It is boat show season, with two Auckland shows competing for customers.
Up this weekend is The Auckland International Boat Show at the Viaduct Harbour. The Hutchwilco NZ Boat Show is at the Auckland ASB Showgrounds in May.

Entry prices are similar with this weekend’s show gate price at $20 for adults. The May show doesn’t have gate prices on the website, but is $17 for pre booked tickets.
The Auckland International Boat Show is organised by the Marine Industry Association. As well as a packed display of new boats on the water, the floating exhibition will sport a new layout to accommodate the America’s Cup class yachts competing in the Louis Vuitton regatta and their entourage – an active, bonus display in the Viaduct Harbour, until March 21.

In a buy one, get one free deal, international boat show ticket holders will include a free ticket to Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum’s newly opened exhibit, Blue Water Black Magic – A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake with any other ticket to the museum purchased.
The Hutchwilco NZ Boatshow in May is offering kayaks and trips to Tonga for ticket holders.
Visitors to this year’s show from May 13-16 will have the chance to win a selection of prizes including a $1000 kayak package every hour, a $7600 trip for two to Tonga and rides in one of the world’s fastest jet boats.
A $1000 Viking kayak package will be drawn every hour from 12 noon until the show closes on each of the four days. Each package consists of a 3.2m Viking Nemo kayak, a De Luxe seat, a standard paddle and a Hutchwilco multi-fit buoyancy vest and has a total retail value of just under $1200.
Also up for grabs at this year’s show is an eight day trip for two to Tonga, staying in the Hakula Lodge and fishing the tropical waters of Vava’u.
The prize includes three days exclusive charter on MV Hakula with Captain Jeff Le Strange, one of the Tonga’s top gamefishing skippers.
and a host of new boats, engines, electronics and accessories, due to be unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.