Auckland Boat Show on track to be largest ever
Organisers say the 2025 Auckland Boat Show, which kicks off today (6 March 2025), will feature more than 1.3km of boats on the water, totalling 222 vessels, with an additional 200 on land, meaning the event is on course to be the largest ever held.
The annual show, which takes place at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour and runs until 9 March 2025, has become a key venue for showcasing new vessels and marine technologies in the New Zealand market. Originally focused on domestic releases, it has expanded to include international yacht debuts as local and regional demand for larger and more advanced vessels increases.
The 2024 edition of the Auckland Boat Show displayed 400 boats in total.
“In the 24 years of the Auckland Boat Show, we’ve seen a distinctive increase in the size of yachts displayed at the show,” says show organiser, Stacey Cook.
“Not only are we seeing much larger boats on display, with this year’s largest vessel sitting at 29 metres, we’re also seeing demand for luxury charter yachts as New Zealanders take to the seas, both here and in international waters.”
As the average size of boat has increased for this year, the show is covering a larger footprint overall. “Where last year we had plenty of smaller boats, this year we’ve got many more yachts between 20-30 metres, and our trailer boats are averaging 8-9 metres rather than 5-6 metres,” a show organiser told MIN.
Among the larger yachts entering the New Zealand market are models from the Greek brand Omikron Yachts, which recently received the European Powerboat Award for its OT-60. The company has also launched the OT-80 as its new flagship model.
“We’ve recognised the need for bigger and bigger yachts to grace the sparkling Waitematā,” says Paul McDonald of McD Yachts, the brokerage house introducing both the OT-60 and OT-80 to New Zealand.
“People’s yachts are an extension of their lifestyle – so going from their spacious homes or holiday homes leaves them seeking a similar experience of comfort and space aboard their yacht. In addition, having a 60-foot motor yacht like the Omikron OT-60 gives the opportunity to cruise Fiji or around the Pacific, which gives a great winter vacation and also extends the usability of the yacht throughout the year,” adds McDonald. “This trend will only continue.”
Omikron’s OT-60 is being introduced to New Zealand by yacht broker McD Yachts.
For the first time, two Sunreef yachts will be exhibited at a New Zealand boat show. The 23-metre Sunreef 70, Ginette, will be available for both charter and sale via Ocean Independence. It includes space for eight guests and three crew members and comes equipped with a range of water sports equipment.
“People are moving to bigger volume yachts, and a catamaran suits that purpose superbly,” says Ocean Independence’s Blair MacLeod.
“A catamaran is also extremely stable and suits the new market of owners and charters who prioritise comfort, space, ease of handling and a strong connection to the water.”
The brokerage section will also feature a Sunreef 80-foot motor yacht. Built for extended voyages, this vessel has four staterooms, a hydraulic swim platform and multiple lounging areas.
Another vessel making its debut is the Sasga 55FB, presented by European Marine. This flybridge yacht is designed for long-range cruising and features a full flybridge, a large sundeck and a spacious interior to accommodate various weather conditions.
Family Boats will introduce the latest BRIG RIB to New Zealand, continuing its 15-year history of representing the brand in the market. The new Navigator 22 features a reinforced deep-V hull, ergonomic helm seating and a design focused on stability and performance at high speeds.
The Candela C-8, an advanced electric hydrofoiling boat, is also making its New Zealand premiere at the Auckland Boat Show.
Candela C-8.
The Auckland Boat Show includes a sea trial marina, where visitors can test new vessels and equipment on Waitematā Harbour.
“We’re a marine nation, and it makes sense that we lead the world in creating better ways to be safer, faster and more sustainable on the water,” says Cook.
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