Exhibition space has been increased by 20% for the 2026 edition of the Auckland Boat Show, with organisers citing clear signs of recovery in New Zealand’s marine industry.
The expansion has created room for 150 exhibitors and 200 boats both on land and water.
Organisers say a growing confidence is returning to the sector with market data showing a turnaround in the final quarter of 2025, driven by new boat sales, commercial vessel construction, a strong second-hand market, and increased demand for refit, maintenance and berthage services.
With the exchange rate increasingly favouring New Zealand manufacturers, exports are also strengthening, with around 40% of New Zealand manufactured powerboats now sold offshore.
The industry has come through a low point and is now entering steady growth again.
Peter Busfield
Around 30,000 boats are sold in New Zealand each year, ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, and boating remains the country’s most popular recreational activity, with around 40% of the population taking part.
Maritime New Zealand data shows there are around 1.95 million boats in the country, ranging from windsurfers and trailer boats to yachts, launches and commercial vessels.
And the country’s industry is estimated to be worth $3 billion, including NZ$800 million in exports.
NZ Marine executive director Peter Busfield, who organised the first show in 1999, says the past year has marked a turning point for the sector.
Long-standing and new exhibitors
“The industry has come through a low point and is now entering steady growth again. We’rehearing consistently from members that sales activity has picked up, people are upgrading, and the second-hand market is strong,” he said.
“It’s not a boom, but it is a clear and encouraging turnaround.”
Auckland Boat Show organiser Stacey Cook says demand from both long-standing and new exhibitors has driven the show’s expansion.
Exhibitor demand
“We’ve seen a lift in confidence across the industry, and that’s flowing directly into exhibitor demand,” she said.
“This year’s show will be bigger, more diverse, and a genuine reflection of an industry that’s moving forward again.”
She added: “People come to the show to see what’s new, to shop for a boat, and to immerse themselves in the marine world.”
The 25th Auckland Boat Show will take place from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour in Auckland.
