Tents for Sale in New Zealand: New, Used, Cheap Options
Anyone who’s looked for a tent in New Zealand quickly realises the market is split: cheap domes at big-box retailers versus premium shelters at specialty stores. With 19 stores nationwide, Burnsco (New Zealand’s largest boating and outdoors retailer) is one of the many places to browse, while Rebel Sport offers a flat $6 delivery fee on camping tents. This guide cuts through the options to help you find the right tent for your budget and needs.
Price range: From budget (SaveBarn) to premium (Macpac, Kiwi Camping) ·
Popular tent types: Family, hiking, inflatable, rooftop ·
Key retailers: Burnsco, Macpac, Rebel Sport, Kiwi Camping, SaveBarn, Complete Outdoors
Quick snapshot
- Trade Me lists camping tents both new and used (Trade Me, New Zealand’s largest marketplace)
- Burnsco operates 19 stores nationwide (Burnsco)
- Complete Outdoors claims the largest tent selection in Christchurch (Complete Outdoors NZ)
- Exact stock levels at retailers aren’t publicly shown
- Future sales and discounts are uncertain
- The condition of used tents on marketplaces varies
- Check Trade Me for second-hand deals (Trade Me)
- Use Rebel Sport’s price-beat guarantee for new tents (Rebel Sport)
- Visit specialty stores like Tent Town in Panmure for in-person inspection (Tent Town)
Three key facts stand out across the NZ tent market: pricing, retailer coverage, and product variety.
| Category | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Price range for new tents | Budget (SaveBarn) to premium (Macpac, Kiwi Camping) | SaveBarn, Macpac, Kiwi Camping |
| Popular tent types | Family, hiking, inflatable, rooftop, canvas, dome | Complete Outdoors NZ |
| Key retailers | Burnsco, Macpac, Rebel Sport, Kiwi Camping, SaveBarn, Complete Outdoors, Tent Town, Bivouac | Multiple sources |
| Burnsco store count | 19 stores nationwide | Burnsco |
| Rebel Sport delivery fee | Flat $6 on camping tents | Rebel Sport |
| Specialty retailer location | Tent Town in Panmure, Auckland | Tent Town |
The pattern: New Zealand’s tent market is split between budget-driven discount retailers and specialty shops that offer selection and expertise. Knowing which channel fits your needs is the first step.
Where can I find used or second-hand tents for sale in New Zealand?
Where to buy used tents? (TradeMe, Facebook Marketplace, camping gear outlets)
- Trade Me is the largest marketplace for camping tents in New Zealand, supporting both new and used listings. Used tents are mainly concentrated in peer-to-peer channels rather than retailer storefronts.
- Facebook Marketplace is another active channel, though inventory quality varies.
- Some camping gear outlets occasionally sell used or ex-display models, but most used stock is private.
What to check when buying a used tent?
- Inspect for mold, tears, missing poles, and waterproofing before purchase. Prices for used tents typically range from $50 to $300 depending on condition.
- As a Reddit user on r/newzealand noted: “Sometimes you can get great condition 2nd hand Great Outdoor canvas tents on TradeMe at really good prices.”
- Complete Outdoors offers repair solutions alongside new tents, meaning after-sale support can be a differentiator compared to private used-sale listings (Complete Outdoors NZ).
What are the best cheap tents for sale in New Zealand?
Budget-friendly tent options under $200
- Cheap tents can be found at Kmart, Bunnings, and The Warehouse, with prices starting from $50. These are typically dome tents suitable for occasional use.
- SaveBarn markets camping tents as cheap tents for sale, positioning itself as a discount destination.
- Rebel Sport offers a price-beat guarantee, so you can match or beat competitors’ prices on new budget tents.
2 person and 4 person cheap tents
- For 2 person tents, look for lightweight models under $100 at Kmart or The Warehouse. For 4 person family dome tents, prices range from $80 to $150 at these retailers.
- Inflatable tents are more expensive (typically $400+), while dome tents remain the cheapest option.
- Macpac lists both regular and sale prices, indicating periodic discounting on new stock that can bring premium tents into budget range.
Budget tents under $100 are fine for car camping in fair weather but may not withstand heavy rain or wind. For year-round New Zealand conditions, spending $150–$300 on a mid-range dome tent from a specialty retailer like Bivouac or Complete Outdoors is often a better long-term investment.
Which retailers like Kmart, Bunnings, and The Warehouse sell tents in New Zealand?
Kmart tent range
- Kmart offers affordable dome tents, often under $100. Their range is seasonal and focuses on entry-level family and 2-person models.
Bunnings tent selection
- Bunnings stocks a variety of camping tents, including family and hiking tents, with prices typically between $50 and $200. They also carry accessories like groundsheets and poles.
The Warehouse tent options
- The Warehouse has a selection of tents for different budgets, often on sale during summer. Their no-frills dome tents are popular for casual campers.
Beyond these big retailers, specialty stores offer more variety and expertise. Burnsco (19 stores nationwide) and Complete Outdoors (largest selection in Christchurch) are go-to destinations for serious campers. Tent Town in Panmure, Auckland, offers both in-store and online shopping for a wide range of tent brands.
For a family of four, a $100 dome from The Warehouse might work for a weekend, but a $500 family tent from Kiwi Camping or Bivouac will last multiple seasons. The choice depends on how often you camp and the weather you expect.
The contrast between new and used tents is sharp: one offers warranty and peace of mind, the other offers lower prices and potential bargains.
| Feature | New Tent | Used Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $50 – $2,500 | $50 – $300 |
| Warranty | Yes (retailer/manufacturer) | No (unless sold by a dealer) |
| Condition | Perfect | Variable – inspect for mold, tears, missing poles |
| Availability | In stock at retailers | Listed on Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace |
| After-sale support | Repairs, exchanges, returns | None (private sale) |
The trade-off: new tents cost more but come with a safety net. Used tents can save you 50–80% but require careful inspection and a willingness to handle repairs.
Different tent types suit different needs. Here’s a quick spec overview.
| Tent type | Price range | Weight | Setup time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dome | $50 – $200 | 2–5 kg | 5–10 min | Car camping, fair weather |
| Inflatable | $400 – $1,500 | 8–15 kg | 10–15 min | Family camping, quick setup |
| Family cabin | $150 – $800 | 10–20 kg | 15–25 min | Large groups, long stays |
| Hiking/backpacking | $100 – $600 | 1–3 kg | 5–8 min | Backcountry, tramping |
| Rooftop | $800 – $3,000 | 30–50 kg | 5–10 min | Overlanding, 4WD trips |
| Canvas |
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