8 Best Outdoor Shop Picks in NZ: Online & In-Store 2025

Hunting for the right outdoor shop in New Zealand can be harder than the trip you’re gearing up for. Stock varies, prices jump around, and not every retailer understands Kiwi conditions or can deliver in time for the weekend. Whether you’re chasing a lightweight setup for a Great Walk, kitting out the boat, replacing a tent fly after a rough southerly, or sorting clothing that won’t quit in sideways rain, you want reliable gear, fair pricing, and service you can count on—online or in store.

This guide rounds up the 8 best outdoor shop picks in NZ for 2025, covering both nationwide chains and specialist retailers. For each, you’ll see what they’re known for, range highlights, what it’s like to shop online and in person, pricing plus shipping and returns, and who they’re best for. We’ve prioritised availability, value, expertise, and after-sales support—so you can choose with confidence and get out there sooner.

1. Action Outdoors (Auckland + online)

If you want an outdoor shop that goes beyond tramping jackets and camp stoves, Action Outdoors brings the shed, the boat, and the bach under one roof. Based in Auckland with full online ordering, they specialise in practical kit for fishing, marine, RV/motorhome, and even industrial jobs—so you can sort the whole setup in one hit.

What they’re best known for

Action Outdoors is known for depth as much as breadth: purpose-built fishing nets and tackle, serious marine hardware, RV essentials, ropes and lifting gear, and a strong line-up of specialist brands. They also back it with local know‑how and a standout NZ-made option in Victory Knives.

Range highlights

You’ll find comprehensive categories that are hard to source in one place elsewhere in NZ:

• Fishing nets and tackle: Butterfish, flounder, snapper and commercial nets, plus rods, reels, lines, sinkers, hooks and lures.
• Marine gear: Anchors, winches, electronics and safety accessories for trailer boats through to charter use.
• RV/motorhome parts: Electrical, plumbing, heating and windows for upgrades and maintenance.
• Ropes, cordage and lifting: Industrial-strength options for trade and DIY.
• Trailer components: Trojan trailer products and accessories.
• Specialist brands: Victory Knives (NZ made) and Tecni‑Sport gear.
• Value add: Product videos to help you choose and use gear correctly.

Online and in-store experience

Shop the Auckland retail store for hands-on advice and pickup, or browse online by clear categories with product videos and an enquiry form for custom questions. The mix of in-person expertise and a detailed e‑commerce catalogue suits both urgent fixes and planned upgrades.

Price, shipping and returns

Expect a wide spread of prices—from workhorse gear to premium NZ-made—plus a dedicated Specials section for savings. Online orders are supported; delivery timeframes and returns details are presented during checkout or on product pages, and dropship items from China may follow different terms—check before you buy.

Best for

• Fishers and divers needing purpose-made nets and tackle.
• Boaties fitting out or replacing marine hardware and safety kit.
• RV/motorhome owners sourcing hard-to-find parts.
• Tradies and DIYers after ropes, cordage and lifting solutions.
• Shoppers who value NZ-made, especially Victory Knives.

2. Bivouac Outdoor (nationwide + online)

For classic tramping, hiking and travel kit from leading brands, Bivouac Outdoor is a dependable outdoor shop with stores around New Zealand and a polished online store. They focus on quality clothing, footwear and gear that suits local conditions—so you can layer up smartly, stay dry, and keep moving in comfort.

What they’re best known for

Bivouac Outdoor is known for curating quality outdoor clothing, footwear and gear from top brands across New Zealand and the globe, with an emphasis on reliable, technical pieces for hiking and travel. It’s a strong first stop when you need fit, function and durability without guesswork.

Range highlights

Expect a well-rounded selection for getting into the hills or around the South Island in shoulder season:

• Technical apparel: Waterproof shells, insulated mid-layers and breathable base layers.
• Footwear: Hiking and walking shoes/boots with support and grip for mixed terrain.
• Packs and bags: Daypacks and travel-ready carry solutions.
• Trail essentials: Hats, gloves, socks, trekking poles and everyday accessories.

Online and in-store experience

You can shop online or in store, making it easy to browse from home and then confirm sizing or fit in person if needed. Staffed stores help with quick comparisons and sizing, while the website makes it straightforward to filter options and check availability.

Price, shipping and returns

Pricing spans accessible to premium depending on the brand and build. Delivery options and costs are shown during checkout, with returns information available on their site—handy if you’re between sizes on footwear or jackets.

Best for

• Hikers and trampers wanting proven clothing and footwear.
• Travel and commuting where weatherproof layers matter.
• Gift buyers who prefer brand-led, quality choices.
• Shoppers who like to try on boots and shells in store, then order online with confidence.

3. Macpac (nationwide + online)

Macpac is a Kiwi outdoor shop mainstay with stores around the country and a smooth online experience. If you’re chasing dependable layers and gear for New Zealand’s changeable weather, it’s a go-to for clothing, equipment and footwear that’s built for real use rather than just good looks.

What they’re best known for

Macpac is best known for premium outdoor clothing, equipment and footwear that balances performance with everyday practicality. Think weather-ready layers and hard-working kit you can trust from town to trail.

Range highlights

Macpac’s range covers the essentials for hiking, travel and weekend missions without overcomplicating the choices.

• Technical outerwear: Waterproof and wind-resistant jackets designed to keep you moving in bad weather.
• Insulation and mid-layers: Warm, packable pieces to layer over thermals or under shells.
• Footwear: Walking and hiking options focused on comfort and grip.
• Equipment essentials: Packs, travel carry and outdoor accessories to round out your setup.
• Everyday outdoor clothing: Tees, fleeces and sportswear for on and off the track.

Online and in-store experience

You can browse online, filter by activity and size, and check availability before heading in to try on. In-store staff help with fit and layering advice, while the website keeps things straightforward for quick comparisons and easy checkout.

Price, shipping and returns

Expect a mix of price points from value to premium depending on materials and build. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout, and returns information is available on their site so you can sort sizing with confidence.

Best for

• Day hikers and trampers wanting reliable layers and simple choices.
• Commuters and travellers who need weatherproof clothing that still looks tidy.
• Gift buyers after safe, brand-led picks that get regular use.
• Anyone who prefers to try on in store, then order online when ready.

4. Torpedo7 (nationwide + online)

Looking for a broad, one-stop outdoor shop you can hit nationwide or from your couch? Torpedo7 fits the brief with a big, multi-category range that makes kitting out the family camp, a hut trip, or a quick weekend mission straightforward. It’s a practical choice when you want most of your list sorted in one basket.

What they’re best known for

Torpedo7 is best known for breadth and convenience—plenty of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment under one roof, with regular promos that help keep the budget in check. It’s the kind of store you visit when you need dependable gear fast, rather than hunting across multiple retailers.

Range highlights

Expect a wide spread of core outdoor categories suited to New Zealand conditions.

• Camping essentials: Tents, sleep systems, lighting and camp furniture.
• Hiking kit: Waterproof shells, warm mid-layers, base layers and daypacks.
• Footwear: Walking and hiking options focused on grip and comfort.
• Accessories: Cooking gear, hydration, hats, gloves and trail extras.
• Family-friendly picks: Practical, value-forward options for shared trips.

Online and in-store experience

You can browse online for quick comparisons, then head in-store to check fit and feel before you buy. The nationwide footprint makes try-ons and last-minute pickups easier, while the website keeps selection and availability simple to scan.

Price, shipping and returns

Pricing spans entry to mid‑premium depending on materials and build, with frequent seasonal deals. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout, and returns information is provided on their site—handy when you’re between sizes.

Best for

• Families and first-time campers needing an easy, all-in-one shop.
• Weekend warriors topping up layers and essentials before a trip.
• Value-focused buyers timing purchases around promotions.
• Shoppers who want to try on in store and order online with confidence.

5. Kathmandu (nationwide + online)

When you want weatherproof layers and travel-friendly clothing you can wear from city to campsite, Kathmandu is a familiar outdoor shop with stores across New Zealand and a streamlined online store. It’s a strong pick for dependable jackets, warm mid‑layers and practical accessories that handle four seasons in a day.

What they’re best known for

Kathmandu is best known for versatile outdoor clothing that balances technical performance with everyday comfort—think waterproof jackets, insulated pieces, fleeces and thermals—plus travel gear that packs down neatly and just works on the road.

Range highlights

You’ll find a focused selection that covers the staples for hiking, commuting and travel without overcomplicating choices.

• Shell jackets: Waterproof and wind-resistant options built for rain and changeable weather.
• Insulation and fleece: Puffers and warm mid-layers that layer cleanly under a shell.
• Base layers and thermals: Breathable, comfort-first options for cool starts and alpine mornings.
• Packs and luggage: Daypacks and travel carry that organise the small stuff well.
• Everyday apparel: Tees, pants and casual pieces that cross over from trail to town.

Online and in-store experience

Browse online for sizing, colours and availability, then head in-store to confirm fit and fabric feel. The nationwide footprint makes try-ons easy, while the website keeps filtering straightforward so you can compare warmth and weather ratings quickly.

Price, shipping and returns

Pricing ranges from entry to premium depending on materials and build, with regular promotions to stretch the budget. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout, and returns information is available on their site—useful when you’re between sizes on jackets or boots.

Best for

• Commuters and travellers needing reliable, tidy-looking layers.
• Day hikers after simple, durable kit that’s easy to maintain.
• Gift buyers who prefer safe, brand-led choices.
• Anyone who likes to try on in store and order online once settled on size.

6. Bushbuck (online + NZ showrooms)

If your adventures skew toward stalk, bivvy and backcountry grind, Bushbuck is an outdoor shop built around hunting-first performance. It’s an online-led NZ brand with local showrooms, designing gear for real Kiwi conditions—kit that’s proven from Te Paki sand to Fiordland sleet—so you can move light, stay warm and stay out longer.

What they’re best known for

Bushbuck is known for NZ‑designed hunting, camping and outdoors gear that’s built tough and purposefully. The focus is functional clothing and equipment that holds up when the weather turns, with fabrics and cuts tuned for bush-bashing, glassing and long scrambles under load.

Range highlights

Expect a tight, mission-ready selection that covers core layers and field essentials without fluff.

• Weather protection: Waterproof shells and wind layers for four-seasons-in-a-day missions.
• Warmth: Insulation and mid-layers that balance heat, breathability and packability.
• Next-to-skin: Base layers for sweat management on climbs and glassing sessions.
• Carry and accessories: Packs and field-ready accessories aimed at hunters and backcountry travel.
• Camping/outdoor staples: Practical picks that complement a minimalist, go-far setup.

Online and in-store experience

Shopping is streamlined online with clear categories and fast checkout, while NZ showrooms let you confirm sizing, check fabric hand-feel and get real-world advice. It’s a strong mix for buyers who like to research at home, then verify fit before committing.

Price, shipping and returns

Pricing runs from solid value to premium depending on materials and build. They offer express shipping NZ‑wide, with delivery options shown at checkout. Returns and exchange details are outlined on their site—handy if you’re between sizes on shells or mid-layers.

Best for

• Hunters and bush stalkers who prioritise quiet, durable, weather-ready layers.
• Backcountry hikers wanting hard-wearing, NZ‑designed apparel.
• Minimalist kit builders who value streamlined, purpose-built gear.
• Shoppers who prefer online convenience with the option to try on in a showroom.

7. Cactus Outdoor (Christchurch HQ + online)

When you want kit that shrugs off scrub, straps and seasons, Cactus Outdoor is the no‑nonsense outdoor shop to check. With a Christchurch base and an online store, they focus on hard‑wearing, durable clothing and equipment “designed to last”—serious gear for serious use, including tough down and waterproof jackets, canvas trousers and packs.

What they’re best known for

Cactus Outdoor is best known for building bombproof apparel and equipment with a function‑first approach. If you’d rather buy once and rely on it for years, their reputation centres on durability, straightforward designs and materials that can handle real abuse.

Range highlights

The range leans into longevity over fashion, with pieces that stay in service through rough weather and rougher terrain.

• Weather protection: Waterproof and tough down jackets built for wet, cold, changeable NZ conditions.
• Lower half armour: Canvas trousers engineered for repeated wear and demanding trips.
• Carry systems: Packs and rugged load‑carrying options aimed at daily use and trail reliability.
• Hard‑use accessories: Selected add‑ons that complement a durable, minimalist setup.

Online and in-store experience

Shop online for quick comparisons and sizing, or head to their Christchurch HQ if you prefer to handle fabric weight, check fit and get practical advice. The overall experience is streamlined and straight to the point—find what you need, confirm the fit, and get moving.

Price, shipping and returns

Pricing reflects materials and build quality, ranging from solid value to premium for the toughest pieces. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout, and returns information is available on their site so you can sort sizing without stress.

Best for

• Hikers and trampers who punish gear and need it to last.
• Cold‑wet missions where reliable down and waterproof shells matter.
• Buy‑once buyers prioritising durability over ultralight grams.
• Everyday users who want kit that works at work and on weekend missions.

8. Complete Outdoors (Christchurch + online)

Complete Outdoors is a Christchurch-based outdoor shop with an online store, specialising in family camping, tramping, and ski & snow. If you’re gearing up for a South Island summer camp, a shoulder‑season hut trip, or winter club‑field laps, they keep the essentials focused and practical.

What they’re best known for

A specialist family camping, tramping, ski & snow retailer in Christchurch providing quality camping gear and dependable outdoor equipment. Expect straightforward advice and a curated selection that makes it easy to build a solid kit without overcomplicating choices.

Range highlights

A tight, needs-first range that covers the staples without fluff.

• Family camping: Tents, sleep systems, cooking and camp furniture.
• Tramping essentials: Waterproof shells, warm layers, packs and poles.
• Ski & snow: Outerwear, mid-layers, gloves and on‑mountain accessories.
• Lighting & safety: Headlamps, first-aid and practical trail add‑ons.

Online and in-store experience

Shop online for quick filtering and availability, or visit the Christchurch store to check fit, fabric feel and get practical comparisons. It’s a clean, no‑nonsense experience that helps you confirm the right size and suitability before you commit.

Price, shipping and returns

Prices run from entry to mid depending on materials and build. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout, and returns information is available on their site—useful if you’re between sizes on jackets, boots or ski layers.

Best for

• Families planning a simple, reliable camp setup.
• Trampers needing core layers, packs and wet‑weather protection.
• Skiers/snowboarders topping up winter essentials.
• Christchurch shoppers who prefer hands‑on advice before buying.

Before you head out

Match your mission to the right outdoor shop, double‑check stock and sizing, and don’t leave boots or shells untested before the weekend. If you want one place to sort fishing, marine, RV and hard‑use kit alongside everyday outdoor gear, head to Action Outdoors—shop online or pop into the Auckland store. Get your list ticked off now, so when the weather breaks (or closes in), you’re ready to roll without last‑minute scrambles.