Chilly Bin NZ: 8 Best Picks, Sizes, Prices & Where To Buy

Hunting for a chilly bin in NZ can get confusing fast. Do you go 20L for day trips or 70L for a long weekend? Rotomoulded or classic? Will it actually keep salt ice frozen, and how heavy does it get once loaded? Add in a dozen retailers, wildly different price points, and marketing claims about “multi‑day ice”, and it’s hard to know what’s worth your money for camping, boating, fishing or the bach.

This guide cuts through the noise. We’ve rounded up eight of the best chilly bin options in New Zealand—covering rugged rotomoulded coolers, value picks you can grab nationwide, and stylish picnic classics. For each, you’ll see the sizes and key specs, real‑world cold performance and build quality, who it’s best for, and current NZ pricing with where to buy. We’ll compare trusted names like YETI and Icey‑Tek alongside local retailers including Action Outdoors, Mitre 10, Bunnings, Hunting & Fishing, Napoleon Goods and Smart Marine, so you can match the right capacity, insulation, and budget to how you actually use it. Ready to keep the kai and cans cold without the guesswork? Let’s find your ideal chilly bin.

1. Action Outdoors: Chilly bins and coolers for fishing, boating and camping

If you want a one‑stop shop for a chilly bin NZ buyers can trust for the beach, bach or barge, Action Outdoors has you covered. Their focus on fishing, marine and camping means the coolers they range are chosen for real Kiwi conditions, not just catalogue specs.

Sizes and key specs

Capacity drives usability and weight, so pick to your trip length and crew size. Action Outdoors caters to day missions through to multi‑day boating, with practical sizes that fit utes, kayaks and cockpits without wasting space.

• 10–20L: Solo day trips, lunches, bait.
• 22–30L: Picnics, beach days, small crews.
• 40–60L: Long weekends, family camping, runabouts.
• 70–100L+: Boat fish bins, big groups, bulk ice.

Key specs to look for across options:

• Insulation: Rotomoulded vs blow‑moulded.
• Seal: Gasketed lid, firm latches.
• Hardware: Hinges, tie‑downs, drain.
• Footing: Non‑slip feet, stackable lids.
• Size/weight: Internal vs external dimensions.

Cold performance and build

Rotomoulded bodies with thick foam and a proper lid gasket deliver the longest ice retention and durability on boats and trailers. Real‑world performance also comes down to how you pack and use it, especially with salt ice and summer temps around the coast.

• Pre‑chill the bin and contents where possible.
• Use block/salt ice and limit lid openings.
• Fill it well to reduce warm air gaps.

Reports from Kiwi campers and fishos suggest quality bins can hold salt ice for multiple days when packed right, which lines up with what you’ll see in premium builds.

Best for

Action Outdoors’ mix suits weekend warriors through to boaties who are rough on gear. If you split time between camping, surfcasting and chasing work‑ups, you’ll find a size and build that fits the lot.

• Boaties/fishers: Tough ice boxes that strap down.
• Family campers: Mid‑size coolers, easier carry.
• Day trippers: Compact, grab‑and‑go convenience.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Pricing scales with size and construction: blow‑moulded and picnic‑style bins are the most affordable; mid‑wall coolers sit in the middle; premium rotomoulded, multi‑day models cost more but last longer. Check current stock and deals via Action Outdoors’ online store or visit their Auckland retail shop; the Specials section regularly features sharp pricing on seasonal coolers and marine ice boxes.

2. YETI hard coolers (Roadie & Tundra): Premium ice retention

If you’re searching “chilly bin NZ” and want top‑tier cold hold, YETI’s hard coolers are the benchmark. The Roadie line covers compact, carry‑friendly coolers for day missions, while Tundra steps up to classic chest sizes for longer trips and bigger crews. They’re built for serious insulation and tough use on boats, beaches and backroads.

Sizes and key specs

Pick your size to match trip length, crew, and how often you’ll open the lid. Roadie suits day trips and cabin space; Tundra spans medium through large capacities for camping and boating.

• Roadie (compact): Grab‑and‑go size for lunches, a few drinks, and bait.
• Tundra (medium–large): Weekend to multi‑day capacity for families, fishers and boaties.
• What to check: Exterior footprint vs boot/deck space, carry options, drain placement, and a tight‑sealing lid.

Cold performance and build

YETI highlights “extreme insulation power to keep your food and drinks cold in any environment,” which is exactly what you want in midsummer or on the water. Real‑world results still depend on use: pre‑chill when you can, pack densely, favour block/salt ice, and limit openings to stretch ice life.

• Pre‑chill: Cool the bin and contents first for best results.
• Pack right: Fill gaps and keep cold air in with fewer lid lifts.

Best for

• Boaties and fishers: Premium ice retention and a rugged, deck‑ready build.
• Family camping: Reliable chill across hot weekends with frequent lid opens.
• 4WD and travel: Durable cooler that handles knocks and tie‑downs.

NZ pricing and where to buy

YETI hard coolers sit in the premium price tier. In New Zealand, you can buy them through the official YETI NZ store and check current availability, sizes and pricing there. If you’re comparing a chilly bin NZ wide, budget accordingly—these cost more than value bins but are chosen for long‑term performance.

3. Icey-Tek chilly bins: NZ-tough multi-day performance

If you want a chilly bin NZ boaties and campers lean on, Icey‑Tek is a proven name. Billed as “New Zealand’s toughest & coldest bins,” their coolers are built from premium components for commercial‑grade durability, making them a favourite on decks, beaches and baches.

Sizes and key specs

Pick capacity to suit how far you’re going and how often you’ll open the lid. Two NZ‑available reference points give an easy starting range.

• 22L (compact): Day trips, bait and lunches; easy carry and stow.
• 56L (mid‑size): Weekend camping, family food + drinks, small‑boat missions.
• What to check: Tight‑sealing lid, solid latches, drain for melt‑out, non‑slip feet, tie‑down options, and inside vs outside dimensions.

Cold performance and build

Icey‑Tek leans on rugged construction and thick insulation, and Kiwi campers report that a good bin like an Icey‑Tek can keep salt ice frozen for roughly 5–7 days when packed well and not opened constantly. As always, technique matters as much as the cooler.

• Pre‑chill the bin and contents before loading.
• Use block/salt ice and fill air gaps for fewer warm spots.
• Limit lid opens and keep the bin shaded and off hot decks.

Best for

• Boaties and fishers: Tough, deck‑ready bins that handle tie‑downs and rough use.
• Family camping: Reliable chill for hot weekends and mixed food + drink loads.
• Multi‑day road trips: Solid ice life with sensible packing and fewer lid lifts.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Expect pricing to scale with size and build. As a reference point, a 56L Icey‑Tek has been listed in NZ from as low as $369.99 at major outdoor retailers. Compact options like the 22L are also available locally. Buy direct from Icey‑Tek NZ or through nationwide retailers such as Hunting & Fishing; check current stock and pricing before you go.

4. Mitre 10: Value chilly bins and coolers nationwide

After a solid, good‑value chilly bin NZ shoppers can grab alongside camping and BBQ bits? Mitre 10’s range of chilly bins and coolers sits squarely in the practical, family‑friendly zone—easy to buy online and a sensible choice when you want something that works without fuss for picnics, beach days and weekends away.

Sizes and key specs

Mitre 10’s selection typically covers compact through to larger family sizes, so match capacity to crew size, boot space and how long you’re away. Prioritise usability over sheer volume if you’ll carry it often.

• Compact: Lunches, bait, small picnics; portable and easy to stash.
• Mid‑size: Family day trips and BBQs; balances capacity and carry weight.
• Large: Long weekends and group trips; better stationary or boat use.

Key things to check:

• Insulation/build: Blow‑moulded picnic coolers vs more robust chest designs.
• Seal and latches: A snug lid and firm latches reduce warm air ingress.
• Carry options: Comfortable handles; wheels on larger models help.
• Drain plug: Makes melt‑out quick and tidy.
• Footing: Non‑slip feet or a stable base for decks and patios.

Cold performance and build

Value coolers prioritise convenience and weight, so real‑world chill depends on packing and use more than marketing claims. Use smart technique and you’ll comfortably cover day trips and typical weekend duties, especially for food and drinks rather than multi‑day ice retention.

• Pre‑chill the bin and contents where possible.
• Favour block/salt ice over cubes for longer hold.
• Fill gaps to minimise warm air.
• Shade it and minimise lid opens to stretch ice time.

Best for

• Families and casual campers: Reliable, budget‑friendly chill for weekends.
• Beach and park days: Easy to carry, simple to clean.
• Backup drinks bin at the bach: Extra capacity when guests pile in.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Prices vary by size and construction. For current availability and pricing, browse Mitre 10’s online chilly bins & coolers category, then confirm dimensions and capacity before you buy. You can also check your local store for what’s in stock and pick the size that fits your vehicle or boat.

5. Bunnings Warehouse: Budget-friendly chilly bins and coolers

If you’re hunting a chilly bin NZ wide on a tight budget, Bunnings is a handy stop. Their “warehouse prices” approach and broad range of coolers, ice boxes and eskies make it easy to grab a practical bin alongside weekend DIY supplies, with online ordering and Click & Collect convenience.

Sizes and key specs

You’ll commonly find compact lunch coolers through to larger family and boat‑friendly ice boxes. Balance carry weight against capacity, and check the footprint fits your boot or deck.

• 10–20L: Solo lunches, bait, quick park trips.
• 25–40L: Day outings and small crews; easier to carry.
• 50–100L: Weekends, groups and boat duties; better kept stationary.
• What to check: Tight lid seal, firm latches, drain plug, comfortable handles or wheels on bigger units, non‑slip feet, and internal vs external dimensions.

Cold performance and build

Most budget models are blow‑moulded picnic/chest designs—great for day trips and typical weekends when packed well. Technique matters as much as the cooler.

• Pre‑chill the bin and contents; avoid adding warm food/drinks.
• Use block or salt ice and minimise air gaps.
• Keep shaded and limit lid openings to hold temps longer.

Best for

• Families and casual campers: Reliable chill without overspending.
• Beach, BBQs and sports days: Portable and easy to clean.
• Tradies/DIYers: Site lunches and cold drinks between runs.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Expect pricing to scale with size and features, with Bunnings positioned at warehouse‑value levels. Check current availability online, then choose delivery or Click & Collect at your nearest store. Confirm capacity and dimensions against your vehicle or boat before you buy.

6. Hunting & Fishing NZ: Field-ready fridges and chilly bins

If your weekends swing from huts to headlands, Hunting & Fishing NZ is a safe bet for a chilly bin NZ buyers can put straight into the field. Their “Fridges & Coolers” range mixes portable fridges with rugged ice boxes, plus accessories that make camp life cleaner and easier.

Sizes and key specs

You’ll find options that cover compact day loads through to family and boat duties, with mid‑size workhorses a sweet spot for most trips. Accessories like a 71L‑sized chopping board hint at the larger capacities catered for as well.

• Capacity sweet spots: Mid‑size (~50–60L) for weekends; larger (70L+) for boats and groups.
• Build cues: Thick insulation, gasketed lids, and solid latches for rough country.
• Handling: Tie‑down points, non‑slip feet, and drain plugs for easy clean‑downs.
• Add‑ons: Chopping boards and fit‑out accessories for cleaner prep.

Cold performance and build

The focus here is practical, field‑ready gear that handles knocks, sun and salt. Ice life still comes down to how you pack and use it: pre‑chill, fill gaps, and resist constant lid lifts to stretch the chill through hot afternoons.

• Pre‑chill the bin and contents before loading.
• Use block/salt ice and pack densely to minimise air.
• Shade it, strap it, and limit openings for best results.

Best for

Hunting & Fishing NZ suits Kiwis who want kit that works from the ute tray to the tinny without babying it.

• Hunters and trampers: Durable, no‑nonsense cooling at camp.
• Boaties and fishers: Deck‑friendly bins that secure and drain well.
• Family camping: Mid‑size coolers that balance carry and capacity.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Expect a spread from value accessories to proven, mid‑tier chilly bins. As a reference, an Icey‑Tek Chilly Bin 56L has been listed from as low as $369.99, and a Traverse Chilly Bin Chopping Board 71L at $29.99. Check current stock and sizes online, then head in‑store nationwide to handle the bin and confirm the footprint fits your boot or boat.

7. Napoleon Goods: The classic picnic chilly bin, revisited

After something with timeless Kiwi picnic vibes that still feels fresh? Napoleon Goods has reimagined the classic chilly bin with a modern, lightweight design that’s made for the park, beach and bach deck. It’s the stylish, grab‑and‑go option when you want cold food and drinks without lugging a heavy rotomoulded box.

Sizes and key specs

Napoleon offers two straightforward choices so you can size to your day, boot space and carry comfort. The focus is simple usability and easy transport for short trips.

• Original: The everyday picnic size for couples or small families; room for lunch and drinks without bulk.
• Mini: Compact, lightweight carry for solo missions or snacks; stashes easily behind a seat.

Cold performance and build

This is a picnic‑style cooler: perfect for day‑long chilling when you pack smart. The lightweight build keeps the carry easy, while good practice stretches chill time in summer.

• Pre‑chill: Cool the bin and contents before you load up.
• Favour block ice: Add a couple of frozen bottles or blocks to anchor temps.
• Open less: Keep it shaded and limit lid lifts to hold the cold.

Best for

If you care about looks as much as lunch, this is your sweet spot—simple, iconic, and easy to live with.

• Picnics, beach days and concerts
• Urban carry and small cars
• Gifting and wedding/house‑warming presents

NZ pricing and where to buy

Shop direct from Napoleon Goods in New Zealand. Choose between the Original and Mini, then check current NZ pricing and availability on their online store before you order.

8. Smart Marine: Marine ice boxes and big-capacity bins

When your chilly bin has to live on the deck, take tie‑downs and salt spray, Smart Marine is a safe harbour. Their Ice Boxes & Chilly Bins range focuses on durable, boat‑ready coolers designed to keep fish and food cold longer—ideal for serious missions and summer family runs alike.

Sizes and key specs

Smart Marine caters for everything from compact day boxes to large, boat‑friendly chests, so choose by trip length, crew size and where the bin will sit on board or in the ute.

• Capacity fit: Pick compact for bait/lunch, mid‑size for weekends, large for fish + crew.
• Insulation/seal: Thick walls, gasketed lids and firm latches extend ice life.
• Marine details: Robust hinges, non‑slip bases, drain plugs and tie‑down compatibility.
• Footprint/weight: Check internal vs external dimensions and lift weight when loaded.

Cold performance and build

Built for marine use, these bins prioritise sturdy construction and long chill—Smart Marine calls out keeping fish and food cold longer—while your packing habits make the difference on hot days.

• Pre‑chill bin and contents; avoid adding warm items.
• Use block/salt ice and fill gaps to reduce warm air.
• Shade and secure on deck; drain meltwater as needed to manage temps.

Best for

If you’re comparing a chilly bin NZ wide for boat duty or bulk capacity, this range hits the brief.

• Boaties and fishers: Deck‑ready ice boxes that handle tie‑downs and wash‑downs.
• Diving and spearfishing crews: Room for catch plus drinks and kai.
• Bach and big gatherings: Large, durable bins for overflow chilling.

NZ pricing and where to buy

Pricing scales with capacity and construction, with marine‑grade builds costing more but lasting longer. Check Smart Marine’s Ice Boxes & Chilly Bins category for current sizes and availability, then visit your local store to confirm the footprint fits your hatch, cockpit or ute tray before you buy.

Conclusion section

Choosing the right chilly bin comes down to how you travel, how long you’re out, and how rough your gear needs to be. Premium rotomoulded performers like YETI and Icey‑Tek excel for multi‑day trips, while Mitre 10 and Bunnings deliver solid value for family weekends. Hunting & Fishing NZ is a safe pick for field‑ready toughness, Napoleon Goods nails the stylish picnic brief, and Smart Marine covers boat‑ready ice boxes with serious capacity. Pack smart—pre‑chill, use block or salt ice, fill gaps, and open the lid less—to squeeze the most from any bin.

Next step: measure your boot or deck space, pick a capacity that matches your crew, and set a budget that suits how often you’ll use it. For hands‑on advice, stock checks and sharp specials across fishing, boating and camping gear, visit Action Outdoors and get your chilly bin sorted before the next mission.