The Auckland International Boat Show will again be held in the heart of Auckland City in the magnificent Viaduct Harbour. This venue was developed to serve as the base for the 2000 and 2003 America’s Cups and now provides an ideal sheltered haven for the boat show. It is surrounded by seaside restaurants, bars, bistros and world class hotels.
Auckland International Boat Show 2011
Close to the spectacular Hauraki Gulf and its myriad of islands, the 2011 show will be a true showcase for New Zealand’s world-renowned marine industry. Hundreds of high-class power and sail, new and used, private, charter and classic vessels will again be on display on the specially constructed floating marina. The show will again span across both sides of the Viaduct, starting with exhibits on Te Wero island and coming across to the Viaduct Events Centre where the latest boats, marine engines, electronics and accessories will again be on display, creating a true one-stop shop for all marine requirements.
The 2011 show continues to be recognised by and accepted as a member of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO). It also remains one of Auckland City Council’s major annual events. Patrons will be entertained and informed, while the exhibitors will be provided with great business opportunities thanks to the NZ2011 offi ce and NZ Trade & Enterprise.
Auckland International Boat Show 08. - Credit Auckland International Boat Show
Boat show exhibitors have rushed to secure space for the boat show; land-based exhibition space is sold out and 80% of on-water berths are also booked, indicating extra space will be needed to fill demand and provide a wide range of boat show special deals.
Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine Industry which organises the boat show, says the strong interest reflects New Zealand’s heightened international profile in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup.
NZMI usually welcomes 20,000 visitors to the Auckland International Boat Show; it expects a significant increase in this number, with RWC forecast to bring 85,000 international visitors to New Zealand.
NZMI will host a Superyacht Captains’ Forum in the Viaduct Events Centre over the Wednesday and Thursday of the show, to be followed by a nationwide tour of New Zealand marine manufacturers, from trailerable powerboats to mid-range yachts and motoryachts, to superyachts.
Another top crowd puller at the boat show will be the International Boatbuilding Competition in which apprentices will build boats in two hours before racing them for the boat show crowds – an entertaining way to promote New Zealand’s highly successful NZ Marine Industry Training Organisation which every year oversees 500 apprentices working in 128 companies.
Mr Busfield says the four events – the Auckland International Boat Show, the Superyacht Captains’ Forum, the Nationwide Tour and the International Boatbuilding Competition – are an ambitious schedule. “New Zealand has an incredibly vibrant, innovative marine industry, and this is a fantastic opportunity to promote it to our New Zealand boat owners and a new, international audience in a new, world-class facility. We’re making the most of it.”
Auckland International Boat Show
Viaduct Events Centre
15 to 18 September, Auckland
NZ Marine Industry Rugby World Cup related events:
Auckland International Boat Show 15 – 18 September 2011
Superyacht Captains Forum 15 – 16 September 2011
International Boat Building Competition 17 September 2011
Industry National Yard Tours September – October 2011
Waikato Boat, Fishing and Leisure Show 14 – 16 October 2011
Event details:
Wednesday 14 September, invitation only preview 4pm – 7pm
Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 September 2011, open to the public 10:00am to 6:00pm daily
Adult day pass $20.00
Child 5 – 15yr’s day pass $8.00
Child under 5 Free
Family day pass $40.00
Adult 4 day pass $30.00
