Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show Celebrates 70 Years

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show returns this May, marking 70 years as New Zealand’s biggest boating and fishing event.

Running from 14–17 May at the Auckland Showgrounds, this year’s show celebrates not just the latest in boats and gear, but the people and stories that have shaped Kiwi boating over the decades.

From humble beginnings in the 1950s to today’s high-tech setups, the show has grown alongside New Zealand’s strong connection to the water — becoming a place where boaties come to upgrade, plan their next trip, and see what’s new in the industry.

To mark the milestone, visitors can expect a mix of modern innovation and heritage, including classic boats, special displays, and plenty of exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services.

Exhibitors Worth Checking Out 👇

🔹 Haul Safe – Simple Idea, Serious Protection

Haul Safe is a New Zealand-designed solution focused on improving trailer safety and protecting both drivers and the wider community.

The device fits securely to your tow bar and locks over the trailer coupler, removing any ability for the coupler to lift off the tow ball. This provides an important extra layer of protection against accidental decoupling — whether caused by incorrect hitching, worn tow balls, rotating couplers, or mismatched sizes.

Beyond the physical protection, Haul Safe also acts as a clear visual reminder to double-check your connection before hitting the road — helping reduce the risk of human error.

Designed with adjustable height settings, it suits a wide range of trailer setups and can be locked in place for added security when your trailer or boat is unattended.

When a trailer detaches, the consequences can be serious — not just for the driver, but for everyone on the road. Haul Safe is about reducing that risk and adding peace of mind every time you tow.

👉 See Haul Safe at Stand 808

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🔹 Aakron Trailers – Built for Strength, Backed for Confidence

If you’re in the market for a boat trailer, Aakron Xpress is well worth a look.

Known for quality and reliability, Aakron backs its trailers with a 10-year structural warranty, giving buyers confidence they’re investing in something built to last.

They offer premium trailers at competitive prices, along with friendly, no-pressure advice from one of Auckland’s leading trailer specialists. Nationwide delivery is available, with the added reassurance of a 100% refund guarantee if your boat doesn’t fit the trailer.

Aakron also supports customers with finance options, trade-ins, accessories, and repair and maintenance services.

Each trailer is built for durability and performance, featuring fully welded steel frames, hot-dip galvanised components, adjustable setups, and quality running gear designed to handle real New Zealand conditions.

👉 See Aakron Trailers at Stand 865

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🔹 BoatDek – Comfort and Style Underfoot

For those looking to upgrade their boat, BoatDek delivers a premium flooring solution that enhances both comfort and appearance.

Through a partnership with Batavian Rubber, BoatDek offers advanced marine decking designed specifically for New Zealand conditions — combining durability with a clean, modern finish.

Whether you’re fishing offshore, cruising with family, or running a commercial operation, BoatDek provides a surface that improves grip, reduces fatigue, and lifts the overall look of your boat.

Custom-designed to suit individual vessels, BoatDek systems are built to handle the harsh marine environment while maintaining their performance over time.

👉 Check out BoatDek at Stand 185

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Get Along and Check It Out

Whether you’re upgrading your boat, trailer, or gear, there’s plenty to see at this year’s show.

📅 14–17 May 2026
📍 Auckland Showgrounds

👉 For more information visit: www.boatshow.co.nz

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