Carousel slide 1 imageFrom 2026, the Traditional Boatbuilding School will deliver year-round programmes from the historic Percy Vos Boat Yard in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ensuring the heritage, knowledge and practical skills of traditional boatbuilding in Aotearoa are preserved for future generations.
Based at Percy Vos Boat Yard, the school will continue a long tradition of learning within the historic shed, supporting makers to experience the techniques, tools and materials that define classic boatbuilding.
For more information, visit nztbs.org.nz
The New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School offers practical workshops and learning experiences throughout the year. These programmes are designed to teach participants traditional boatbuilding techniques while building confidence and practical skills.
Sat 2 - Sun 3 May, 9.30am - 4pm | $320 per person
This hands-on course will teach you how to transform a lines drawing into a half model, built with your own hands. Throughout the course you’ll learn how lines drawings work, and how sections and waterlines are translated into the three-dimensional shape of a hull. By the end, you’ll have created your own beautifully crafted half model to take home.
Beginner course | Ages: 18+ | Materials for your half model are included in the course
Sat 20 - Sun 21 June, 9.30am - 4pm | $320 per person
This introductory course is designed for those wanting to build a small plywood boat while learning the fundamentals of boatbuilding. Gain hands-on experience with epoxy and fibreglass work, gluing and creating clean fillets, sharpening and setting up hand tools, and safely selecting and using both hand and power tools along with plenty of practical tips and tricks along the way.
Beginner course | Ages: 18+ | Materials for your half model are included in the course
All workshops are held at the historic Percy Vos Boat Yard, 38/42 Hamer Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland.
Bookings are managed through the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School website at www.nztbs.org.nz.
For enquiries about the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School, please contact them directly: