Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park, framed by glacial slopes and native beech forest, comes to life every March to the putter of classic motorboats, the chatter of the crowd and the throaty roar of some of New Zealand’s oldest speed racing boats.
The New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show was first held in 1999, and since then, has grown from a modest gathering of 35 mainly home-built vessels to an event that draws up to 150 entrants from across New Zealand and even further afield. Billed as a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’, visitors can admire vintage boats on land in the morning, while setting out their chairs to grab a space on the foreshore ready for the afternoon action on the water, starting with the sail-past of boats that sail, motor and are rowed past the crowd.
The Boat Show was founded by Pete Rainey and Glenn Common, who also produce the nationwide Smokefreerockquest music competition. Rainey, inspired by American classic boat events and his own childhood memories of boats on Lake Rotoiti, saw an opportunity to create a similar event in New Zealand. He knew he’d made it in 2024 when US-based web forum WoodyBoater called his show the “most unique boat show on the planet”.
A boat show, at 620m above sea level, sets a benchmark for the unusual, and from the outset Rainey and Common developed judging criteria to reflect the ethos of the show, where the vessel’s history is as important as its appearance and performance on the lake. Two recent winners emphasise this.
In 2019 the Jens Hansen Cup for best overall boat went to Lady of the Lake, a classic 1920s launch with a mahogany hull and elegant lines. The restoration showed attention to detail, from the gleaming brass fittings to the perfectly upholstered seats, alongside the original plans the owner had tracked down.
In 2021, the wooden powerboat Rita took the trophy. The 6m, 100-year-old wooden plank runabout was still in relatively original condition and was still enjoyed by her owner on the lakes of Central Otago.
“It’s all about the stories,” Rainey says. “Every boat here has a history. It’s not just a collection of vessels; it’s a living museum. You’ve got boats that have been in families for generations, some that have been rescued from derelict sheds, and others that are a testament to incredible craftsmanship.”
In time for the 2026 show, Rainey and Common hoped to launch a classic speedboat they have recently acquired, which they reckon is New Zealand’s oldest racing boat. Pit-a-Pat was built of spruce timber in 1928 and in 1929 won the Akaroa Regatta with a record time of 34.8mph, going on to win races right up until the 1960s.
A prize for ‘Best Display’ rewards owners who take time to show off photos of their boat’s history, along with ‘before and afters’ of epic restorations. You’ll find the owners keen to chat about serendipitous searches for original parts and of the satisfaction of seeing a beloved boat come back to life.
“We’re not just celebrating the boats; we’re celebrating the people,” Pete emphasises. “The restorers, the builders, the owners, they’re the heart of this show. They’re the ones who put in the long hours, who have the vision, and who share the fruits of their hard work with the rest of us.”
Once the sail-past is done, a series of informal races for each category takes place, from sailing and rowing boats to jet boats and speed craft. A particular crowd-pleaser is the hilarious Seagull dinghy race, which features a ‘Le Mans’ style beach start where boaties make a mad dash to the water to pull-start their famously temperamental two-stroke motors. Recent entries in this race have included a surprisingly fast bathtub and a dining table, both fitted with trusty Seagulls.
On Saturday evening at the Alpine Lodge the Jens Hansen Trophy was presented along with other prizes for categories such as best new restoration, best steamboat, and best retro boat.
Organisers emphasise the importance of environmental responsibility, with measures in place to prevent the spread of aquatic weeds such as didymo. A reminder is also given to attendees about the kiwi that have been released in the nearby national park: “no antique and classic dogs, please!”.
The NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show is a place where old friends catch up and new friendships are made, all based on a shared love of old boats. As Pete Rainey says, “These boats are more than wood and metal; they’re a part of our heritage. And as long as people keep bringing them here, we’ll keep telling their stories.” BNZ
26th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show
Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes
7–8 March 2026
Two days of hydromatic relaxation at New Zealand’s premier classic boat show. Join us at Lake Rotoiti in the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park on 7 and 8 March 2026 for another unforgettable weekend on and off the water. https://www.nzclassicboats.com/
