The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show 2026 guide: How to win a $380k boat and loads more

It’s the 70th anniversary of The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, NZ’s largest and longest-running boating and fishing event.

From Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026 at Auckland Showgrounds, celebrate a whopping seven decades hooked on boating and fishing, with exciting new features and plenty of classic throwbacks.

If you're thinking of heading along, we've got everything you need to know make sure your sorted for an epic four action-packed days.

What to expect at The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show

You’ll see hundreds of boats, marine gear and exhibitors all under one roof with plenty of massive show-only specials.

It’s a fun, family-friendly day out for all ages, with bumper boats, a giant inflatable pirate ship, rodeo shark and more keeping the kids entertained all day.

If you get hungry, there’ll be a great range of food trucks and a dedicated Kai Collective zone to keep everyone full and fueled.

Plus, dedicated zones for different interests - whether you’re into serious offshore fishing, family cruising or the latest tech, it’s all gonna be there!

Haven’t got your way in sorted yet? Last chance tickets are on sale now! Don’t miss your shot at the biggest boat prize ever and 70 years of boating and fishing magic.

What’s on - free with your ticket

Make the most of all four full days with FREE Shimano Masterclasses featuring fishing legends including Matt Watson and more. Or upskill your safety knowledge in the Safety & Education Workshops, all free to attend with every ticket.

For the family and beginners, there'll be Kids’ Fishing Workshops with Nicky Wilson (hands-on knot tying, rig making and tips) and ‘She Fishes NZ’ Ladies Fishing Workshops ($30 each, limited spots – book early!)

Head to the Shimano Fishing Pavilion or the new Catch N’ Cruise zone for the latest fishing gear, expert tips, show specials and everything boating and adventure.

And don’t miss the 70-year throwback installation in Hall 1 – it's a nostalgic look at New Zealand’s innovative boating history.

We'll be there too!

The Rock

The Rock Roadies will be showing up EVERYDAY of the Boat Show with our Tugging Rig! Punters will step up to the plate to test their might! The strongest pull of the weekend will walk away with the grand prize a brand new fishing kayak. Cheers to the team at Viking Kayaks!

The Sound

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music at The Sound’s Yacht Rock Lounge! Swing by the lounge, browse our records, and score some sound merch. One lucky listener will win a pair of Waxenwolf Pioneer ISUP-YAKs, the ultimate 2-in-1 paddleboard and kayak combo. Thanks to the team at Hutchwilco!

Exhibitors and massive show-only specials

Explore hundreds of boating, fishing and marine exhibitors under one roof - the biggest marketplace of its kind in New Zealand.

You can have a look at which exhibitors you'll come across HERE.

Score exclusive show deals on boats, engines, electronics gear and accessories. Whether you’re kitting out for serious offshore fishing or family cruising, you’ll find it here.

Get in to WIN the ultimate grand prize

Be in to win the Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Boat Package, which is the biggest prize in the show's history, valued at over $380,000. This fully loaded beast includes a Surtees 770 Game Fisher XL, a Yamaha F350 4.3L V6 outboard with Helm Master EX joystick control and autopilot, a galvanised tandem trailer from The Trailer Shop, and a full Garmin electronics package.

The package also features heaps more from top marine brands, including Shimano fishing gear, a Hutchwilco and O’Brien watersports bundle, and premium accessories.

How to enter:

• Purchase your ticket online or at the gate.

• Register your ticket (easy online or at the show).

• Scan your registered ticket at all scan points throughout the show before 4pm on Sunday 17 May

That’s it - you’re automatically in the draw! The winner will be announced live on Sunday.

Bonus entry: Buy your ticket online before midnight Monday 11 May 2026 and you’ll go into the draw twice (once you complete the scans).

Terms and conditions apply.

More Chances to WIN onsite

The SnapCatch Classic Fishing Competition is free to enter via the SnapCatch app, offering over $28,000 in prizes across multiple species categories. You can catch the live prizegiving at 3pm on Saturday, May 16th, in the Boat Show Bar to find out who secured the biggest catches and who nailed the mystery length.

Plus, you could win a Viking Kayak every day of the show with the Viking Kayaks Daily Giveaway - all you have to do is turn up, and you're automatically entered - score! It's going to be an unreel four days (see what I did there). We'll catch you there!