Battered dinghies, sleek cedar kayaks, power boating legends and clunky clinkers – hours of effort from ‘blokes in sheds’ will be displayed at Lake Rotoiti in a weekend of ‘Glorious Hydromatic Relaxation’.
The NZ Antique and Classic Boatshow is now in its 14th year, and continues to grow in the number and quality of craft presented, as well as the number of people attending to view the boats and the action. Organiser Pete Rainey says it’s become a mecca for those who love the fine lines of a well constructed craft.

There are some very interesting boats coming from North Island this year to compete for the first time in the Antique and Classic Boat Show, including a 1947 Chris-Craft racing runabout.

The format on both days is the same – on-shore displays in the morning and races on the lake in the afternoon. Judging will take place on Saturday, ahead of an evening awards dinner at the Alpine Lodge. Judging for Jens Hansen Trophy is not all about looks, with the judges also looking at history, construction and a boat with a story to tell.