Preparing for an outdoor adventure is now virtual fun

An interactive tool is now on offer in selected Macpac and Bivouac Outdoor stores to offer shoppers extra support when it comes to packing and planning for their next outdoor adventure.

The recently launched Mountain Safety Council in store kiosks provide interactive packing list suggestions for classic New Zealand walks and tramps, and are customised to the store’s location by playing safety videos for local tracks as well as up-to-date MetService weather forecasts for the area. Bivouac Outdoor and Macpac staff are excited to host the kiosks in stores for their customers and believe they will help guide customers and keen trampers through a successful planning process.

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says providing such a tool in Bivouac Outdoor and Macpac stores across the country is all part of the organisation's work to making safety easy.

“It’s our approach to place helpful resources and information in the places that people are already going.

“We know that thousands of people go into stores to talk with staff and to get kitted out for their trips, so by offering the kiosk in store is about enhancing their experience and helping to facilitate really good preparation,” he said.

After running a trial period last year, MSC took onboard the feedback from customers and retail staff, and significantly upgraded the content based on the metrics.

Macpac Nelson’s Assistant Manager Jono Davies says the kiosks are a fun interactive tool that encourages customers to think more about their upcoming trip.

“From updated weather information, to gear lists and the in-depth videos, the kiosk will really help guide customers through their trip planning process."

Bivouac Outdoor’s Christchurch salesperson Anthony Murray says the kiosk’s packing lists let people spot any gaps on their own lists while they are in the shop, and remind people of the smaller items to pack.

"The little things often make the difference in having a great trip or not. . . if you forget your stove fuel, sunscreen or pack liner you might have a rough time.”

His colleague Kirsten Barkla says the kiosk makes the planning process fun.

"It’s fun to check off all the things you’ve thought to pack, a kind of validation that you're not bringing too much. And it points out things I usually rely on others to bring, like a pocketknife.”

Macpac Taupo Store Manager Elliot Vanderspeck says they are seeing more New Zealanders in store who are wanting to correctly prepare for their next adventure.

"We think this will be a great information source for customers before they head out on their adventures, making sure they have all the right equipment, and they will be the best prepared they can be for the right situation.” 

The kiosk software was produced by Queenstown-based company HeadQuarters N.D.C. 

All staff will be trained to provide quality kiosk customer support.

This is one of the many exciting collaborative projects we have got going this summer, so stay tuned for what’s to come. 

The kiosk software was produced by Queenstown-based company HeadQuarters N.D.C. All staff will be trained to provide quality kiosk customer support. This is one of the many exciting collaborative projects we have got going this summer, so stay tuned for what’s to come.

The eight MSC kiosks are in the following stores: Macpac stores: Tower Junction Christchurch, Taupo, Nelson and Queenstown. Bivouac Outdoor: Wellington, Sylvia Park Auckland, Palmerston North, and Tower Junction Christchurch.

- Visit their online stores | Bivouac Outdoor and Macpac