Kathmandu Clothing

The story of Kathmandu began with a sewing machine in the back room of a med student’s flat where it was being used to make outdoor clothing and equipment for friends and family. The medical studies were soon left behind for the climbing and mountaineering that was the true passion, and it was through expeditions into the mountains that the need for a better range of quality outdoor gear became apparent.

That was a while ago, over 20 years in fact, and in the years to come the idea of making outdoor gear for friends evolved in various forms and locations to become what it is today – a company of 48 stores spread across Australia, New Zealand & the United Kingdom providing quality outdoor clothing and equipment for travel and adventure.

Kathmandu in its current form began in Hardware Street in Melbourne in the late 80s – at that time the mecca for outdoor stores. Stores elsewhere in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom quickly followed, and soon Christchurch, New Zealand became home to Kathmandu. Today the Kathmandu Head Office is still in Christchurch, with a second Head Office and distribution centre in Melbourne dedicated to looking after the Australian stores.  Recently, a third distribution centre was acquired in London to assist with the growing number of stores in the UK.

It’s a long way from a sewing machine in the back room of a flat and the old store in Hardware Street is no more, but the philosophy remains…. At Kathmandu our dream is to share the dream with you, make sure you have what you need to make it great, and dangle the carrot of inspiration to take you further still.

Live the Dream®

For us the dream is individually defined. It may be that moment of escape on Friday at 5pm as you leave the office for a weekend of adventure. Packing up the family and car for a holiday along the coast. Seeing those hard-earned savings turn into an around the world ticket to destinations unexplored and fitting your essential world into a backpack.  Finding a weekend when everyone is free to play, sleeping under the stars, reaching the summit, or simply making time for friends.  Whatever the dream, it’s about getting out there and having fun – however you define it.

Who are we?

A group of people passionate about living the dream - not playing it safe but trying new things, always searching out new toys.  We’re not world famous explorers (though they can be our customers) but everyday people helping turn fantasies of escape into real possibilities.

 This is all from the official Kathmandu website, for further information please visit www.kathmandu.co.nz

Mail order
Kathmandu Mailorder
PO Box 1234, Christchurch
Freephone 0800 00 1234
Fax (03) 373 6124
Email mailorder.nz@kathmandu.co.nz