Wanaka's original ski shop, helping you get all you can out of every day.
At Racers Edge, we believe that to be their best in this busy, always-on world, people need to get outside more - and play.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that fresh air, open spaces and adventure are the antidote to the everyday doldrums. And in our home of Aotearoa New Zealand, we're spoiled for choice - with powder runs, world-class hiking trails, alpine lakes, and hero dirt all right on our doorstep.
Whether you're renting a mountain bike, upgrading your ski gear, or looking for the best local beta, we’re here to make sure you leave with the right gear and the confidence to use it. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you have—it’s about where it takes you.
So go on—get outside. Let's go play.
Our origins? Anything but ordinary
Racers Edge has been part of New Zealand's outdoor industry for over 40 years. Way back in 1982, in the heart of a much smaller Wānaka, a group of passionate skiers turned an unlikely space - a local fruit shop - into a makeshift ski rental operation. Fruit box shelves doubled as boot racks and a fruit fridge became a boot dryer, but the vision was clear: to make it easier for people to get outside and play.
By 1989, Racers Edge had outgrown its quirky beginnings. With Steve Schikker (aka Shaker) at the helm, we moved into a purpose-built, stone-clad headquarters and expanded beyond winter, becoming a year-round hub for adventure.
Return to independence
After a brief stint partnering with R&R Sports and Torpedo7 to further establish our presence in the outdoor retail market, we set out to re-establish Racers Edge as an independent retailer. By mid-March 2024, we achieved this, unveiling a refreshed brand identity that pays homage to Wānaka's iconic landmarks.
Today, Racers Edge continues to thrive as a locally owned and operated business, under three co-owners: Steve Schikker, Managing Director Charles Cochrane, and Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown Mat Woods.
The store remains committed to delivering a specialist customer experience, offering quality international brands, and supporting local environmental initiatives through partnerships like Love Wānaka.
A new home for ski & bike
In June 2026, we packed up the bikes and snow gear and opened the doors to 22 Ardmore St - a building with a whole lot of Wanaka history, for who've been around long enough to remember the good old days of Barrows.
The move gave us the opportunity for a custom, high-end store fitout, dedicated customer car parks to load your skis, a proper "bike bar" to chew the fat with our mechanics, and a little more space for our community to come and hang out.
Performance & lifestyle clothing and footwear are staying put at 99 Ardmore St, so don't worry - we haven't gone anywhere, we've just spread out a bit. Come say gidday.
Meet the ambassadors
Our ambassadors are more than just skilled adventurers—they’re storytellers, leaders, and inspirations to everyone who shares a love for the mountains, trails, and waters of New Zealand.
Join the family
We're always on the lookout for seasonal and full-time staff to join our vibrant, collaborative team, including adventurers from the Northern Hemisphere chasing southern snow.
Supporting our Community
We're proud to partner with like-minded local organizations that champion our community’s adventure spirit, support sustainability initiatives, and drive outdoor accessibility.