There is something for everyone at the Auckland Boat Show's 25th anniversary edition, opening this Thursday, and while gleaming new vessels and the latest marine technology will draw plenty of attention, the event's educational and community dimensions are just as compelling for the thousands of enthusiasts who pass through each year.
Specialists representing a wide sweep of the marine sector have committed to being on the ground across the four days, helping boat owners deepen their knowledge of sustainability, safety, fishing success and marine biosecurity. The line-up includes LegaSea's fishing and sustainability advocates, Auckland Coastguard, marine and island biosecurity experts, the Wild Chix community for women, and the team from Monster Fishing, who will be on hand with practical advice about gear and lures suited to local conditions.
Mike Plant of the New Zealand Sportfishing Council says the show creates the kind of conversation that is hard to find anywhere else. "Our boats are a big part of our lives," he says. "Many owners prioritise boating over other luxuries. That connection naturally drives a desire to learn more about protecting the environment and staying safe on the water."
Children are well catered for too. Nicky Sinden, host of TradeZone Addicted to Fishing, will run Kids Fishing Workshops throughout the weekend, building confidence, skills and safety knowledge in young anglers.
Marine biosecurity is another thread running through this year's show. Specialists at the 'Clean Below? Good to Go' stand will explain the risks posed by threats including exotic caulerpa, Japanese mantis shrimp and other marine pests. Visitors can also step into a virtual reality session with BLAKE New Zealand, and at selected times the Auckland Council's biosecurity detector dogs will be present, giving people a chance to hear directly about efforts to protect the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
New to the show this year is Monster Fishing, bringing premium Japanese fishing rods, lures and tackle systems that are newly available in New Zealand. "Our team talks fishing all day, every day," says Cory Morton-Jones from Monster Fishing. "We're looking forward to sharing what we know with fellow enthusiasts."
Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of the Wild Chix community, recognised that women new to boating often face particular barriers, whether time, childcare, confidence or simply a lack of familiarity with the sport, and tapped into a real hunger for outdoor learning and camaraderie. What began as a side hustle has grown into a full-time business, with demand rising rapidly and a wait list now in place. "It's normal for guys to cook but not for women to fish," she says. "Women want to take their kids fishing, to know what rod to use, and how to manage a boat. I'd love to normalise that."
The 25th Auckland Boat Show runs from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March 2026 at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland. With more than 1.3 kilometres of boats on the water, the event is built around supporting industry growth and sustainability, and includes dedicated zones for careers, sustainability, high-end charters and sea trials, all accompanied by interactive activations and educational content.
