Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show set to be another marine showcase

by Samantha Linn on 6 Sep 2010
Summer is fast approaching and now’s the perfect time to get your marine needs sorted.

Into its eighth year and proudly Waikato’s only boat and fishing showcase, Hamilton’s Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show is set to be another remarkable showcase of the marine industry. With a variety of industry heavy weights exhibiting and access to show only deals, the event is sure to satisfy the region’s boat and fishing enthusiasts.

This year’s Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show will be held 15 to 17 October at Mystery Creek Events Centre. A joint venture between the Marine Industry Association and Mystery Creek Events Centre, the popularity of the three day event was evident in 2009 which boasted an increased attendance of 13,000 visitors. Being the only event of its kind in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato area last year had obvious benefits, but despite this year’s Tauranga show; the speed at which sites were filling exceeded 2009 with exhibiting businesses snapping up sites earlier, revealing the Waikato show’s significance to the industry.

Spread over four substantial exhibition areas; the Pacific Ocean Pavilion, Tasman Sea Pavilion, Think Tank and outside sites, the size and scope of the Mystery Creek Events Centre based show is extensive. Amongst well over 100 businesses, exhibitors include; Rollo’s Marine, Andrew Fink Marine, Fish City, Tristram Marine, Viking Kayaks and Cambridge Marine. The broad range of products, equipment and supporting services on display provides the ideal opportunity to compare the different brands and deals on offer.

Last year marked the launch of ‘Innovation Court’ an exhibition area showcasing pioneering inventions designed to address minor to massive challenges encountered by marine enthusiasts. Products displayed in this area are typically right out of the ‘innovator’s shed’, often prior to entering mass production and going to market.

In addition to the immense selection of exhibitors, a variety of compelling marine based activities and demonstrations will also be on display at the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show. The Mystery Creek Events Centre Lake will host the return of M-I-A’s wakeboarding demonstrations. Those keen to gain some hot tips & tricks can expect great advice from fishing expert Adam Clancy, who will be sharing his experience and expertise outside the Think Tank area. Also on offer is a selection of demonstrations by an assortment of local hobby clubs.

Back by popular demand, Environment Waikato, are facilitating a boating and water safety youth programme on Friday of the show. Into its second year, this critical youth water safety campaign is executed by a range of key organisations and consists of six modules including; Safe Boating with Coastguard Boating Education and River Safety with Mighty River Power & Water Safety New Zealand.

Winter is long gone so get your aquatic activities up to scratch and check out the latest products on offer at the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show, held 15 to 17 October, 2010 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, just 10 minutes from Hamilton. Open from 10am to 5pm, admission is $12 for adults with 14 year olds and under free. Tickets are available for purchase online now at www.waikatoboatshow.co.nz . For further information about the Waikato Boat, Fishing & Leisure Show, visit their new website at www.waikatoboatshow.co.nz or check out the event’s Facebook page.