The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, the country’s largest and longest-running boat show, is back at Auckland Showgrounds from May 15–18, 2025. This year’s event promises an expanded showcase of boats, cutting-edge marine technology and interactive experiences for all ages.
The world’s first hydrogen-powered prototype outboard will make its New Zealand debut with Yamaha at The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show. Fishing enthusiasts, don’t miss the Shimano Masterclass Series, led by fishing legend Matt Watson and expert Shimano pro staffers. These sessions are packed with insider tips and a bit of banter. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, you’ll pick up tricks on everything from tackling tuna, to mastering surfcasting.
The adjoining Shimano Fishing Pavilion features the latest gear, expert advice, and everything an angler could want. Across the showgrounds, visitors will find boats of every shape and size, from sleek cruisers to serious fishing rigs, along with engines, accessories and the latest marine electronics. With over 200 exhibitors on display there’s something for everyone. The New Trailer Hub offers a look at the newest trailer tech, while the Safety & Education Workshops and Hutchwilco Pool live demos keep the focus on smart boating.
Families are well catered for, too. Kids can enjoy free activities like an inflatable pirate ship, bumper boats and a rodeo shark. Adults can enjoy the Kai Collective, food trucks, and the Boat Show Bar with a live DJ from George FM on Friday night.
Other zones for 2025 include the New Fishing, Dive & Travel Zone and the Generate KiwiSaver Hub, helping visitors plan for their dream lifestyle on and off the water.
It wouldn’t be The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show without an epic Grand Prize — and this year, is the biggest yet. One lucky punter will take home a Surtees/Yamaha prize package worth over $360,000, featuring a fully kitted Surtees 770 Game Fisher, a powerful Yamaha 350hp V6, Garmin electronics, and an Alloy-Tech trailer. It’s the largest prize in show history.
Highlights of the show include:
- The world’s first hydrogen-powered prototype outboard making its New Zealand debut with Yamaha
- The Shimano Masterclass Series, led by fishing legend Matt Watson and expert Shimano pro staffers, offering insider tips and tricks for anglers of all levels
- The Shimano Fishing Pavilion featuring the latest gear and expert advice
- Over 200 exhibitors displaying boats of every shape and size, engines, accessories, and the latest marine electronics
- The New Trailer Hub showcasing the newest trailer tech
- Safety & Education Workshops and Hutchwilco Pool live demos focusing on smart boating
- Free activities for kids, including an inflatable pirate ship, bumper boats, and a rodeo shark
- The Kai Collective, food trucks, and the Boat Show Bar with a live DJ from George FM on Friday night
- The New Fishing, Dive & Travel Zone and the Generate KiwiSaver Hub
- An epic Grand Prize worth over $360,000, featuring a fully kitted Surtees 770 Game Fisher, a powerful Yamaha 350hp V6, Garmin electronics, and an Alloy-Tech trailer
Show Info:
- When: May 15–18, 2025
- Where: Auckland Showgrounds
- Tickets: Adults $25 online until 12 May or $30 thereafter, Kids (6–15) $5, Under 5s Free
- Details & tickets: www.boatshow.co.nz
Photo credit: Stephen Barker / Barker Photography. ©XPO Events
