This story is about how Christchurch's (maybe even all of NZ's) best outdoor store, Further Faster & Long Cloud Kayaks started... way, way, way up North a long time ago. 

Rocky was hitch hiking around Europe like any adventurous 16 year old. He was picked up by some unlikely folk who loved adventure gear and owned an outdoor store. They gave him a ride to their shop – and he decided to stay.

Dan was lured by the white water rapids of North America. He fell in love with not doing real work and getting paid to paddle the river, rafting, kayaking and canoeing… a couple of decades later and these two hairy northen men were brought  to New Zealand by their respective partners and then some magic happened...  

ROCKY

Rocky (aka Martin) has spent years (guess how long - he's always in the Veteran category  at races now) buying, selling and playing with outdoor gear. Working at some iconic outdoor retailers, Hill’s in Yorkshire, The Climbers Shop in The Lake District and Mainpeak in Australia. Now he has his own shop, shop dog and beer fridge... he is living the dream! Passionate about the gear and adventure, come in for a yearn as he is also keen on the banter.

DAN

Dan Farber is an old school white water guide and bird loving twitcher. When he is not on the water or talking kayaks and canoes he is a dab hand at playing lego with his kids or taking them tramping. You will find him mainly in the shop, drinking coffee or beer (mainly on a Friday).

BADGER

A big loveable rouge who has been number one since the day he was born. Entering his teenage years he is about to embark on a journey to reform school! Most of the time is he lounging on the couch up stairs in the warehouse. Otherwise he is pulling Rocky up a mountain trail or hanging at the Ski Hill base station.

JULES

That's me, camera shy (so you wont see many photos) but I am not shy to direct the boys in front of the camera! I spend my time trekking the Port Hills with Badger  camera in hand trying to get that epic adventure dog pic. I also answer all your questions online. You can find me in the shop now and then, because I really like it (wish I had time to be there more!) and if you are lucky it is baking day when you drop by. My fave sports are running with Badger, rogaining, mountain biking, skiing and getting to the top of a mountain. I have also done Spring Challenge and Peak to Pub a few times and can't wait to do some more!

THE SHOP

Long Cloud Kayaks was Dans wee baby he started a few years ago but it soon outgrew its premise at the old McEweings ski shop. Rocky was running his online store and wholesale business from home, taking up the spare room, double garage and then the other room, lounge, dining room and then hallway! When Rocky came home and said Dan was interested in opening a store and warehouse together. I (the wife and partner in legal crime) got pretty excited about being able to sit on the couch again!

A random drive through the city, and the empty shop was found. Loads of TLC and some good parties later and the bricks and mortar store was opened!

We specialise in quality clothing and equipment for outside adventures for you, your family and dogs.  On the mountain and on the water. 

You can visit us in person, we don't bite and neither does Badger!

57a Buchan St, Sydenham, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Opening Hours:

Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm

Saturday 10am-4pm 

Sundays and Public Holidays Closed.  

Open by appointment if you can't make it any other time.

• If you have any questions about the business or any of the products we sell please get in touch with us. We are real people who love to talk about gear...