From hydroplanes to clinker dinghies, the 2026 NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show delivered a weekend packed with stories, craftsmanship and history on the water.
A weekend where boating history comes alive
Lake Rotoiti once again turned into a floating museum during the 2026 New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show, as more than 140 historic boats gathered in Nelson for one of the country’s most beloved maritime events.
The two day show drew an estimated 3,000 visitors who came to admire the craftsmanship, design and character of boats spanning decades of New Zealand boating history.
Warm weather and clear skies created perfect conditions for the fleet of classic craft, which ranged from small clinker dinghies and vintage sailing boats to hydroplanes, jet boats and steam launches.
For many visitors, the real attraction was not just the boats themselves, but the stories behind them.
Thunderbird takes the top honour
The weekend’s most prestigious prize, the Jens Hansen Cup for best vessel overall, went to Thunderbird, a striking Ryan Craft powerboat built and designed by Jack Ryan in 1958.
The sleek wooden speedboat captures the spirit of mid century powerboating. Its sharp lines and polished timber finish stood out immediately among the fleet.
The Jens Hansen Cup is awarded to the boat that leaves the strongest impression on the judges. Condition, design, engineering and historical story all play a role.
In this case, Thunderbird delivered across every category.
The trophy has been awarded since the show began in 1989 and remains the ultimate recognition at the event.
Hydroplanes, clinker craft and clever restorations
One of the most photographed boats of the show was Avanti II, a 16½ foot Frank McCloud designed hydroplane built in 1971.
Restored in 2026 by Malc Russell and Nigel Shepheard, the boat combines classic racing lines with careful restoration work. It proved hugely popular with visitors, winning both the Mathieson Jeffcott Trophy for Best Motor Powered Craft and the People’s Choice Award.
Another boat drawing strong interest was Brass Monkey, a 14 foot timber picnic boat originally built in Whangārei in 1955 using cold moulded mahogany and pine. Owner Vincent Revell restored the craft twice, first in 1993 and again in 2022, earning the Best Restoration award.
The show also celebrated newer builds inspired by traditional designs. Bonnie Moon, a 12 foot Percy clinker dinghy, took the Walker Family Best New Craft award. Built at a Tasmanian wooden boat school using King William Pine, Huon Pine and Celery Top Pine, the boat demonstrates that traditional craftsmanship remains alive today.
Boats with unusual origins
Several boats at the show stood out for their unusual back stories.
Among them was Ding Ding, winner of the Best Aluminium Boat award. The small speed topper was built in 1961 by De Havilland Aircraft after the aviation company stopped producing planes.
Constructed in Australia and shipped to New Zealand for assembly, the boat later worked as a hire craft on Lake Wānaka. It was eventually rediscovered in Queenstown and carefully restored by father and son owners.
Another fascinating vessel was Guy, a Hamilton Jet powered boat built in 1964. Owned by John Wicken of Christchurch, the 13 foot 6 inch craft still runs its original Ford Falcon six cylinder engine.
The boat’s original owner was Guy Mannering, a director of CWF Hamilton and an early pioneer of jet boating. Today the boat remains a rare reminder of the early years of Hamilton jet propulsion.
Classic craft that still work on the water
Not every boat at the show was built for speed.
Ferryglide, a five metre Saint Lawrence skiff owned by John Hitchcock of Wellington, won the award for Best Rowed Craft. Built in 2003 from plans dating back to an 1885 American design, the elegant rowing boat demonstrates how older hull shapes continue to perform beautifully on the water.
Nearby, boats such as Flak Too and other vintage launches helped illustrate the wide spectrum of classic recreational craft that once filled New Zealand lakes and harbours.
Together they formed a fascinating cross section of boating history.
A community built around boats
Beyond the boats themselves, the show remains a celebration of the people who keep these vessels alive.
Nelson volunteer John Harris received the Keith Walker Memorial Trophy recognising his long service supporting the event.
Displays also added colour to the weekend. Russ Cloake of Mossburn won Best Themed Display with an impressive collection of restored British Seagull and Anzani outboard motors, each carefully finished with replica period decals.
For many visitors, the chance to talk with owners and restorers was just as rewarding as seeing the boats themselves.
Looking ahead to 2027
More than three decades after it began, the New Zealand Antique and Classic Boat Show continues to thrive.
The combination of passionate owners, remarkable boats and a stunning lakeside setting keeps drawing people back each year.
The next show is already scheduled for 6–7 March 2027, with entries opening in November 2026.
If the enthusiasm seen at Lake Rotoiti this year is any indication, another impressive fleet of classic boats will soon be heading back to the water.
