Auckland Wooden Boat Festival: Expressions of interest from exhibitors flow in
by Zoe Hawkins 5 Nov 2025 17:15 NZDT
13-15 March 2026
2024 Auckland Wooden Boat Festival © Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
The team behind the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival reports that expressions of Interest are flowing in from a wide variety of wooden boat owners in Auckland and further afield for the next Auckland Wooden Boat Festival on 13-15 March 2026.
Here is an insight into the festival for boat owners and exhibitors:
Jellicoe Harbour turns into a sea of wooden boats for the duration of the festival. Boats generally arrive the day before the event starts to be safely secured and leave the day after it finishes, so you can expect to have a berth for around five nights. You’ll need to have someone onboard during show hours (Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday).
Small boats like sailing dinghies and picnic boats on trailers will be inside at the Viaduct Events Centre - which means sails up (if you have them)! We also have under-cover space for other exhibitors, which means art, books, models, boat building tools and steam engines can stay secure and out of the weather.
Plus, The New Zealand Maritime Museum will host short films, displays, talks and activities not only in the museum itself, but also in the glorious Percy Vos Heritage Boat Shed - which has the honour of being our oldest surviving wooden boat building shed and has been lovingly restored on the edge of Westhaven Marina.
With social functions, a great community spirit, and a very well organised event, there is a lot to enjoy as an exhibitor! To be part of it, complete the expression of interest form and learn more on our website. The Expression of Interest form is online now for boats at Jellicoe Wharf, the Viaduct Events Centre, interactive activities and displays.