When Sealegs introduced the world’s first commercially successful amphibious recreational craft in 2001, it opened a revolutionary and exciting new chapter in New Zealand boat manufacturing. What began as an innovative solution to launching and retrieving boats without the need for ramps, trailers, or marina facilities quickly evolved into an entirely new market segment, attracting interest from recreational boaters, commercial operators, and rescue organisations around the globe.
A quarter of a century later, the amphibious or “wheelie boat” market has matured significantly. The concept has proven itself to be both practical and reliable, leading to widespread acceptance not only throughout New Zealand but also in international markets. Today, Kiwi-designed amphibious technology can be found operating in countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, with New Zealand manufacturers continuing to lead the way in innovation and export success.
The local market now encompasses three distinct retractable wheel systems, all designed and manufactured by Auckland-based companies. Sealegs remains the industry leader by volume, while Anura has rapidly gained popularity among both New Zealand and international boat builders thanks to its versatile hydraulic systems. Tectrax has carved out its own niche with advanced all-electric amphibious technology, appealing to builders and owners seeking quiet, environmentally conscious operation on land.
Together, these three home-grown technologies showcase New Zealand’s ability to develop world-leading marine innovations, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of amphibious boating as demand continues to grow worldwide.
ANURA AMPHIBIOUS SYSTEMS: TRANSFORMING YOUR BOATING EXPERIENCE
Since 2012, Anura, a privately owned New Zealand company, has played a leading role in the evolution of amphibious technology. That journey began with the development of modular amphibious systems designed to provide adaptable solutions across a wide range of craft and applications.
Today, Anura continues to build on that foundation through a philosophy centred on two key principles: choice and integration. Rather than promoting a single power source or drivetrain as the ideal solution for every situation, Anura recognises that different craft, environments, and operational requirements call for different technologies. This approach allows the company to develop integrated solutions tailored to specific applications, helping manufacturers and operators select systems that best suit their needs.
Anura systems support a broad range of power and drive options within the amphibious market, including petrol, diesel, hybrid (EOH), hydraulic, and electric solutions. This flexibility allows manufacturers to match the most suitable technology to recreational, commercial, tourism, first responder, or defence applications.
Reflecting this practical and application-focused approach, Anura recently introduced its new High Power (HP) Series, the S55, S65, and flagship S75 systems, designed for craft with a GVM of up to 8000kg. Developed for larger and more demanding applications, the HP Series delivers greater drive torque and incorporates an advanced traction control system to enhance load-carrying capability, traction performance, and operational reliability in challenging environments.
The HP range has attracted strong international interest, including from commercial operators, government agencies, and the defence sector. Technologies and innovations developed through these specialised applications continue to contribute to the ongoing refinement of Anura’s broader product range.
Integration is the second major focus shaping Anura’s development strategy. As modern marine craft increasingly incorporate advanced power, navigation, control, and digital management systems, Anura has established its Integration Program, working alongside global marine technology companies to support fully integrated amphibious solutions for boat manufacturers.
The aim is to ensure Anura systems remain compatible with the rapidly evolving marine technology landscape while supporting streamlined installation, ease of use, and long-term platform flexibility.
Beyond amphibious systems themselves, Anura has also introduced an Online Portal that provides manufacturers and owners with access to technical documentation, product information, and historical service records. The platform is designed to improve support, transparency, and long-term confidence in ownership across the Anura network.
Trusted by boat manufacturers in New Zealand and internationally, Anura continues to strengthen its reputation through engineering innovation, practical design, and a focus on delivering amphibious solutions suited to the evolving needs of modern craft owners and operators.
TECTRAX: ALL ELECTRIC
Tectrax has been developing electric amphibious systems for more than 10 years, with its technology now adopted by several leading New Zealand boat builders. The company’s Generation 2 system is the only fully electric amphibious system on the market, eliminating the need for hydraulics altogether. Without hydraulic components, the system is efficient, requires less maintenance, and is easier for boat builders to integrate into new vessels.
The latest Tectrax system is fully digital and operated via an intuitive joystick and modern touchscreen interface. Advanced features such as Autonomous Launch and Landing come standard, making the transition between land and water easier than ever. A cruise control function allows operators to set and maintain a chosen speed on land for a smoother driving experience. In response to customer demand, Tectrax also offers steering-wheel control, allowing the boat to be steered on land from either the joystick or the helm. With no internal combustion engine dedicated to amphibious propulsion, the system operates quietly and preserves valuable onboard space.
At the heart of the system are three independent axial-flux electric motors driving reduction gearboxes. Tectrax’s advanced traction control independently manages each wheel, delivering improved grip, easier launch and recovery, and confident hill-climbing capability. The rear motors incorporate electric parking brakes for added safety, while regenerative braking recharges the batteries during operation. Much like an electric car, the system can generate power while travelling downhill.
One of the standout features is Tectrax’s Advanced Steering Control. The front wheel can turn through an impressive 110-degree arc, while an electronic steering differential delivers exceptional manoeuvrability, even on larger vessels. For added convenience, the helm-steer option allows operators to control the boat on land, just as they do on the water.
Leg deployment and retraction are handled by a compact electric actuation system, enabling Tectrax to completely remove hydraulics from its latest design. Manual overrides are included, allowing individual legs to be deployed or retracted in the unlikely event of a system fault, providing valuable peace of mind.
In early 2026, Tectrax introduced semi-solid-state 48V LiFePO4 batteries backed by a five-year warranty. These batteries deliver greater power, reduced weight and increased operating range. Integrated 12V-to-48V charging allows the outboard engine to keep the amphibious batteries topped up during extended off-grid adventures.
Looking ahead, Tectrax plans to launch its new T5000 system in September, designed for significantly larger vessels. Additional models are scheduled for release in 2027, bringing electric amphibious capability to an even wider range of boat sizes.
AMPHIBIOUS TRAILERING
Adding to the world of amphibious boating is something a little different. Dreaming of an
amphibious boat, but already own a boat you love? New Zealand company Tectrax may have the answer with its recently released “Boat-Launcher”.
Unveiled at the 2025 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, and now in full production mode, the Boat-Launcher is a remote-controlled, self-propelled boat trailer designed to make launching and retrieving boats effortless. The concept was developed after Tectrax, known for its electric amphibious wheel systems, received constant enquiries from owners wanting amphibious capability without replacing their existing boats.
The solution is a remotely operated electric wheel system that trailer manufacturers can
integrate into their own trailers. Using Tectrax’s proven amphibious technology, each wheel is independently powered by a quiet electric motor, no hydraulics and no noisy petrol engines. During testing, the system operated with minimal sound, something early-morning fishers and their neighbours will appreciate. The PowerBoat Magazine team experienced the system at Narrow Neck Beach aboard a specially designed Flyfin trailer. Launching was remarkably simple: from the boat’s helm, the trailer was remotely reversed into the water, the boat floated free, and the empty trailer was driven back up the beach to wait. Retrieval was equally easy, with the trailer backed into the water remotely before the boat was driven aboard and returned to shore.
Powered by a 48-volt four-wheel-drive system, the trailer travels at 6 to 8kph and uses only 5-10% battery charge per launch. Built for New Zealand beach conditions, the system also demonstrated impressive all-terrain capability in soft sand. The Boat-Launcher system comes with a 3-year warranty, and a 5-year warranty for the batteries. Tectrax is delivering Launchers in New Zealand in Partnership with Flyfin boats with three, four and six-wheel-drive models able to take boats up to six tonnes. Marco Boats have also launched a four wheeled drive floating launcher, for 6-7.5m boats – first seen at the Hutchwilco Boat Show in 2026, which is perfect for boaters that would prefer to launch forwards and anchor the Boat-Launcher at sea.
International demand is strong with partnerships in UK, Europe Australia already established.
SEALEGS AMPHIBIOUS ENABLEMENT SYSTEMS (AES): THE AMPHIBIOUS SYSTEMS ORIGINATOR
Sealegs International, headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, remains the originator of amphibious boating and continues as the world’s most popular brand by sales numbers alone. The Sealegs Amphibious Enablement System (AES) kits today provide amphibious capabilities for craft ranging from 3.8m to their range-topping 12.0-meter Cabin RIB. Today’s range of kits spans the System 20 electrically driven system (System 20E), through System 60, System 70 petrol/hydraulic, and, at the high end, the incredible System 100 diesel/hydraulic, capable of supporting craft up to 10,000 kg in weight (operating environment dependent).
The System 20E is used exclusively on the Sealegs 3.8m electric tender, providing up to 50 minutes of continuous on-land run time. The System 60 is designed for vessels with a maximum gross weight of up to 2,500 kg. The System 70 is designed for vessels with a maximum gross weight of up to 3,500 kg and is powered by either a 28hp Honda or a 40hp Briggs and Stratton petrol engine. At the high end, the System 100 can handle up to 10,000 kg gross weight depending on operating conditions, powered by a diesel inboard engine rather than petrol.
All systems come standard with switchable two-wheel/all-wheel drive (AWD) built in, power steering and an automatic braking system (ABS).
Sealegs remains the largest manufacturer of amphibious systems in the world, designing, manufacturing, and assembling every Sealegs craft at their dedicated facility in Glenfield on Auckland’s North Shore.
