Few events on the New Zealand boating calendar combine spectacular scenery, genuine competition, and a deep appreciation for maritime heritage quite like the NZ Antique and Classic Boat Show. Set against the alpine backdrop of Nelson Lakes National Park at St Arnaud, the show returns to Lake Rotoiti on 7 and 8 March 2026.
The event has built a devoted following over more than two decades. Its 25th anniversary edition in 2025 drew a record 158 boats and roughly 2,000 visitors, with clear skies and sunshine making for ideal conditions on the water. Founder Pete Rainey reflected on the full sweep of the show's history.
"We've held the show when the weather was so bad the Cook Strait Ferry couldn't sail. We've turned out in gumboots and puffers and we ran a reduced show during Covid. But on our 25th anniversary we had blue skies, bright sunshine and just enough wind for the sailing race."
From restored steam launches and elegant pleasure craft to working boats and retro runabouts, the show draws together a broad cross-section of New Zealand's classic fleet each year. The 2026 programme promises the same mix of land displays, on-water competition, and evening celebrations that have made it a firm fixture on the classic boating calendar.
Both days open with land displays running from 8.00am to 1.00pm, with boat registration accepted between 8.00am and 11.00am and a participant briefing scheduled for 11.00am. The afternoon shifts the focus to the water, with all boats assembling west of the West Jetty at 2.00pm for the traditional Drive-Past before racing gets under way from around 2.15pm.
The race programme casts a wide net. Powerboat categories cover Minis, Jetsons, Grunters and Monsters, encompassing everything from compact outboards to larger motorboats. The schedule typically includes sailing races, rowing and sculling, Seagull outboard races, popper classes, a steamboat parade, canoe racing, and even a swimming race. Once the final race is done, the lake opens for general use, with a five knot speed limit applying within 200 metres of shore.
Saturday evening brings the Commodore's Award Ceremony at the Alpine Lodge Bar from 9.00pm. Entry is free and open to all. A buffet meal is on offer from 6.00pm, though tickets for that need to be arranged in advance. Day 2 follows a broadly similar format, with the precise schedule confirmed on the day and subject to weather.
Boating NZ returns as a key part of the show, presenting its Retro Boat of the Year award to celebrate the finest unmodified survivor runabout or trailer sailer built before 1990. To be eligible, the vessel must represent a recognised New Zealand design or manufacturer and be capable of taking to the water during the show weekend. The winner receives a three-page feature in Boating NZ along with the Retro Boat of the Year Trophy.
In 2025, that honour went to Tugboat, a 1970s Savage Electra Glass Skiboat that impressed judges with its originality and condition. Judge Tim Porter summed up its appeal.
"Fibreglass never dies, the retro colours are popular and people just like being reminded of the 60s and 70s."
The show's most coveted prize remains the Jens Hansen Cup. Judges weigh up presentation, story, condition, engineering, and overall impact when making their selection. It is not a competition that automatically rewards the rarest or most valuable vessel. What matters is the boat that stands out as special and memorable. The 2025 winner was Robin, a 1961 Albatross Continental restored by the Green family of Oamaru. Past recipients have included Aqualark, Moonraker 11, and Aurora, a list that reflects the diversity and depth of New Zealand's classic fleet.
With entries already building ahead of 2026, organisers are encouraging owners to dust off their treasures and bring them to Rotoiti for a weekend that celebrates craftsmanship, heritage, and time on the water.
