Significant changes to the Auckland (On Water) Boat Show will now see the on water and on land areas of the show all in the same area at Auckland’s Viaduct precinct.
While the 2021 Auckland On Water Boat Show was to be spread over two venues, the organising committee of the MIA have announced they have secured on land space, large enough to cater for the expanding exhibitor requirements.
Starting with the October 2021 show, the changes will see the show move to a new high-profile location, providing additional exhibitor space both on and off the water and making a great environment for show patrons to enjoy. From 2022 and for future years, the show will be in March -taking advantage of summer weather conditions enabling us to further promote boating as a lifestyle to the wider public.
The 7th to 10th October 2021 Auckland Boat Show will be located at the newly built America’s Cup marina utilising the expansive new sheltered harbour in front of the ‘North Wharf’ restaurants for on water exhibits and on land space adjacent to INEOS America’s Cup challenger syndicate base for boat show exhibitors in marquees and on land hard stand displays.
The purpose-built boat show marina will expand on the already excellent marina facilities in the ‘America’s Cup’ harbour and will enable the organisers to greatly increase the on-water space available for exhibits, displays and sea trials.
“It is our full intention to hold the show in this area long-term, and to grow the show with expanded exhibitor space and expand on themes to create a vibrant exciting atmosphere”, says show organiser, says Stacey Cook.
“We are very pleased to have the strong support from Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Unlimited who are fully supportive of our plans to develop and grow this show in the facility provided from the legacy of the 36th America’s Cup. We also appreciate the ongoing good support of Viaduct Harbour Holdings who support our show frequenting Auckland’s waterfront, bringing in visitors from throughout NZ and Australia”, added Cook.
Moving forward, the boat show will be permanently moved to a late summer timeframe with planning already under way for the 17th – 20thMarch 2022 show. The show in October 2021 is the last show being held in spring and from 2022, 2023, 2024 onwards the show will be in the late summer timeframe.
The March timing is suited for an on-water based show, allowing the boating public and potential new people to boating to sample and enjoy boating in calmer and warmer weather conditions. It makes full use of daylight saving so show patrons can enjoy the ambience at one of New Zealand’s newest and pleasant waterfront café areas within central Auckland City. It also allows exhibitors to secure orders for delivery throughout the autumn and winter months leading up the to the following boating season and is a great time for offshore agents, parent companies of products sold in NZ and overseas agents for NZ built boats and equipment to visit NZ and be part of the largest one-stop- shop New Zealand marine industry on display.
