We stock the best outdoor brands from all over the world, but there’s something pretty special about supporting brands from right here in Aotearoa New Zealand — especially when some are being made on our doorstep in Nelson Tasman.
Kiwi brands understand our conditions, our trails and the way we adventure. From innovative packs and ultralight gear to Nelson-made hiking meals, performance fuel and locally roasted coffee, there are some seriously good products being created here in NZ.
Here are some of the New Zealand outdoor brands we love at MD Outdoors.
Aarn – Innovative kiwi backpacks
Aarn is one of New Zealand’s most innovative pack brands. Best known for its unique design packs and balance pockets, Aarn designs packs to distribute weight more naturally around your body.
For trampers carrying bigger loads, or anyone struggling to get comfortable in a traditional pack, Aarn is well worth a look.
Kiwi Ultralight – Lightweight outdoor gear
Kiwi Ultralight is all about stripping back unnecessary weight without losing function.
Designed for fast-and-light tramping, bikepacking and ultralight adventures, their gear is a great example of Kiwi innovation made for big days outside. We love their bush cloths and their quilts. All made here in the top of the south!
Yank – Merino with personality
Yank combines the natural performance of merino with bold prints and designs that don't look like traditional outdoor clothing.
You get the temperature regulation, odour resistance and comfort of merino in clothing that works just as well off the trail and looks pretty cool. All designed here in Nelson!
Okarito – Sandfly repellant that works
Okarito makes a natural sandfly repellant that really works! We love smaller New Zealand brands creating simple, useful products that earn their place in your pack.
Moana – Made for adventures on the water
Moana make awesome affordable and robust dry bags - a local run business at the beach, these are perfect for paddling, boating and canyoning here in Aotearoa.
Real Meals – delicious freeze dried food
Made right here in Nelson, Real Meals are a favourite with our team and customers. Their freeze-dried hiking meals use real ingredients and are packed with flavour, while still being lightweight and easy to prepare in the backcountry.
Speed On – Performance Fuel
Another brand from our own backyard, Speed On is made right here in Nelson, cooked by the founder here in Nelson. Designed for endurance sport and long days outside, this is a great option for trail runners, cyclists and multisport athletes needing energy on the go.
Pure - Made for everyday athletes
Founded in Christchurch, PURE makes sports nutrition for running, cycling and endurance adventures. From hydration and electrolytes to gels and race fuel, their products are made here in New Zealand.
Curranz – Powered by NZ Blackcurrants
Curranz harnesses New Zealand-grown blackcurrants to create performance-focused sports nutrition. Popular with endurance athletes, runners and cyclists, it's another clever Kiwi product that's right at home in the outdoor world.
Bushline – Delicious backcountry breakfasts
Bushline makes simple, delicious breakfasts that are high in protein, keeping you fuller for longer and taste so dam good. Lightweight and easy to prepare, it's exactly the sort of food you want when breakfast needs to be quick and tasty on the trail. Made here in Nelson!
Crafty Weka Bar – Kiwi trail snack
Crafty Weka Bars are packed with wholefood ingredients and make an easy grab-and-go snack for hiking, trail running, riding or travelling. They are super filling and tasty full of all the good stuff.
Rabbit Island Coffee – Locally roasted drip coffee
A good coffee somehow tastes even better in the backcountry. Rabbit Island Coffee is roasted locally in Nelson Tasman, and their specialty drip coffee bags are brilliant for hiking, camping and travelling. No grinder or coffee machine required — just add hot water.
HANK-ies - Local fun print hankies for the trail
The Green Collective is Nelson based, creating ethical colourful products for everyday use. We love their handkerchiefs - great for on trail with fun prints like the NZ National Parks one!
Epic Coffee – Wanaka coffee on the go
Epic Coffee makes it easy to enjoy a proper brew at camp. Lightweight, simple and easy to pack, it's a great option for huts, campsites, road trips and mornings when instant coffee just isn't going to cut it.
Supporting Kiwi – And Supporting Nelson
We're lucky to have some brilliant New Zealand outdoor brands designing and making products for hiking, tramping, trail running, camping and everyday adventures.
For us, stocking Kiwi brands isn't simply about buying local. It's about backing good people making genuinely good products — especially when those products have been designed with the kind of adventures we love in mind.
So next time you're gearing up, take a look at some of the Kiwi brands on our shelves.