Marking seven decades of putting boats, gear, and fishing culture under one roof, the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show returns to Auckland Showgrounds from 14 to 17 May for its 70th edition, and the organisers have made sure the milestone doesn't pass quietly.
The centrepiece of this year's show is a Surtees and Yamaha boat package worth more than $380,000, the largest door prize the show has ever offered. At 70 years old, the show is still finding ways to raise the bar.
Beyond the headline giveaway, the programme is packed with hands-on activity. Nicky Wilson, one of New Zealand's best-known fishing personalities, will lead dedicated workshops aimed at kids and women, pitched at those looking to build confidence and practical skills on the water. Shimano masterclasses with Matt Watson are confirmed for the event, sitting alongside safety and education workshops. A daily Viking kayak giveaway adds another reason to return across all four days.
The show floor spans the full width of New Zealand boating life, from trailer boats through to serious offshore rigs, the newest electronics, and a comprehensive range of tackle. Visitors can handle equipment, speak directly with the people who build it, and take the time to work out what they are buying next.
More announcements are on the way as the countdown continues toward the biggest edition in the show's seven-decade history. The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show runs 14 to 17 May at Auckland Showgrounds.
