Join the global celebration - World Boating Day 2025 in NZ

Mark Saturday, 24 May 2025, in your calendar for World Boating Day – a global celebration connecting boating communities across the planet. Following a successful launch in 2024 with nine participating countries, this year's event is expected to be even bigger. As Kiwis, we're uniquely positioned to kick off the celebrations before most other countries, showcasing our passionate boating culture to the world through locally organised events and the #WaveForBoating social media campaign.

Why Kiwi boaties should get involved

World Boating Day aims to make boating more accessible, celebrate the achievements of the boating industry, and highlight career opportunities on the water. This non-profit, inclusive event welcomes everyone, from century-old shipyards to curious newcomers, from innovative design studios to weekend sailors. By participating, you'll help break down barriers while connecting with fellow boating enthusiasts who share your passion for New Zealand's spectacular waterways.

If you need a reason, consider this Maritime New Zealand survey - around 45 per cent of Kiwi adults take part in recreational boating every year. That level of engagement is rare, and Boating NZ argues World Boating Day is the perfect platform to “showcase what makes our boating culture so special.” The day also lends clubs and businesses a natural hook for safety refreshers and sustainability workshops - conversations that matter just as much as horsepower and hull speed.

How to make waves in your community

Whether you arrange a harbour cruise for neighbours, demonstrate a new electric outboard or simply snap a cockpit selfie and tag the hashtags, your effort slots into a worldwide chorus on 24 May 2025. Mark the date, give the topsides a polish and decide how you’ll add your voice. World Boating Day is equal parts celebration and invitation - an open call for New Zealand’s boating community to lead the wave and show the world how we do it down here in Aotearoa.

Discover events happening near you or register your own celebration by following #WorldBoatingDay2025NZ or visiting worldboatingday.com