Tauranga boatbuilder Marra Marine used this year's Auckland Boat Show to make its debut in custom boatbuilding, stealing some of the attention from the established names on display.
The boat in question was Kaeā, a 13.8-metre Elite motor yacht designed by naval architect Bill Upfold of Elite Marine Design. It was one of the standout New Zealand-built vessels at the show, commissioned by an owner who wanted something fast, comfortable and seaworthy enough for regular Cook Strait crossings between Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds. Cruising at 27 to 28 knots, with two cabins and generous indoor and outdoor living space, Kaeā delivered on that brief with some genuinely polished detailing throughout.
For Tim and Maddie Marra, the boat marked a real milestone. The couple started out in a home garage back in 2018, building a reputation for high-quality refit and maintenance work before taking on Kaeā as their first complete new build under the Marra Marine name. Their ambition now is to build custom vessels in the 12 to 18 metre range, adding another name to New Zealand's substantial boatbuilding sector.
Bill Upfold's collaborations across numerous projects with yards including Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders and Allan Tongs Boatbuilders have produced some of New Zealand's most recognisable luxury motor yachts. He says the show's value lies in connecting that depth of talent with buyers.
"New Zealand has an extraordinary depth of boatbuilding talent, from the established yards through to smaller businesses making their mark. What sets our industry apart is the combination of design expertise, practical boating knowledge and the ability to work closely with an owner to create exactly the boat they want. The Auckland Boat Show gives people the chance to see that quality for themselves, meet the builders and start conversations that can lead to their next boat," says Bill Upfold.
The established yards had plenty to show too. Allan Tongs Boatbuilders, built on Auckland's North Shore, brought the latest Elite AT43, the tenth vessel produced from the popular design, with an eleventh already under construction. Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders showcased the 18-metre Elite motor yacht Zaphira, which had made its show debut the previous year.
Tracey Stevenson described the Auckland Boat Show as the industry's pinnacle event, saying the relationships and collaboration fostered there were important for the business. The company finished the 2026 event with discussions underway about possible new builds.
Hawke's Bay-based Dickey Boats presented three vessels: the Semifly 36, Semifly 45 and the impressive Pacific 62 long-range sport fisher, spanning everything from luxury recreational cruisers to substantial offshore vessels. Dickey Boats reported strong interest from new and existing customers.
Trailer boats had a strong presence too, with brands including Extreme Boats, Innovision, Stabicraft, Surtees, Senator, Haines Hunter, Rayglass, Profile Boats and Makaira Boats. New releases included the Offshore 1100 HTC Power Cat from Offshore Boats NZ, a foil-assisted power catamaran designed for offshore fishing, diving and adventure cruising, and Fin Chaser Boats' new 800 Hard Top amphibious boat.
Tristram Marine brought its premium 821 Offshore APEX Edition, while Smuggler Marine showcased its 800 Super Sport. Smuggler Marine's boatbuilding story began in 1986, when the business was established as David Pringle Boatbuilders, initially building sailing yachts before moving into powerboats in 2004.
At the smaller end of the market, businesses such as Offshore Cruising Tenders and Takacat demonstrated New Zealand's expertise in tenders and inflatable craft, serving both domestic and international customers.
Around 1,200 sea trial trips were undertaken during the 2026 event, giving visitors the chance to compare boats, assess performance and make informed purchasing decisions on the water rather than just on paper.
With an estimated 40 percent of New Zealand-manufactured powerboats sold offshore, the industry has an important export story to tell. The 26th Auckland Boat Show runs from 1 to 4 April 2027 at Auckland's Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour.
