At the same time as the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show in Auckland (15–18 May), Haines Hunter is opening its factory doors to genuinely interested buyers. This rare opportunity gives boaties and prospective owners the chance to go behind the scenes and see exactly how a Haines Hunter is built — from design through to final fitout — all right here in New Zealand.
These factory tours aren’t just about seeing fibreglass and fittings. They’re a deep dive into the craftsmanship and engineering that goes into each boat. It’s a chance to talk directly with the team who build them and get a clear understanding of what sets Haines Hunter apart — quality control, attention to detail, and a commitment to performance on New Zealand waters.
To complement the tours, Haines Hunter is also hosting a home-based “mini boat show” at their Ellerslie showroom. It’s a relaxed, one-on-one environment where potential buyers can take their time exploring the line-up — including the flagship OP725 Overlander — with no pressure and expert guidance on hand. For anyone serious about buying, or even starting the process of narrowing down their options, this is a smart first step. Ellerslie is just an hour’s drive from the Hutchwilco showgrounds in Greenlane, making it easy to combine both experiences in a single day.
At the heart of this showroom experience is the Overlander OP725 — a premium amphibious boat that blends the proven performance of the Sport Pursuit 725 with cutting-edge electric-over-hydraulic amphibious tech from Kiwi company Anura. With a 350hp Yamaha V6 outboard and the Anura S25 system, this boat can hit speeds of over 45 knots on water and drive itself up the beach at up to 9kph on land.
Unlike some amphibious conversions that feel tacked-on, the OP725’s design is seamless. All the mechanicals — pumps, motors, batteries — are integrated under custom mouldings and out of sight. Inside, it still feels like a classic SP725 with a few clever compromises, like slightly shortened v-berths and relocated fuel storage. Performance hasn’t suffered either. It’s as smooth and responsive on the water as ever, with the added bonus of beach accessibility.
The boat’s on-board comfort is also worth a look. It features a full hardtop, well-finished cockpit, digital switching, diesel heating options, lined cabin, and full overnighting facilities including a gas cooker, fridge/freezer, and enclosed head. These features speak to Haines Hunter’s focus on usability and refinement — the sort of detail best appreciated when stepping aboard for a proper walkaround.
For serious buyers wanting to see what Haines Hunter really offers — and why it has such a strong following among Kiwi boaties — the upcoming tours and in-showroom showcase present an ideal opportunity. Whether you’re new to the brand or already a fan, it’s a rare moment to get up close with one of New Zealand’s most respected boatbuilders.
Learn more and book a tour:
https://www.haineshunterhq.co.nz/news-and-events/haines-hunter-hq-home-based-boat-show
Can’t make it to Auckland that weekend? No worries. Take a fascinating ‘behind-the-scenes’ look here at https://www.haineshunter.co.nz/news/along-for-the-ride-boating-nz/
