New Zealand outdoor brand Kathmandu is embarking on a new era, marked by stronger ties to its Kiwi heritage, the introduction of a new product category, and the launch of an evergreen brand campaign.

Kathmandu, born in Christchurch in 1987, plans to lean more intentionally into its roots, actively pursuing a deeper connection to Aotearoa and channelling it through all areas of business.

In response to the emerging trend of consumers choosing the outdoors as their training ground, Kathmandu is launching its all-new product category: Outdoor Active. This new category joins Hike and Adventure Travel as Kathmandu’s core product focuses and is designed for consumers who value spontaneity and short bursts of outdoor activity within their daily routine.

The Outdoor Active category, named the ‘Seeker’ range, will continue to expand over the next two years. Kathmandu is also launching its new evergreen brand campaign - Come Find Us. We’re Out There. The campaign, developed in partnership with creative agency Motion Sickness, marks an authentic shift towards showcasing the ruggedness and realness of New Zealand’s outdoor landscape, while communicating the happiness humans experience when they spend time outside.

The campaign was captured entirely on Great Barrier Island – 100km off the coast of Auckland, accessible only by tiny plane or slow rolling ferry, and home to approximately 1,000 permanent residents. The campaign celebrates the people of Barrier, with nine successful applicants (of 150 auditions) posing candidly, styled in new season Kathmandu gear, paired with their own much-loved pieces, and proudly embracing their rich culture and unfiltered personalities.

The campaign’s Kiwi spirit is further cemented by the film’s voiceover, by retired New Zealand radio icon, Kim Hill, and bespoke music produced entirely by up-and-coming Auckland-based music producers.

Kathmandu’s Come Find Us. We’re Out There. campaign is live now across Australian TV, out of home, online and social media platforms, and will be in market for 12 months, until August 2025. Kathmandu’s all-new Seeker range is also available, from now, in-store and online.

Kathmandu’s General Manager of Marketing, Jo O’Sullivan, said: "This is a significant moment in Kathmandu’s brand history, and one we are proud to share.” She added, “New Zealand, and all it represents, is the essence of Kathmandu’s story, and we are excited to celebrate our heritage in all we do moving forward. New Zealand’s wilderness continues to inspire us not only to get out there more often, but also to create thoughtfully designed, sustainably made gear to help our community do the same.”

“Come Find Us. We’re Out There. sets a new tone for our brand, leaning into what made us fall in love with the outdoors over 30 years ago. It’s the peace, connection and meaning we discover while out there, and this campaign invites our community to join us in experiencing that together," added O'Sullivan.