Our History

The story of Coppins began in Motueka in 1898, when the business was established as a traditional saddlery serving the needs of the local farming and transport community.

From those early beginnings, Coppins has continued to evolve with the changing needs of the region while remaining based at its original High Street premises in Motueka.

From Saddlery to Canvas

At the turn of the twentieth century, horses were central to transport, farming and everyday life, and saddlery was an important local trade. As motor vehicles gradually replaced horses, Coppins adapted rather than disappearing with the traditional saddlery industry.

The skills involved in working with leather, canvas, stitching and heavy fabrics were applied to new products, and the business developed into a specialist canvas manufacturing and repair operation. Tarpaulins, covers, awnings and other practical canvas products became an increasingly important part of the business.

Supporting a Changing Region

As the Motueka and Tasman economy developed, so did Coppins. The growth of local horticulture created demand for specialist equipment for orchard and fruit-growing operations. Coppins began designing and manufacturing products specifically suited to the needs of growers and workers.

Fruit-picking equipment became an important part of the business, with Coppins products eventually being used throughout New Zealand's horticultural industry. This ability to identify a practical problem and develop a durable solution became a defining part of the Coppins approach.

From the Land to the Sea

The same practical design philosophy eventually took Coppins into the marine industry. From the 1960s, the business began manufacturing drogues and specialist equipment for commercial fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters.

This work led to the development of increasingly sophisticated sea-anchor systems. Over subsequent decades, Coppins sea anchors developed an international reputation and were supplied for use by commercial vessels, yachts, rescue organisations, defence forces and marine operators around the world.

What had begun as a small Motueka saddlery had evolved into a specialist manufacturer capable of developing products for customers far beyond New Zealand.

The Move Into Outdoor Recreation

Another major step in the evolution of Coppins came during the 1970s, when the retail side of the business began expanding into outdoor and recreational equipment.

It was a natural development. For generations, Coppins had supplied people working on farms, in orchards and at sea. Increasingly, the business was also serving people exploring the mountains, rivers, coastline and tracks surrounding Motueka.

The range gradually expanded into:

• Camping and tramping
• Fishing
• Cycling
• Kayaking and paddling
• Outdoor recreation

Over time, this part of the business became known as Coppins Great Outdoors and later Coppins Outdoors.

A Business That Continued to Adapt

The history of Coppins is not the story of one type of shop. It is the story of a business that has continually adapted.

• 1898 — Saddlery serving Motueka's farming and transport community
• Early 1900s — Canvas manufacturing, repairs, covers and awnings
• Mid 1900s — Specialist horticultural equipment for a growing region
• 1960s onward — Marine drogues and sea-anchor development
• 1970s onward — Expansion into outdoor and recreational retail
• Today — A specialist outdoor store serving locals and visitors

Saddlery became canvas manufacturing. Canvas manufacturing expanded into horticultural equipment. Marine products led to internationally recognised sea-anchor systems. And the retail business evolved into a specialist outdoor store.

At Home in Motueka

Few locations are better suited to an outdoor business. Motueka sits between the mountains and the sea, close to Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, the Motueka River, Tasman Bay and an extensive network of cycling and mountain-bike trails.

Fishing, tramping, camping, cycling and exploring the outdoors are part of everyday life in the region. Coppins Outdoors grew alongside that outdoor culture, developing around the equipment needed by local people as well as visitors heading into some of New Zealand's best-known outdoor destinations.

More Than 125 Years of Evolution

The products found inside Coppins today would be almost unrecognisable to customers walking through the doors in 1898.

Horse equipment has been replaced by mountain bikes and e-bikes. Traditional canvas gear has evolved into lightweight tents, sleeping systems and technical outdoor equipment. Fishing tackle, footwear, clothing, packs and cycling equipment have become increasingly specialised.

Yet the principles behind the business have changed remarkably little.

Good equipment. Practical knowledge. Products suited to the local environment. Service, repair and problem-solving.

That ability to adapt while remaining connected to Motueka has allowed the Coppins name to endure for more than 125 years.

Coppins Outdoors Today

Today, Coppins Outdoors continues to trade from its original High Street location in Motueka, carrying forward a business story that began in 1898.

From saddlery and canvas to horticulture, marine innovation and modern outdoor retail, the Coppins history reflects more than a century of change in both Motueka and the way New Zealanders work and enjoy the outdoors.

The business may have evolved many times, but its connection with Motueka has remained constant.

Coppins Outdoors — Motueka since 1898.
Find your track. Cast your line. Ride your way.