A 12% increase in overall visitors has been reported by the Auckland On Water Boat Show compared to last year’s figures.

Exhibitors at New Zealand’s largest on-water show, which ran from September 27-30 at the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland, said the audience represented a strong buying market as they reported buoyant sales and quality enquiries.

“It was a really positive show and we had serious buyers through,” said Terry Bailey of Arvor Boats, a sentiment which was echoed by many.

“We had a successful number of sales across the range, and it was the best Auckland show for us in years,” added Maritimo’s Tom Barry-Cotter.

Team Windcraft had a range of sailing yachts on display and New Zealand manager, Dominic Lowe, said they sold the stock boat from the stand, received two more orders and have some strong enquires to follow up on.

Organiser Stacey Cook says the show team is thrilled with the results of this year’s show. “Our remit is to showcase the marine industry and help businesses flourish, so hearing from exhibitors the market felt strong, and they’ve received good quality enquiries is exactly what we want,” she said.

New Zealand company, 36 Degrees Brokers, partially credits the good results to changes it’s observed in the New Zealand consumer.  “We introduced all-new vessels, never before seen in New Zealand, which highlight a relaxed European style with plenty of space to lounge,” says 36 Degrees’ Conrad Gair.

“The response was incredibly positive, and we also had very strong interest in a syndicated approach to boating – so many people are just starting to see it as an option and are coming to understand the many different boating avenues it opens up to them.

Auckland-based boat syndication company Ownaship reported its most successful show yet. “We’ve had fantastic enquiries, a great quality of people coming through, and found that nothing was a real issue. It was well-organised and very relaxed,” said Ownaship’s Chris Janes.

“We think Kiwis are changing the way they boat and they’re drawn to having access to great boating experiences at a fraction of the cost. Having a boat fully-managed means they can have both bach [holiday home] and boat, while knowing the vessel’s ready for them to enjoy when they want it,” Janes added.

This year was the 20th edition of New Zealand’s largest on-water boat show and was the last year the show will be held in the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre for the foreseeable future. The centre has been turned over to Emirates Team New Zealand to create their headquarters for their Cup campaign.

Next year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show will shift slightly to spread around the Viaduct Harbour in the heart of the city’s marine precinct.