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Feel at home out there!

Kathmandu has a wide range of camping gear to support your adventures, including packs, tents, hiking equipment, camping mats, and sleeping bags. 

We’ve got you covered with cooking equipment, lanterns, alpine gear, and beach shelters — something for every adventure! Whether it’s a solo camp or all your family and friends are along for the ride, we have all the gear you’ll need to make this season’s camping trip a memorable one.  

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OF OUR NEW RETREAT COMPASS HUB

Instantly add space to your summer camping experience. Create an extra living, dining or storing area for your family. Join up to four Retreat tents for a communal space with friends, or utilise this unique Hub as a stable, free-standing shelter.

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Camping FAQ's

Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors all year round, if you come prepared with the right gear for your trip. Winter camping can be a thrilling adventure but will require more gear for a good night’s sleep. If you are new to camping or bringing the kids, start out anytime from spring to autumn, when the weather is milder. See why we think autumn is the best time to go camping in NZ.

Camping is a great way to unwind and recharge in nature. It’s proven that being outside can boost mental health and wellbeing. Not to mention, if you’re lucky enough to find a space with no cell service, you can truly unplug, either with great company or in complete solitude.

Need some more tips before you go? Check this out to make sure you're all set for your next trip.

There are heaps of different types of campgrounds spread across New Zealand. Some are privately run and offer a wide range of amenities (showers! Ovens!) while others are a bit more rustic. There are also many run by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and have epic views.

Depending on the season and popularity of the campground, it can be best to phone ahead or reserve a site through a campground’s website. Many DOC sites operate on a self-check-in system with a first-in-first-served approach.

Camping holidays are all about slowing down. Enjoy what’s in front of you, whether it’s a good book or your mates. If you prefer holidays spent in 5-star resorts with room service and on-demand entertainment, then camping might be a shock to your system. However, you. Probably already knew that! The pros of camping far outweigh the cons — sleeping under the stars, hidden swimming holes, roasting marshmallows if fine bans allow — the list goes on!

However, if the weather is subpar — heavy downpours, gusty winds — camping can be a frustrating, uncomfortable experience. Not to mention, if you haven’t planned accordingly and forget crucial pieces (hello, camp cooker!), you may find yourself high tailing it back to town.

With all that being said, we firmly believe a weekend spent out there is a quick way to reset the mind and feel refresh.

Camping tents from different brands can vary widely in their sizing guides. While some rate a tent as a 4 person option other brands may rate a tent with the same amount of interior space as a 2 person tent to account for additional luggage storage.

Kathmandu camping tents are rated by the space in the dedicated sleeping spaces only. All our larger tents provide you with additional space in the living area of the tent. For a family of four, we would recommend the Retreat 280 5 person module tent, which has two fully enclosed bedrooms and a spacious living area. Find out more about the Retreat 280 here.

Our Retreat Tent range offers plenty of great options for groups and the Compass Hub will make it possible to connect multiple individual tents and have all your mates and family under one stretchy roof.

To make the most of your time out there, it’s essential to pack reliable, durable camping gear specific to your camping style. Some campers prefer ultralight packing, bringing nothing but the bare bones, while others camp next to their car and enjoy the creature comforts. Both are great!

A few essentials that you’ll definitely need are your tent, sleeping system, first-aid kit, cooker, kitchen utensils (hard to use a cooker without any pans!), and something to eat on and drink out of.

For clothes, it’s important to check the weather and pack accordingly. Layers are helpful here, as if it starts to rain or you get extra sweaty, you’ll want something to change into. Be sure to bring the appropriate clothing for any desired outdoor activities, like togs for swimming or hiking boots for hiking. Finally, don’t forget things like hats, gloves, and warm socks — even in summer, temps can dip at night, and you’ll be grateful for the extra warmth!

To make packing for your next camping trip a bit easier, check out this camping checklist we made for you.