Outdoor Goods in New Zealand

Outdoor goods retailers supply the kit for getting into the bush and the hills, from tents, packs and sleeping bags to boots, raincoats and cooking gear. They serve weekend campers, trampers tackling the Great Walks and hunters and climbers heading further off the track. The right gear makes a real difference when the weather turns, which in New Zealand it often does.

Fit and function beat brand names, so favour a store with staff who tramp themselves and can fit a pack and boots properly. Ask about a garment's waterproofing and warmth rating, since cheap wet-weather gear fails fast in alpine conditions. Try boots on with the socks you will wear and walk around the shop. Compare prices and watch end-of-season sales, but do not skimp on the items that keep you warm and dry. A store that offers repairs or hire is one that understands the gear.