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 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: