The countdown is on with Tauranga's only on the water boat expo one week away.

Held on The Strand's waterfront this year's Tauranga Boat Expo and Water Festival begins next Friday, November 2 and will showcase all the Bay marine industry has to offer.

Tauranga's only on the water boat show is on next weekend.

Aimed at being a real family event admission is $5 for adults and free for children.

The event is organised by the Tauranga Marine Industry Association and Chairman Brian Kent, says this year's focus is on creating a user-friendly plan that will allow people to wander through the site on the Tauranga Harbour.

'We have a large range of on the water craft including kayaks, powerboats and jet skis” says Brian.

'In addition there will be marine suppliers who can give people tips on everything from fishing rods, reels and lures; Safety at Sea is offering free lifejacket checks.

The Harbourmaster, BOP Polytechnic, Ministry for Primary Industries (formerly MAF), Coastguard and Tauranga City Council will be all on hand to answer questions and show the variety of work they undertake.

Free jetski rides, demonstrations of paddleboats and kayaks will make the Expo an interesting, fun and informative event.

'Showcasing the beautiful Tauranga Harbour and having fun on the water is what this Expo is all about,” says Brian.

The popular Water Festival will run throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the Bath Tub Boys running scheduled races, along with demonstrations from wake boarders and water skiers.

The Tauranga Yacht Club will be racing just off the harbour's edge. All events will be listed on the Boat Expo website www.boatexpo.co.nz

The region's only on the water Boat Show is on November 2 from 10am – 6pm and Saturday and Sunday 10 - 4pm.