Tauranga's inaugural Boat Expo and Water Festival has been officially launched and organisers say it looks set to be a success with exhibition spots almost full up.

The three day event from November 4-6 is Tauranga's only ‘on the water' boat expo featuring the latest boats, watercraft and marine equipment, on the water action along with marine seminars and family fun.

Mayor Stuart Crosby says the expo is an opportunity to showcase the potential of the waterfront as a business and events hub.

'It is a great opportunity to show off what the possibilities as the council considers upgrading the waterfront, particularly for events and bringing the public back to the waterfront.”

For the first time the expo will be located at the southern end of the Reclamation on The Strand to provide more space for on and off the water activities and displays.

Along with an outstanding array of boats and other watercraft, exhibitors will be displaying the latest innovations for water related activities along the waterfront.

Food, refreshments and entertainment with seminars and demonstrations will add to the festive atmosphere.