Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show 2027 in Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is the country's biggest and longest-running marine exhibition, held each May at Auckland Showgrounds in Epsom. Across four days, visitors can compare hundreds of boats — from jet skis and trailer boats to serious offshore fishing rigs — alongside engines, electronics, trailers and accessories from leading brands. The show goes well beyond the marina. The Shimano Fishing Pavilion hosts pro-staff seminars on snapper, kingfish and tuna, the SnapCatch Fishing Classic adds a competitive angling element with AI-verified catches, and daily Viking Kayak giveaways keep the crowd engaged. Other features include the NEFF Cooking Theatre, the Wairau River Wine & Cheese Masterclass, the ChinChiller Brewing Street Food Alley and a Movie Theatre screening historic footage from the show's past. Tickets are valid for one day only, with adult prices lower online in advance (around $25) and higher at the gate ($30); children aged 6–15 pay $5 and under-fives enter free. Gates open at 10am daily, closing at 6pm Thursday to Saturday and 5pm on Sunday. Parking is limited and paid options operate nearby at Alexandra Park and Cornwall Cricket Club, so arriving by public transport is worth considering. With the grand prize — a Surtees/Yamaha boat package worth over $380,000 — drawn live on the final afternoon, the show has become a fixture for Auckland's boating community and a strong draw for visitors planning a weekend in the city.