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 6 - Sun 7 June 9.30am - 4pm | $320 per person
Discover the art of traditional clinker (lapstrake) boatbuilding in this hands-on two-day course focused on the essential skills of laying out, spiling, and fitting planks. Participants will learn the full process, from creating a smooth run of planks and making patterns to planing gains, shaping bevels, and fastening a finished plank into place. Perfect for anyone interested in building a clinker dinghy or gaining practical wooden boatbuilding experience.
Ages: 16+ | Materials are all included
Sat 20 - Sun 21 June, 9.30am - 4pm NOW SOLD OUT | Sat 10 - Sun 11 October, 9.3am - 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: 16+ | Materials for your half model are included in the course
Sat 11 - Sun 12 July 9.30am - 4pm | $485 per person
Create your own beautiful pair of traditional spoon blade oars in this hands-on two-day course. Guided through each step of the process, participants will learn how to mark and cut out the blanks, glue the components together, and shape the oars ready for final varnishing and fitting with rowlocks and sleeves. The course includes all materials needed to build a pair of 6-foot oars to take home.
Ages: 16+ | Materials are all included
Sat 8 - Sun 9 August, 9.30am - 4pm | $320 per person
Gain confidence working with woodworking tools in this practical course focused on sharpening, setup, and safe use. Covering hand planes, chisels, carving and woodturning tools, as well as saws and saw blades, participants will learn the theory and techniques behind creating and maintaining a sharp, effective edge. The course also explores selecting the right tools for different tasks, understanding saw types and teeth, and safe operation of circular saws, table saws, and bandsaws. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own tools for guidance on sharpening and setup, though practice tools will also be provided.
Ages: 16+
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: