This is by far my favorite outdoor gear shop in Auckland. It's independently owned and the people…read morewho work here really care about their business and know their stuff. I bought a tramping backpack here after much hemming and hawing and trying every pack at every shop in Auckland. What I loved about this place was how not pushy they were, how willing to suggest things in every price range (though honestly they don't stock merchandise they don't believe in), and when they could see I was undecided, they were happy to have me go away and come back when I was sure, AND they offered me a small discount, which was enough to woo me away from buying my bag overseas and having it shipped to me. They care about selling you good, sustainable options that will keep you in good gear for a long time. They'll order for you if they don't have something in stock that you want, and they rent gear if you're not quite ready to commit (or you're visiting). Bottom line - good quality stuff, amazing service, get in there and get outdoors!!

Is one of my favourite stores to shop for anything to do with the outdoor. I love that Kathmandu…read moreTakapuna has everything from clothing, to shoes, tents, and sleeping bags, baby carriers, baby clothes, and so many cool accessories and knick knacks for your outdoor adventures. A visit to Kathmandu for me cannot be complete without spending a good hour roaming the store, looking at the sales items, and fining out the latest gadgets for camping. The cheerful and helpful staff make your shopping experience a memorable one, even though the staff may not know completely everything about every single product in store, they make you feel like they do or want to learn more about it anyway. If you join up as a member for a small fee, you are kept in the loop of the latest sales, and also get sent a catalogue once every few months. I really think Kathmandu staff are a really active and positive bunch and always enjoy my time in store.

I would like to mention the great service which I recieved whilst shopping here. I was preparing…read morefor a backpacking holiday, the kind of thing which Kathmandu caters for beautifully. The lady who was working asked me a few questions about what I planning for, she then walked me around the store showing me what she thought might be helpful. I ended up buying quite a lot stuff, and she managed to negotiate a bit of a bargain. Somehow or another I got my compact windproof unbrella for free, and she signed me up for the Kathmandu club, which actually cost me money, but resulted in an overall saving.

If there's one thing I love, it's polar fleece. I would be so happy to be rich enough to be able to…read morehave an entire wardrobe filled with stuff from places like Bivouac Outdoor. Just jackets and polar fleeces and trousers with zips and boots and everything. All in really nice primary colours. All waterproof. And I'd never get wet for the rest of my life. That's how friggen waterproof I'd be. Bivouac is a typical outdoors shop where you can spend hundreds of dollars on jackets and sleeping bags and tents etc. It's pretty great to browse around at all the stuff. The staff are extremely knowledgable and friendly which is useful when you're wading into the somewhat confusing and technologically swelling world of outdoor apparel. Really great shop.

I came to Auckland and immediately regretted leaving my Nalgene Bottle and beanie in the States,…read moreand saw this place as a keen shop to look around in a couple days later. I went in and a man was there basically waiting for my question, and he pointed me right to the Nalgene bottles, which are 3X more expensive here than in America. He knew other brands with the same type of plastic and kindly pointed me to different options. I still went with my trusty Nalgene. I then needed the beanie for my adventures, and somehow I found him again and he was able to help me compare them all and which one he preferred and why. I went with a cheaper Outdoor Research one however he pointed more towards a locally sourced wool one which if I wasn't traveling I would've purchased for looks. I then remembered I needed a travel lock, and thankfully they are placed all around the store just like the beanies. They have a good selection but are on the smaller side (if in San Francisco someone would easily cut the locks). I went with one that was a little larger. Overall good store and nice employees! Kinda reminds me of an REI from back in the states (a lot smaller though); quality products at mid-range prices.

Whether you believe in the Bible's version of creation or Darwin's theories of evolution, both…read moreoptions confidently presents humans as land animals. And since I'm leaning towards the second option, it is millions of years since we've left the water, so there is no need to go back. But when a friend of mine invited me to go fishing, I could not decline, well not for the third time anyway. And how bad could it be drinking beer, catching rays and maybe even snaring a snapper or two... I prepared myself by going fisherman shopping in Milford, a bit of an oxymoron I know, but a necessary task nonetheless. I wouldn't know where real fishermen shop anyway, and Hunts is a great place to get all the gear you need. The owner was on hand to ask me unreasonable questions about what I'm trying to catch, where I'm going to fish and what rod and reel I'll be using. I explained it will be fish, in water and a long stick, but the expression on his face gave the impression he was hoping for a more definitive answer. I settled on a few items, and left looking like something between an American tourist on an African safari and a fly fisherman on a hunting trip in the Amazon. I caught two beauties, and my host none, ah the joys of beginners luck.

I got great service from a young guy here last week who was very friendly, helpful and seemingly…read moreexperienced in hiking boots.and didn't try to put the most expensive ones on me. He even gave me a tip on looking at some review websites when I couldn't decide between 2 pairs. Partly because of that I will be back to buy the particular pair this store had over the others.

well I be honest. I have been to better north face store in my time. The sale was okay not the…read moregreat i've seen. If i was in New Zealand I would be going to Kathmandu not North face. Its the local brand and have a lot more selections.

Not the gangsta music producer, but a store that specializes in outdoorsy gear and footwear (mainly…read moremen's, but there is a smattering of women's and kids gear in store as well) Timberland is ideal for that rugged outdoorsman in your life. I wish I had one, the closest mine gets to the rugged outdoors is when he's playing Call of Duty on the Xbox, bless his heart. The brand is known for its durability, comfort and craftsmanship in its designs. It also places a high emphasis on its commitment to the environment. Many of the products like its Earthkeepers range use elements of 'environmentally friendly' items in the production of the range itself, which is pretty cool. So whether you're in need of some things for your next weekend tramping trip or just for the daily urban jungle you can find everything you will need here.

I may be bias because I am from the shore but this is hands down the coolest department store I…read morehave ever been to! Home to Stephen Marr, Lucy and the Powder Room, Karen Walker, Black Box, TopShop as well as a myriad of rotating NZ designers, this place is nothing short of brilliant. Expensive, but brilliant nonetheless. On my last visit I was delighted to see they now also have a wonderful range of quirky terraniums and indoor plants. Definitely well worth checking out if you are looking to add some greenery to your office or home!

Quite a special place, for a morning coffee, quick lunch and afternoon relax, with greens and…read moreflowers. You wouldn't notice that you are actually in paradise. Yes, Paradise has the meaning of 'Garden'. Top Quality coffee, good cheese scone, caramel chocolate slice. Menu is not too complicated, ease for mind when you just into the sunny mood and some inner peace. Or you can choose just grab a coffee and have a stroll in the department store, finely selected fashion there waiting for the right person. Choose a beautiful day, and amaze yourself here. There is nothing more beautiful with a nice coffee I the warm sun.