Torpedo7 Awarded Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Award | Outdoor Adventure Retailers

New Zealand is one big ol’ natural playground. Mountains, rivers, lakes, rolling hills, endless trails and, of course, the Pacific Ocean, there’s no better place to enjoy a dose of Mother Nature. Both the North and South Island boast great terrain for every outdoor activity, whatever your level of ability and preferred activity. But be it tramping, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking or canoeing, the correct equipment is key.

The right outdoor retailer, with experienced staff, is what Kiwis need to guide their purchases. As part of its mission to help guide NZ consumers, Canstar Blue sought the opinions of New Zealanders who had purchased a product from an outdoor adventure retailer during the past 12 months. Of the different stores they had visited, the overwhelming majority of respondents had shopped at three main stores: Torpedo7, Kathmandu and Macpac.

To decide which provided the best level of customer satisfaction, each was rated across categories that included Overall Satisfaction, Value for Money, Price Compared to Other Retailers and Customer Service.

Coming out on top and winning Canstar Blue’s award for Most Satisfied Customers | Outdoor Adventure Retailer was Torpedo7, which earned Five Stars in every category, other than Customer Service, for which it was awarded Four Stars. Kathmandu earned Five Stars for Customer Service, Layout of Store and Range; Four Stars for Overall Satisfaction and Value for Money and Three Stars for Price. Across the board, Macpac earned a consistent Four Stars.

What Kiwis are looking for

Those in the market for outdoor adventure gear – anything from tents, kayaks, safety gear, the right clothing to hiking poles – were hunting for Value for Money. This came out as our respondents’ top consideration. Customer Service and Price Compared to Other Retailers came in as the next top drivers of satisfaction, at 24% and 20% respectively.

Sustainability is a concern 

Our research also uncovered that buying sustainable, local brands was important for a number of our respondents: 39% said they preferred to buy NZ outdoor brands, while close to a third (31%) said sustainability was a key consideration when purchasing outdoor goods. 

Kiwis research their outdoors gear

It makes sense that if we’re investing in high-quality outdoors gear, we want to do our research before making any big purchases: 44% of respondents researched their purchases online before buying. And a similar number (45%) then followed and respected the advice from outdoor adventure retailer staff.

Sales are welcome

Unsurprisingly, as with Canstar’s other research into top retailers, a high number of respondents always waited for the sales before making a purchase: 66%. 

If you’re planning a bit of an adventure in New Zealand once the current lockdown restrictions are relaxed, you know you’ll find the equipment and help you need at Torpedo7. Read our full survey results of outdoor adventure retailers and compare them for free by hitting the button below: 

Compare outdoor adventure retailers for free with Canstar!