Tents for Sale NZ: Compare New, Used & Cheap Camping Tents
New Zealanders love the outdoors but finding the right tent without overpaying can feel like a puzzle, whether after a budget-friendly dome tent for a weekend trip or a sturdy canvas shelter for regular use. We break down the practical differences between new, second-hand, and cheap tents available right now from the country’s biggest retailers.
Popular budget tent: Kmart 6 Person 2 Room Tent at $175 (Kmart New Zealand) ·
Cheapest entry-level new tent: Around $79 (Action Outdoors guide) ·
Mid-range 4-person tent: $349 Kiwi Camping Kea 4E (PriceSpy New Zealand) ·
Lightweight 2-person tent: $559.99 Macpac Duolight V4 (Macpac New Zealand)
Quick snapshot
- Available at Kmart, Bunnings, Macpac, and more (Bunnings New Zealand)
- Warranty and return policies included under the Consumer Guarantees Act (Bunnings New Zealand)
- Prices from $38.40 (SaveBarn) to $559.99 (Macpac New Zealand)
- Listed on Trade Me (Trade Me Marketplace) and Facebook Marketplace
- Canvas tents often available at reduced prices in good condition (Trade Me Canvas Tents)
- Inspect for tears, rust, and mould before buying (Trade Me Marketplace)
- Under $100 at Kmart (Action Outdoors guide) and SaveBarn
- Ideal for occasional or short trips (Action Outdoors guide)
- Check for waterproofing and durable zippers (Action Outdoors guide)
- 4-person or larger sizes from $200 to $600 (PriceSpy New Zealand)
- Inflatable or dome designs for quick setup (PriceSpy New Zealand)
- Roomy enough for families or groups of four (PriceSpy New Zealand)
Five key data points summarise the state of the New Zealand tent market right now:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Average price for a 2-person tent | $100 – $300 (PriceSpy New Zealand) |
| Average price for a 4-person tent | $200 – $600 (PriceSpy New Zealand) |
| Most common tent type in NZ | Dome tent (Action Outdoors guide) |
| Popular tent brands in NZ | Coleman, Oztrail, Kathmandu, Great Outdoor (Bunnings New Zealand) |
| Number of major brick-and-mortar retailers | At least 7 (Kmart, Bunnings, The Warehouse, Macpac, SaveBarn, Hunting & Fishing, The Outlet) |
Where can I find used or second hand tents for sale in New Zealand?
Online marketplaces for second-hand tents
- Trade Me (Trade Me Marketplace) carries a rotating inventory of new and used tents, with dedicated categories for canvas models.
- Facebook Marketplace offers local listings where you can inspect the tent before handing over cash.
Canvas tents from brands like Great Outdoor frequently appear on these platforms at a fraction of their retail cost. A regular contributor on the r/newzealand camping thread noted that buying used canvas on Trade Me has been “absolutely solid through three rainy summer trips.”
Tips for inspecting used tents before buying
Check the pole joints for kinks or rust, lay the tent flat to look for UV rot in the fabric, and test the zippers on a dry run. Mould tends to hide in the seam tape of older canvas models, so a sniff test in the storage bag is non-negotiable.
For Kiwis who only camp once a year, buying used on Trade Me can save 50% compared to retail, but inspecting the pole joints and floor seams before bidding is non-negotiable.
Bottom line: First-time buyers can test the hobby for under $100 at Kmart or The Warehouse. Frequent campers are better off buying used canvas on Trade Me or investing in a new dome tent from Bunnings or Macpac.
Where can I find cheap tents for sale in New Zealand?
Cheapest new tents from major retailers
- Kmart NZ — 4 Person Dome Tent for $79 to $99 (Action Outdoors guide).
- SaveBarn — basic dome tents from $38.40.
- The Warehouse — seasonal pop-up tents often priced under $60.
Outlet stores and clearance deals
Beyond standard retailers, outlet sites like SaveBarn consistently offer tents at a fraction of their retail price. A basic dome tent can be picked up for as little as $38.40, making it the cheapest current option for a no-frills shelter.
Budget tents under $50 rarely include a full rain fly or reinforced pole sleeves, which can fail under New Zealand’s coastal wind and sudden downpours.
Bottom line: For pure cash price, SaveBarn and Kmart are unbeatable for a single-weekend trip. For anything beyond light weather, budget an extra $50 for a model with a sealed fly and taped seams.
What sizes of tents (2 person, 4 person) are available for sale in New Zealand?
2 person tents for camping duos
- Compact and lightweight for backpacking.
- Prices range from $100 to $600.
- Example: Macpac Duolight 2 Person V4 at $559.99 (Macpac New Zealand).
4 person family tents
- Extra space for families or gear storage.
- Prices from $200 to $600.
- Example: Kiwi Camping Kea 4E at $349.00.
The pattern: The price jump from 2 to 4 person tents is modest — roughly $100 to $200 — but the packed size and weight roughly double. For campers who move between sites, that trade-off matters.
Which retailers like Kmart, Bunnings, and The Warehouse sell tents in New Zealand?
Tent ranges at Kmart New Zealand
Kmart sells pop-up and dome tents under its in-house brand. The 6 Person 2 Room Tent is priced at $175, and the 4 Person Dome Tent sits at $79 to $99 (Action Outdoors guide). Both models are designed for fair-weather camping and festival use.
Bunnings camping tent selection
Bunnings carries Oztrail and Coleman tents alongside the Marquee Portable Privacy Tent (Bunnings New Zealand). Their range skews toward family-sized dome tents with full rain flies, making them a step up in harsh protection from the ultra-budget options.
The Warehouse tent offerings
The Warehouse stocks budget and mid-range dome tents for casual campers. Prices start around $40 for basic pop-ups and climb to $150 for larger weekend models. Warranty coverage follows the Consumer Guarantees Act standard.
Why this matters: Kmart and The Warehouse win on cash price, but Bunnings and Macpac offer branded warranties and proven resale value. A $349 Kiwi Camping tent from PriceSpy-listed retailers will hold its utility longer than a $79 pop-up.
What types of tents are best for New Zealand weather conditions?
Dome tents for wind resistance
- The curved shape deflects coastal gusts better than cabin tents.
- Low-profile designs shed wind from any direction.
- Full rain flies are essential for West Coast rain belts.
Inflatable air tents for easy setup
- Air beams replace poles — setup takes 1–2 minutes.
- Models like the Zempire Aerospeed are popular for family car camping.
- Heavier than pole tents but less prone to snapping in wind.
Canvas tents for durability in rain
- Breathable cotton canvas resists condensation and handles sustained rain.
- Great Outdoor canvas tents are a frequent find on Trade Me at reduced prices.
- Weigh significantly more than synthetic alternatives.
The verdict: For exposed coastal campsites a dome tent is the safest bet. For extended stays on rainy South Island tracks, a canvas tent outperforms anything else on the market.
Four buying channels, one clear distinction: new retail offers warranty and reliability; second-hand offers price savings at the cost of guarantees.
| Aspect | New Tents (Retail) | Second-Hand Tents (Trade Me) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $79 – $560 | $50 – $300 |
| Warranty | Consumer Guarantees Act + manufacturer’s warranty | None / seller’s discretion |
| Selection | Current models, full size range | Used models, limited inventory |
| Risk | Minimal | Mould, torn fabric, bent poles |
| Best Suited For | First-time buyers, frequent campers | Experimenters, budget restorers |
Look at the setup time versus weather protection — a clear trade-off emerges for New Zealand conditions.
| Type | Wind Rating | Setup Time | Rain Protection | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dome | Excellent | 5–10 min | Good (full fly required) | Moderate | Coastal camping |
| Inflatable Air Tent | Good | 1–2 min | Excellent (seamless air beams) | Heavy | Quick family setups |
| Canvas | Excellent | 15–30 min | Excellent (breathable fabric) | Very heavy | Rainy base camps |
| Pop-up | Fair | <1 min | Basic | Light | Festivals and short trips |
Buying New vs Buying Used: The Trade-offs
Upsides
- Full warranty and return policies at Macpac, Bunnings, and Kmart
- Immediate availability of current-season models
- No risk of hidden damage or mould
Downsides
- No manufacturer warranty when buying used
- Canvas tents can hide mould or mildew in seam tapes
- Pop-up tents often lose tension after a season of use
What we know and what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- Kmart, Bunnings, and The Warehouse sell tents in New Zealand.
- The Outlet and SaveBarn offer tents at discounted prices.
- Macpac and Kiwi Camping sell premium tents with warranties.
What’s unclear
- Which tent brand performs best in sustained rain?
- Whether budget tents under $50 are truly waterproof.
- How long second-hand canvas tents typically last.
What other campers are saying
“We picked up a second-hand Great Outdoor canvas tent on Trade Me for a fraction of the retail price. It’s been absolutely solid through three rainy summer trips.”
– Reddit user r/newzealand, 2025 camping thread
“The Kmart 4 Person Dome Tent is an ideal entry-level shelter for festival goers and families needing a temporary base.”
– Action Outdoors 2025 Buying Guide (Action Outdoors)
For the budget-conscious Kiwi camper, the choice is clear: spend $80 at Kmart or The Warehouse for a casual trip, or invest $300–$600 in a second-hand canvas or new dome tent for reliable multi-season use. For families who camp every summer, a $349 Kiwi Camping Kea 4E balances weight, space, and durability better than any ultra-budget option.
Frequently asked questions
Are tents waterproof in New Zealand?
Most tents sold by major retailers are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Canvas tents offer superior waterproofing due to breathable waxed fabric. Budget tents under $50 often lack a proper rain fly, making them unsuitable for sustained NZ rain. (Action Outdoors guide)
Can I return a tent if I buy it online?
Yes, standard Consumer Guarantees Act protections apply in New Zealand for faulty goods. Retailers like Macpac offer specific satisfaction guarantees, while Trade Me purchases rely on the seller’s return policy.
What is the best tent for windy conditions in NZ?
Dome tents are structurally best for wind because their low-profile shape sheds gusts. Canvas tents are heavy and can act as a sail if not properly guyed up.
Do I need a footprint or groundsheet for my tent?
Absolutely. A footprint protects the tent floor from sharp stones and roots common in NZ campgrounds. You can buy one from the tent manufacturer or cut a piece of heavy-duty tarp to size.
How long does a canvas tent last compared to synthetic?
Canvas tents, if stored correctly, can last 15–20 years. Synthetic tents (polyester/nylon) typically last 5–10 years before UV degradation affects waterproofing.
Are inflatable tents more durable than pole tents?
Inflatable air beam tents are less likely to snap in high winds compared to fibreglass poles, but they require a pump and are heavier to carry. Pole tents are lighter and simpler to repair in the field.
What is the cheapest tent available in NZ under $50?
Basic pop-up tents at SaveBarn can drop below $50 (SaveBarn). These typically have limited waterproofing and small floor areas, best suited for a single dry weekend.
Related reading
- Camping Tents NZ: 8 Best Models, Brands & Prices 2025 — Action Outdoors detailed guide
- Tents for sale on Trade Me — current auction listings
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