from The Two Hooked Competition. Even Resene gets involved, sponsoring the Hooked on Resene mural—a massive 3D tribute to fishing passion.
The Fishing, Dive and Travel Zone will satisfy the wanderlust of adventure seekers. And for a bit of fun (and a break from boat talk), take a dip—or a selfie—by the quirky Hutchwilco Pool.
A who’s who of exhibitors
More than 200 exhibitors will fill the halls and grounds, representing the full spectrum of marine life—from boatbuilders like Stabicraft, Senator, Extreme, Smuggler, and McLay to electronics giants like Garmin, Raymarine and Furuno, and essential gear from Shimano, Catch Fishing, and Smart Marine. The list includes names as big as Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Mercury, Volkswagen New Zealand, and newcomers like Flyfin Boats and Evocean Electric Propulsion.
Lifestyle brands, foodies, conservation groups, Coastguard, safety educators, and regional councils all add to the fabric of what has grown into a full-spectrum showcase of life on, in and around the water.
Something for every boatie
Whether you’re shopping, learning, dreaming, or just getting inspired, the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show continues to be the southern hemisphere’s most comprehensive boating expo. With a vibrant mix of innovation, entertainment, and education, it’s more than just a boat show—it’s a celebration of our boating way of life.
