The first Auckland Boat Show run by NZ Marine was held in 1999. Today it has evolved as an event that not only celebrates New Zealand innovation and success, it also hosts a diverse mix of exhibitors across a wide range of themes, including marine careers, sustainability and fishing.
The Auckland Boat Show has gone by a few different names: it’s also been known as the IMTEC On Water Boat Show, the MIA On Water Boat Show, and the Auckland On Water Boat Show. These changes reflect its shift from a niche industrial focus to a lifestyle event, momentum from the America’s Cup era, and New Zealand’s rise as a custom-build hub for luxury boats.
With Team New Zealand winning the America’s Cup in Auckland in 2000, New Zealand’s marine prowess was centre stage from the get-go. Technical innovation and public passion for the sea was high. In its early years the Auckland On Water Boat Show capitalised on this energy, and as the industry innovated and grew, so did the show, expanding to include superyachts, technology, and fishing. Our foremost marine talent shifted from America’s Cup to superyachts and commercial projects.
In recent years the on-land component has grown, complementing the significant on-water presence with a big new focus on trailer boats. New Zealand innovators and importers are realising the commercial opportunity of this popular event that is not only a cornerstone of the industry but of Auckland’s boating calendar and the public have a big appetite for engaging with experts and specialists across the industry in this four day event.
“I love the show,” says Tim Porter of Boating NZ magazine, which hasn’t missed a show so far. “I love the aspect of getting people on the water to see boats, to go for sea trials, and Jellicoe Harbour and the Viaduct Events Centre are such vibrant places people enjoy visiting.” He says that the boat show’s industry ownership and affordability are key to its success. “There are some very loyal brands that have been involved since the beginning.”
Throughout the show’s history the defining features of industry ownership, a focus on marine excellence and innovation, and boats on display in the water have stayed the same, says organiser Stacey Cooke of NZ Marine. “It’s what sets NZ Marine’s event apart and why it’s so incredibly popular.”
More Auckland Boat Show coverage on Boating New Zealand.
This article appeared in the February 2026 issue of Boating New Zealand magazine. Subscribe here to never miss an issue.
