At Racers Edge, we believe that to be their best in this busy, always-on world, people need to get outside more - and play.
We know that fresh air, open spaces and adventure are the antidote to the everyday doldrums. And in New Zealand, whether it's riding powder or carving corduroy, hiking in the hills or biking down them or simply hitting the lake, we're here to help you get more out of life.
Our legacy
Racers Edge has been part of New Zealand's outdoor industry for over 40 years, but our origins are anything but ordinary. Way back in 1982, in the heart of a much smaller Wanaka, 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.
Partnership with R&R Sports and transition to Torpedo7
In the aftermath of the 2007–08 global financial crisis, Racers Edge partnered with R&R Sports to leverage a stronger buying base and improved business infrastructure. This partnership allowed Racers Edge to further establish its presence in the outdoor retail market.
In 2013, The Warehouse Group acquired R&R Sports and subsequently integrated it into its Torpedo7 brand. The franchise agreement between R&R Sports and Racers Edge was transferred to Torpedo7, but Racers Edge remained locally owned and operated.
Over time, as Torpedo7 evolved into a more mainstream outdoor chain focusing on home-brand products, the alignment with Racers Edge's specialist, high-end offerings became challenging. The franchise model's benefits diminished, prompting Racers Edge to begin the process of "de-coupling" from Torpedo7 in late 2023.
Return to Independence
By mid-March 2024, Racers Edge had successfully re-established itself as an independent retailer, 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 CE 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.
Helping New Zealand get outdoors
Over the years, what started as a small-town ski shop has grown into something bigger. While Wānaka will always be our homebase, we know that adventure isn’t limited by location—so we took the Racers Edge experience online.
Our online store means that no matter where you are in New Zealand, you can access the same expert-selected gear, trusted brands, and adventure-ready essentials on which we’ve built our reputation. Whether you’re in the mountains, by the coast, or anywhere in between, we’ll help you get the right gear to explore your backyard.
More than a store
Racers Edge is more than a retail shop—it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
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.