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Latest Yacht Reviews

Smuggler Strata 800SS

Smuggler Strata
New Zealand has led the world in the development of small amphibious recreational boats, and hundreds of Kiwis have taken to the concept of a boat which is essentially its own trailer, with the ease o...

Smuggler Strata 800SS

Smuggler Strata
New Zealand has led the world in the development of small amphibious recreational boats, and hundreds of Kiwis have taken to the concept of a boat which is essentially its own trailer, with the ease o...

Riviera 4300 Sports Express

Riviera
Building large, multimillion-dollar bluewater motoryachts for a global market is a serious business, not to be taken lightly. But with the new 4300 Sports Express, it feels like Riviera Australia has ...

Riviera 4300 Sports Express

Riviera
Building large, multimillion-dollar bluewater motoryachts for a global market is a serious business, not to be taken lightly. But with the new 4300 Sports Express, it feels like Riviera Australia has ...

Viknes 10

Viknes
Luxury Cruiser
Now headed to our shores, is this clever new family cruiser the ultimate all-rounder? Very few boats make quite such an impression within the first few months of their launch as the Viknes 10. Here...

Viknes 10

Viknes
Now headed to our shores, is this clever new family cruiser the ultimate all-rounder? Very few boats make quite such an impression within the first few months of their launch as the Viknes 10. Here...

Buccaneer 605 Exeed

The 605 Exeed impresses with its quiet, dry, and supremely comfortable ride.

Buccaneer 605 Exeed

The 605 Exeed impresses with its quiet, dry, and supremely comfortable ride.
Purekraft

Purekraft Rova 29 Amphibious

The Purekraft Rova 29 Amphibious is an impressive beast however you look at it, whether on the hard standing tall on its wheels, driving through the s...
Dufour

Dufour 44: Très Bon

Helming the Dufour 44 during a club race was both exhilarating and surprising, reports our Australian correspondent Kevin Green.
Senator

Superbly Senator

Hawkes Bay’s Senator Boats is best known for its range of strong, capable, trailerable aluminium ‘chamber’ boats, respected for their sea-keeping abil...
Maritimo

Maritimo M50

Maritimo’s new M50 is the result of a lot of intensity, born out of a singular purpose – namely, to fit a 50-foot pen. Design, R&D, engineering, p...
Fin Chaser

Fin Chaser 700HTA

I have always been impressed with the hull performance of FC Boats and a change of name hasn’t altered the way they go.
Catalyst

Catalyst 45 Render

Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders’ latest iteration of the popular Catalyst high-performance powercat is Render, a bespoke superyacht tender and water spor...
Pursuit

Assault 920 Amphibious

Assault Boats’ new Pursuit 920 Amphibious is a great all-rounder. Suitable for fishing, scuba diving, family cruising, overnight trips, corporate hosp...
Innovision

Innovision 616 Venture

It is over a decade since we reviewed the first production boat from Innovision, and in many respects nothing has changed since then.
Rayglass

Rayglass Legend 2700

Rayglass Boats’ new Legend 2700 is the spiritual (and, eventually, literal) successor to the Legend 2500, the Auckland-based company’s most successful...
Elliott

Elliott 1150 Tourer

Denim is a classic Kiwi tale. Start with a solitary man and a dream, pile on the challenges, stir in creativity and innovation, and voila! A unique Ki...
Stabicraft

Stabicraft 2050 Frontier Profish

Where this model really excels is fishability.
Matera

Matera 40 cruising catamaran

This build philosophy—and its practical result—is best shown in the wide, uninterrupted arch of the coachroof above the saloon
Elite

Elite 13.8m Sedan Kaeā

The vessel will be Wellington-based but is destined to spend much of her cruising life in the Marlborough Sounds, stationed off her owner’s bach.
Candela

Candela C-8 Hardtop

The Candela C-8 is clearly a much more mature and technologically advanced model than its predecessor.
Dickey

Dickey Pacific 62

Passage making is about long days at sea, often with swell and waves running at different angles, or else a long period roll, so limiting hull roll to...
Dibley

Dibley 7.5m Sportsboat

Despite the lack of gennaker it’s still a fun and fantastic ride down the harbour, and reminds me how much fun sportsboat sailing can be.
Axopar

Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin

The ultimate multi-purpose craft for boaters who demand more from their vessel.
Sargo

Sargo 33

This is a cleverly designed boat with great space for a 33-footer.
Maritimo

Maritimo M600 Black Edition

The Black Edition of Maritimo’s M600 Offshore Flybridge Motor Yacht is no mere badge-engineering solution. It is a massive collection of enhancements ...
Proline

Proline Alloy 1860 HT

Mat says the hull is designed to cater for all, with ease of use being one of the main priorities.
Fi Glass

Fi-Glass Viscount

Modern engines are bigger and more efficient. They need bigger platforms to host them. Furthermore, people seem to spend more time in the boat these d...
Morris Metal Products

Morris Metal Products S.J Seahawk

S.J. Seahawk is a development of the 7.6m Eliminator, which Phil and his team built 26 years ago.
JP Crafts

JP Crafts Code 9.8

This is a beautifully finished boat with an attention to detail that we don’t often see.
RMX

RMX 444

Optimisation can be for either economy or speed and it’s the same for the foil itself, with designs optimised for speed or economy.
Kiwi-Kraft

Kiwi-Kraft 780WA

Pontoon alloy boats are seriously good sea handling vessels. I should know, having fished out of many such boats of different makes, designs and sizes...
Innovision

Innovision IV7000 Amphibious

In engineering the IV7000 to amphibious duty, Innovision has hardly compromised its utility for fishing/diving, family boating, or any other duties.
Elite

Elite 16m Mid Pilothouse Te Whara V

In another stellar example of a successful collaboration, boatbuilder Lloyd Stevenson and designer Bill Upfold have launched their 21st project. Te Wh...
Radian

Radian R27 Nordarc

Overall, this is an impressive boat. The styling is bold and unique and will certainly turn heads. The layout is one of the most practical we have see...
Omikron

Omikron OT-60

Stepping on board the yacht, it’s obvious everything centres on cruising in luxury.
Riviera

Riviera 6800 Sport Yacht

The vessel’s low centre of gravity, combined with the Humphree fin stabilisers, gave us a comfortable ride and we heard no groans or crashes coming fr...
Extreme

Extreme 795 Game King

Performance-wise, the new 350hp Yamaha, plus the Helm Master EX with bow thruster and Seakeeper Ride integration, make a big difference.
Beneteau

Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

As you would expect from an experienced design team, the boat is well-balanced and, while the sail area is conservative, it’s plenty to get her sailin...
Saffier Yachts

Saffier SE 33 Life

The Saffier SE 33 Life daysailer is a breath of fresh air in the production yacht world, with performance taking precedence over accommodation. This i...
Rae Line

Rae Line 206

Some boats are good to look at from the outside and some are good to be onboard. Like her sister the 205, the Rae Line 206 is that rare collision of b...
Sasga

Sasga Menorquin 55FB – Carajillo

She makes a wonderful ship for coastal adventures and holidays, promising easy passage-making and plenty of comfortable spaces in which to accommodate...
The Catalyst GT Redefining high-performance boating
Catalyst

What A Rush!

Catalysts were originally conceived for Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup team as a high-speed, comfortable chase boat for all conditions with...
Maritimo

Maritimo M75

The Maritimo M75 is a boat you will use, and that is the name of the game.
Jeanneau

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380

In the wide cockpit, the racing-style Carbonautica wheels are positioned well aft and outboard, corresponding with the position of the twin rudders be...
Caribbean

Caribbean 27 Flybridge Sport Fisher

Fuel consumption for a vessel this size is pretty good, as you might expect from a modern common-rail diesel engine.
Southern

Southern XF650

Southern Boats has been building top-quality aluminium trailer boats for more than three decades. Its factory in Mosgiel has gained a reputation for e...

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NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

FISHING

Hook Me Up Fishing Competition - Matakana vs Hillside, 7 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

The Kubota Billfish Classic, 12 - 15 Mar 2025 in Mercury Bay, Whitianga

ITM Fishing Competition, 13 - 16 Mar 2025 in Whangaroa

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide

REGATTAS

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2025 starts in Sydney, Australia

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

WATERSPORTS

IWWF University Nationals (waterskiing), 26 February to 2 March Orakei Basin, Auckland

MEET UPS

Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Cruising Rally, Easter 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, BOP

SHOWS

Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

NZ Boat, Fish and Dive Show, 30 & 31 Aug 2025 to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waipa

Hot off the press

War Machine: pushing the limits of Phantom Powerboats F2 innovation

Kiwi innovation goes full throttle with the Phantom Powerboats F2 War Machine.
New BoatPowerboatingWaterskiing

Emirates Team New Zealand back in action for AC38

After a year behind the scenes, the defenders are back on the water — refreshed, refocused, and eyei...
AC38

Team Sapphire claim overall honours at the NZ Bridge 2 Bridge Waterski Classic 2025

Scrutineering and the Show ’N Shine at Hamilton’s Classics Museum set the tone for a standout weeken...
Bridge2Bridge

New global weather models raise the bar for marine forecasting

With the launch of the PredictWind PWAi, AIFS and ICON models, New Zealand boaters get sharper tools...
New products and upgrades

Airmar opens ANZ distribution centre in Melbourne

Local inventory to boost supply, speed, and support for New Zealand and Australian marine dealers.
NZ Marine Industry News

Naiad production in USA

The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG), a global leader in high-performance watercraft design and manufact...
Boat BusinessMarine Industry NewsNovember 2025

Ngāti Wheke propose drop in fishing quota in Lyttelton Harbour

Proposed bylaws for Rāpaki and Whakaraupō mātaitai reserves aim to protect kaimoana and restore bala...
Sustainable Fisheries

Severe thunderstorm watch for Upper North Island

Heavy rain and thunderstorms expected this afternoon and evening. MetService has issued a s...
Weather forecast

1934 Classic Arch Logan ‘Little Jim’

Some boats feel alive the moment you step aboard. Little Jim does.
Boat Profile

Freedom Boat Club Christchurch and Freedom local

Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boat club, is expanding in New Zealand with a new location at...
Boat BusinessMarine Industry NewsNovember 2025

Sir Russell Coutts to headline Yacht Racing Forum 2025

The 15th edition of the global Yacht Racing Forum returns to Amsterdam this November, bringing the w...
METSTRADE

Dometic’s CFO departs after steering a strong recovery

After helping deliver improved margins and stabilising Marine sales, CFO Stefan Fristedt announces h...
News Bites

Palm Beach XI returns to take on the 2025 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Boating NZ takes a first look at the Rolex Sydney to Hobart — and the rebirth of Palm Beach XI.
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race

FNZ proposes continued exemption for returning spiny dogfish at sea

A new Fisheries New Zealand review supports keeping the rule allowing fishers to return spiny dogfis...
Marine Conservation

Palm Beach 85 — the superyacht that still drives like a Palm Beach

The PB85 stands as both a flagship and a benchmark for modern boatbuilding excellence.
New Boat

Transat Café L’Or 2025: Class winners crowned across the Atlantic

The world’s longest double-handed transatlantic race crowns champions in the Ultim, Ocean Fifty, and...
Transat Café L’OR

Auckland’s bioluminescence at Stanmore Bay described as ‘unforgettable’

People have been flocking to Auckland's Stanmore Bay to catch a glimpse of an unusual bioluminescenc...
News Bites

The sailors to watch

The 2025 A-Class Worlds field is stacked with past champions, Olympic medallists, and Kiwi contender...
PredictWind A-Class Catamaran Worlds

Pāua poachers caught in Taranaki: hundreds taken from closed area

Fisheries officers and Police intercept two groups in as many nights, seizing over 450 illegally gat...
News

Remembering Brian Edward Collings

A craftsman, innovator, and proud New Zealand boatbuilder.
Obituary

New head for Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta has appointed Hanna Ljungqvist as Head of the Volvo Penta Marine Business and a member o...
Boat BusinessMarine Industry NewsNovember 2025

From fire to flip: Day 1, Key West World Championship 2025

Monster Energy / M•CON leads Key West World Championship 2025 opener as a spectacular Mead Family Ra...
US Offshore Powerboating

Sargo 45 Explorer arrives in New Zealand

Finland’s all-season flagship sets a new standard for Kiwi adventure boating.
Marine Industry News

McLaren Performance M300: Honda’s 300-horsepower breakthrough

The McLaren Performance M300 marks a rare crossover between automotive engineering and marine power....
New products and upgradesPowerboating

The science of speed

The A-Class fleet at Milford shows how technology and seamanship combine to produce breathtaking per...
PredictWind A-Class Catamaran Worlds

Viabilis Oceans claims Ocean Fifty victory in Transat Café L’Or 2025

French duo Baptiste Hulin and Thomas Rouxel pull off a dramatic comeback to win in Fort-de-France. ...
Transat Café L’OR

Coastguard responds to late-night Mahurangi callout

Quick thinking, teamwork and a helpful kayaker prevent a marine emergency from escalating.
Coastguard News

Sodebo Ultim 3 claims second in Transat Café L’Or

Coville and Schwartz take a hard-earned podium in Fort-de-France
Transat Café L’OR

Cabba countdown: Round 3 returns to Round Mountain Raceway

Round 3 of the Penrite V8 Superboats returns to Cabba with fierce trans-Tasman rivalries.
Australian V8 Jetsprint Superboats

SailGP 2025 Grand Final: Four teams, one title, and US $2 million on the line

Emirates GBR lead on points, the Black Foils are closing fast, and Abu Dhabi’s flat-water arena will...
SailGP 2025

Sarah Psaila: “Everyone deserves to come home”

Meet Sarah Psaila, the Coastguard skipper inspiring confidence and safety on New Zealand waters.
Coastguard NewsProfiles on Key FiguresWater Safety Month - NZ

Rayglass Boats completes first 380 Wide Body Protector at new Takanini facility

Milestone marks a new era of in-house manufacturing and innovation for the Kiwi boatbuilder.
Marine Industry News

SVR-Lazartigue takes line honours in the Transat Café L’OR 2025

Laperche and Cammas master the Atlantic to claim a record fifth victory for Cammas and a career-defi...
News

Marine Pest of the Week – Asian Paddle Crab (Charybdis japonica)

The Asian Paddle Crab is in some parts of New Zealand we don't want it to spread.
Marine Pest of the Week

Raymarine brings innovation to the Sydney International Boat Show

The 2025 Sydney International Boat Show promises four days of on-water innovation at Darling Harbour...
Boat TechSydney International Boat Show

Offshore greats Dalin and Mettraux named 2025 Rolex Sailors of the Year

Vendée Globe heroes top the honours as World Sailing celebrates a year of record-breaking achievemen...
Awards

Emirates Team New Zealand recognised as 2025 World Sailing Team of the Year

World Sailing honours the Kiwis’ innovation, teamwork, and enduring excellence after a historic Amer...
America's CupAwards

The A-Class returns to Auckland

The A-Class Worlds return to Auckland as elite sailors from eight nations race the world’s fastest s...
PredictWind A-Class Catamaran Worlds

Aucklanders urged to stay alert for yellow-legged hornets

Biosecurity New Zealand ramps up surveillance as a new invasive threat emerges on the North Shore.
Invasive Species

SVR Lazartigue surges toward victory as Transat Café L’Or nears its climax

As the Ultims close on Martinique, the Ocean Fifty and IMOCA battles tighten — and Kiwi sailor Conra...
Transat Café L’OR

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