The future is now: The first hoverboard in NZ

Timmy Keely, the first person in New Zealand to ride a hover board. Photo / Steven McNicholl

A $15,000 hoverboard is sending Kiwi gadget-lovers back to the future at Big Boys Toys.

One of only 11 of the boards worldwide - and the only one outside the United States - a Hendo Hoverboard is among the star attractions at the annual three-day event in Auckland.

The unveiling of the Hendo Hoverboard at Big Boys Toys. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Tens of thousands of Aucklanders will attend Big Boys Toys this weekend, which boosts some of the latest and greatest vehicles, gadgets and services.

This year's features include competitions to find New Zealand's fittest crossfit athlete and Auckland's best digger operator.

A limited-edition Bentley GT3-R Supercar worth an eye-watering $540,000 has also been part of a huge car and motorcyle display.

But the place to be at lunchtime today was the unveiling of the hoverboard.

A copper-topped skate ramp has been specifically installed at the event. The metal surface combines with a magnetic system mounted beneath the board to create a magnetic field which lifts the board from the ground.

The technological wonder was imported by local entrepreneur Jamie Vujcich who unveiled the gadget.

The hoverboard concept was famously part of the cult Back to the Future movie trilogy but science fiction has now become science fact.

The bad news is the the batteries on the cutting-edge machines - which can levitate - only last around seven minutes.

Vujcich says he wants to see special parks created as the technology continues to develop.

"This is just the beginning, we envisage hover parks and all kinds of new applications in the future" he said.

Big Boys Toys continues today and tomorrow at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane.