A quarter-century on the docks
Next March, the Auckland Boat Show will celebrate 25 years at the heart of New Zealand’s marine industry — and Boating New Zealand’s own Tim Porter has witnessed every one of them.
When the Viaduct was still new and the America’s Cup banners hung overhead, Tim was part of the small founding crew who believed Auckland needed an on-water showcase for Kiwi boatbuilders and suppliers. A generation later, he’s still on the show’s board, proud of what that idea has become.
“BACK THEN WE WERE FIGURING IT OUT AS WE WENT — HOW TO GET THE PONTOONS IN, WHO’D EVEN TURN UP,” TIM LAUGHS. “NOW THERE’S A KILOMETRE OF BOATS IN THE WATER AND THE WHOLE INDUSTRY’S INVOLVED. IT’S A PROPER REFLECTION OF WHO WE ARE AS A BOATING NATION.”
Built by the industry, for the industry
From 5 to 8 March 2026, the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour will come alive with 150 exhibitors and 200 boats on land and water. Run by NZ Marine, the show’s strength has always been its industry ownership — a trait Tim says keeps it real.
“You can walk the docks and talk directly to the people who designed or built the boat you’re standing on,” he says. “That’s what makes it special — you’re talking to boatbuilders, not sales reps.”
Expect everything from nimble trailer boats and amphibious craft to sportfishers, custom Kiwi builds and luxury yachts. Around 30 boats will be available for sea trial, letting visitors feel the performance firsthand.
Boating New Zealand, the country’s most popular monthly boating publication, both online and in print, is proud to be the Media Partner of the whole event, again.
Events Manager and Export Manager
NZ Marine Industry Association. Photo credit: LinkedIn
Innovation, sustainability and the next generation
More than 500 brands will be represented this year, from world-first tech launches to proven Kiwi success stories. Dedicated zones will highlight marine careers, sustainability, and charter opportunities, matching the industry’s focus on growth and environmental care.
Stacey Cook of NZ Marine says that mix keeps the show fresh.
“PEOPLE COME BECAUSE THEY LOVE THE SEA. THEY WANT TO SEE WHAT’S NEW, TO DREAM, TO BUY, TO BE PART OF IT — AND THAT HASN’T CHANGED IN 25 YEARS.”
Part of a bigger waterfront celebration
The Auckland Boat Show forms the centrepiece of Moana Auckland – New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, running 28 February to 15 March 2026. Alongside it, events like the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival and the Z Manu World Champs will fill the waterfront with colour and noise.
With Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited backing the festival, the show is set to draw bigger crowds and more international interest than ever.
Still the same spirit
After 25 years the Auckland Boat Show hasn’t lost its purpose — to bring the boating community together, to celebrate Kiwi craftsmanship, and to remind us why we love being on the water.
“THE BOATS ARE DIFFERENT AND THE TECHNOLOGY’S MOVED ON,” SAYS TIM PORTER, “BUT THE FEELING’S THE SAME. IT’S STILL ABOUT PEOPLE, IDEAS, AND THAT PULL WE ALL HAVE TOWARDS THE SEA.”
Event details
📍 Viaduct Events Centre & Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland
📅 Thursday 5 – Sunday 8 March 2026
🎟️ Tickets: www.aucklandboatshow.co.nz from the 24th October
