Hooked a nation - 70th Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show reels in thousands
by Pippa Lekner 26 May 15:03 PDT
14–17 May 2026
The milestone 70th edition of The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show has wrapped up after four hugely successful days at the Auckland Showgrounds, proving New Zealand's love affair with boating and fishing is still running full throttle.
More than 31,000 visitors cast off for the annual event, which featured the country's biggest showcase of marine products, innovation, fishing gear and family-friendly attractions — alongside celebrations recognising seven decades of Kiwi boating culture.
This year's coveted Surtees / Yamaha Grand Prize Package — including a brand-new boat, motor and trailer package — went to long-time attendee Mark Stamm, who has been coming to the show with his brother since 2001.
The pair have long joked that if they ever won the boat, they'd split it in half — with Mark taking the front and his brother taking the back. After leaving the show on Sunday, the brothers stopped for dinner on the way home and reportedly said, "Well, we'll have to come back next year." Moments later, Mark received the life-changing phone call confirming he'd won the grand prize.
General Manager Helen Kay said the 70th anniversary event highlighted just how passionate New Zealanders remain about life on the water, "To celebrate 70 years and see the industry and boating community turn out in such strong numbers was incredibly special. There's a real sense of tradition and connection with this show — for many families it's something they've been attending for generations."
The atmosphere across the four days was fantastic. From serious buyers to young kids discovering fishing for the first time, it really showcased the depth and passion of New Zealand's boating culture."
The 2026 show by the numbers:
- 31,423 visitors
- 215 exhibitors, including 73 new exhibitors
- 266 boats
- 366 motors
- 117 trailers
- 13,828sqm of exhibition space
- Celebrating the event's 70th year
A major highlight of the exhibitor function was the announcement of the 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, with former New Zealand Marine Industry Association Executive Director Peter Busfield recognised for more than three decades of outstanding service to the New Zealand marine industry.
Although unable to attend the Friday evening event, the award was accepted on Peter's behalf by his son George Busfield, owner of Barclay Yachts, alongside grandson Hugo. The presentation was made by newly appointed Director Callum Gillespie.
Organisers say the strength of the turnout, the calibre of exhibitors and the continued support from the boating and fishing community reinforced the show's standing as one of New Zealand's most enduring and beloved lifestyle events.
After 70 years, The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show continues to prove there's nothing quite like life on the water for Kiwis.
Save the dates for the 71st show, 13 - 16 May 2027 at Auckland Showgrounds.
For more information, visit: www.boatshow.co.nz