Built for the great outdoors
7 min read
There’s a whole lot more to keeping warm and dry than meets the eye. If you enjoy the great New Zealand outdoors, whether fishing, boating, hunting, or tramping, then you’ll know that hard-wearing and performing clothing is a must.
We bring you some of our favourites.
Betacraft
Betacraft’s range of gear is deceptively simple, but there’s a world of technical know-how and innovation behind every garment.
Kiwi ingenuity at its finest, Betacraft is now into its fourth generation of evolution, spanning from founder David Beatson, with the same focus on producing long-lasting gear for Kiwi farmers and lovers of the outdoors.
Men’s and Women’s Parka, $351
Also from the ISO940 range, the men’s and women’s parka protects against all the elements. Waterproof and super tough, it features magnetic closures and a two-way zip, along with the ultimate waterproof and breathable fabric.
ISO940 Bib Overtrouser, $256
Completely waterproof, reliable, and with a comfortable adjustable fit. Designed to withstand the rigours of go-getters, all Betacraft ISO-940 garments are 100% waterproof and breathable. The range features tough outer fabrics with high denier rating to resist abrasion and rip-stop thread for added protection. All seams and stitching are seam-sealed.
Safety at Sea
Established in 1996, Safety at Sea specialises in offering the world’s leading marine safety products and survival equipment. Whether a Baltic Inflatable lifejacket for either recreation or racing or a Waypoint life raft for offshore cruising or commercial users, Safety at Sea hand-picks quality brands and products to keep keen adventurers compliant and safe on the water.
Baltic Mascot, $79
If you’re planning a family day out with your favourite canine, then the Baltic Mascot lifejacket is a must-have. This well-cut buoyancy aid offers extra protection for your four-legged friends, designed to help keep their head above water and also to keep them in your eyeline. Catering for dogs of all shapes and sizes, it includes a strong lifting handle and wide, soft under-straps, which adjust easily for an ideal fit.
Baltic Flipper, $249
Stylish, comfortable, and reliable, the Baltic Surf and Turf Flipper 50N is a reversible buoyancy aid with a choice of two colourways. Two zipped outside pockets are accessible whichever way the vest is worn. Made in Sweden, Flipper is a unisex model, designed with multiple panels to ensure a great fit for men and women.
Stoney Creek
Whether hunting, fishing, adventuring, or just enjoying life, Stoney Creek has you covered with a range purpose-designed to protect against the elements. Stoney Creek specialises in high-performing, tough-wearing gear with a focus on innovation and leading-edge fabric technology. With an epic design team, products are put through their paces first-hand and made to perform in the most extreme elements.The new sportfishing range is now available
in-store and online, and includes footwear, clothing, protective sunglasses, and waterproof mega tough construction game fish bags.
Apex cooling hoodie, $139.99
Battle the fish not the heat in this hoodie made from Stoney Creek’s innovative and market-leading Ram-Jet cooling fabric. This highly technical fabric is packed with features including Odour-Crunch (to reduce fishy smells) and rated UPF 50+. There’s even a variety of game fish designs to choose from, as well as styles and colours.
Apex Strike Shorts, $119.99
Serious fishermen need serious fishing shorts! The Strike shorts do everything your beach/surf boardies do and more. Featuring convenient pockets and attachments for all your fishing pliers or line cutters. Two-way stretch for maximum comfort and range of movement. The secret to the Strike Shorts performance is in the advanced technical fabric, which features innovative and environmentally friendly technology. UPF 50+ fabric.
Swazi
If you’re a keen hunter or bushperson, the name Swazi will be familiar. This Kiwi brand is fast becoming world-famous for its quality and innovation, with founder Davey Hughes one of the great Kiwi characters. He walks the talk and Swazi clothing reflects his authenticity and deep knowledge of hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors.
Proudly made in Levin since 1995, the Swazi focus on high-performance, technical gear sees the range continue to evolve and develop.
Windriver Jacket, $469.99
The Swazi team sure do know their stuff. This high-tech offering is its most breathable and waterproof jacket available, with deep pockets for your stash, detachable hood, and side vents. It’s also completely windproof so get out there and enjoy the Kiwi playground.
Kagoule, $499
Fast drying and built for comfort, the Swazi Kagoule is made from a three-layer knit fabric that is soft, light, and quiet. Chest pocket with rivetted radio antenna easement and an opening for microphone access. Large handwarmer pockets on the sides. Water-resistant zips.
Micro Singlet, $29.99
The base layer of Kiwi workers for generations, this thermal not only keeps you warm but also doesn’t overheat when worn under another top. Plus, it packs down mega small and can double as a pillow.
Edmund Hillary
The source of inspiration for this range is obvious. It doesn’t get much more legendary than a collection inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary.
The values of the world-famous mountaineer carry on with this premium clothing label that embraces his pioneering spirit and positive human values.
New Zealand merino and recycled materials feature strongly, as well as replicating some of the original fabrics and construction methods used in the original expedition. A percentage of proceeds from sales go to support causes that were close to Sir Ed’s heart: helping the people of Nepal and outdoor activities for young people around the world.
Edmund Hillary Murchison Sweater $345
Nostalgia aplenty here with this unique Three Peaks design based on Sir Edmund Hillary’s Coat of Arms. The Nordic style sweater is 100% lambswool.
Edmund Hillary Piha jacket $395
Look smart in this lightweight padded alpine jacket, with a superlight 100% recycled outer, ribbed collar, and full zip with branded zip puller.
Merino Beanie $50 and Scarf $85
Winter warmth with style, with the Edmund Hillary beanie and scarf combo. Made in Dunedin, the beanie is 100% merino. Team it with the super soft lambswool scarf.
MKM Originals
Locally sourced fibres, including possum merino, New Zealand wool, and MKM Original’s own exclusive fibre Eco Blend are used to create this exciting range of knitwear garments.
Based in the Manawatu, where all of the MKM products are designed and manufactured, there’s a strong focus on industry-leading creations in performance, versatility, and durability. Designed and made in New Zealand by New Zealanders.
Camo Hoodie $200
Keep cool when the going gets tough with this MKM Camo Hoodie, combining all the benefits of 100% Cool Cotton and MKM’s exclusive and supersoft EcoBlend possum inner layer. Features a half zip, hood, and a slightly longer fit in the body. The unique double-layer system is developed to maintain your optimum body temperature (36.6).
Blizzard Jumper, $180
Stand out from the crowd in this New Zealand-designed and made men’s jumper, in a blend of recycled possum, wool and other natural fibre, and nylon.
Neck warmer, $35
Instant warmth with this durable neck warmer, in a cotton/lambswool blend and camp print. Lightweight enough to keep in your pocket until the chill sets in.
Wetties
There’s nothing like quality gear designed by people who know the sport inside out. Boasting an impressive range of wetsuits, spearguns, and other accessories, the Wetties business had humble beginnings – in a garage in 2007 with the goal of creating a New Zealand-designed range of spearfishing equipment and wetsuits. Mission accomplished.
Founder Darren Shields brought his 40 plus years of experience in commercial, competitive, and recreational diving and spearfishing to the table – a passion passed on to his children who between them boast a swag of New Zealand spearfishing and freshwater fishing titles.
These days, the family business continues evolving and smashing out well-designed gear.
Wetties commercial wetsuit $529
If you’re in the business of diving, you’ll appreciate this top-of-the-line 5mm Commercial Grade dive wetsuit. The ultimate for taking on the demands of New Zealand’s varying commercial diving industry, it’s anatomically designed and allows for excellent flexibility and movement. Built-in hood and includes knife pouch on the right thigh. Extended Kevlar elbow pads, Power Tex Bum Pads, safety orange print on hood and ankles, and more.
Kids wetsuits, starting from $59
The same dedication to design and quality goes into all Wetties wetsuits. From ocean wetsuits to hooded vests and shortie wetsuits, the range kicks off at just $59 and also includes spearfishing and snorkelling gear.
True Fleece
True Fleece is a true Kiwi success story. Having evolved from a desire to find a natural alternative to synthetic school uniforms, this family business has developed into a highly respected Kiwi brand renowned for its high-performance merino wear (using only ZQ Merino Wool).
As well as a collection of sustainable merino outdoor clothing for adults, the business also stays true to its original focus: supplying merino wool uniforms to more than 50 schools.
Run from the family farm on Banks Peninsula and using sustainable natural fibres sourced from an ethical supply chain, the True Fleece collection is made to equip the adventurers in us all with the protection to go and explore.
Long Sleeve Base Layer, $110
The key to staying comfortable in trying conditions is quality workwear. Thanks to the natural odour-resistant qualities of merino, you can wear this lightweight baselayer for days without offending anyone.
Akaroa Zip Hoodie, $189.95
The perfect antidote to chilly mornings. Layer up with this super mark and ultra-comfy Akaroa Hoodie made from 100% New Zealand merino.
Ultra Beanie, $40
Designed to work in a relaxed/slough style, this True Fleece Ultra beanie can be rolled to provide extra warmth around the ears. Ultrasoft and comfy thanks to being made from 100% merino wool.
