The Outdoorsman in Rotorua is a large store selling everything you could possibly need to engage in New Zealand’s various country pursuits. It’s a fascinating place well worth a visit.

The store sells items that will more than satisfy the urban commuter looking for a warm coat or a family looking for gear to support a couple of nights camping, however a quick walk around confirms that these customer segments are but a small part of the store’s target market. In no particular order some of the lines on sale are as follows. 

Fishing reels, flies and rods….,

lobster pots…..

And for the ‘tech’ sea fisherman, a blue tooth-enabled fish radar device.

For the land-based hunter ther are knives aplenty, some which have blades at jaunty angles.

And don’t get me started on guns and ammo.

And once you’ve hooked or caught your quarrie there’s a quality range of barbeques to chose from.

And to top it all off (apart from the outdoor clothing, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, etc etc etc ranges) there store is nicely decorated withe a variety of small stuffed animals…..

And vintage camping gear.

It’s a real shop for real backcountry people.

Oh by the way, I bought a ‘Croakies’ eyewear retainer for my reading glasses

and a water proof case for my iPhone (water proof to 60m don’t you know).

As you can see from my purchase,  I’m pretty hard case when it comes to engaging with the New Zealand’s backcountry life!