Gear chosen with purpose
We choose dependable, practical equipment for New Zealand conditions, from trusted global names and specialist brands that are hard to find anywhere else.
Built outside.
Since 2006.
Gearshop is proudly New Zealand owned, shaped by real outdoor experience and a simple belief: the right gear and honest advice help more people get out there with confidence.
Twenty years of helping New Zealand get out there.
Gearshop began as Altitude Outdoor, a brick-and-mortar store in Nelson founded by Hamish Pirie in 2006. Through his volunteer Search & Rescue work, Hamish had seen reliable, high-performing equipment overseas that was difficult to source in New Zealand. He started the business to close that gap.
In 2013, the business moved entirely online and became Gearshop, making a wider range of quality outdoor equipment available nationwide. In 2026, we celebrate 20 years of helping people enjoy the outdoors with greater confidence.
A local idea that travelled nationwide.
Moving online let Gearshop serve adventurers throughout Aotearoa while keeping the knowledge, care and straight-talking service of a good local outdoor store.
That approach earned Gearshop New Zealand Online Retailer of the Year in 2017 and 2019, alongside recognition in the Most Trusted Business and Wilderness Magazine awards. The awards matter, but the trust behind them matters more.
Knowledge you can take with you.
Advice earned outside
Our team climbs, caves, tramps, bikes, paddles, sails and travels. That firsthand experience means advice grounded in real trips, not just product specifications.
Ready when it matters
Our Search & Rescue involvement keeps us close to the environments our customers explore and reinforces why every piece of gear needs to perform properly.
Backing the people who make outside matter.
Gearshop proudly supports New Zealand's outdoor and sporting community, from trail running and climbing events to grassroots adventurers, athletes and community groups. We back people who push themselves, share what they learn and inspire others to explore.
Our connection goes deeper through active involvement in Cave SAR, NZ LandSAR, NZUSAR and Rescue Helicopter operations around Nelson and Tasman. We also help teams around the country with specialist equipment and practical gear advice.
Nelson roots. Nationwide reach.
Today, Gearshop serves outdoor enthusiasts online and from two Nelson stores at 53c Bolt Road, Tahunanui, and 213 Queen Street, Richmond. Both locations offer quality gear for purchase and advice from people who use it themselves.
Hire gear can be collected from our flagship Bolt Road store or shipped across New Zealand, excluding the Chatham Islands. By prior arrangement, out-of-hours returns can also be made through our Richmond store or NZ Rent a Car at Nelson Airport.
Good gear gets you outside. Real experience helps you go further.How hiring works