About Us
4x4 Explorer Equipment is the sister to our overland guiding business 4x4 Explorer Adventures. Over the past few years I've turned a passion for exploring into a "job" where I get to share my love for the rugged South Island with people from around the world.
All the gear we sell here is stuff we use and recommend on our own vehicles. We put this equipment through its paces on our week-long adventure tours across the South Island so we know it's built to survive.
My Story
If you've been away with 4x4 Explorer Adventures, you know me already, but for those that haven’t, my name is Rich, Richard, Ritchie… I answer to most things.
I was born in the UK, grew up in Christchurch in the 1970s, moved back to the UK for high school and university. I spent 10 years in the British Army as an Infantry Officer and then moved to France, where I stayed for 20 years working in commercial property investment, racing Classic Yachts, sailing the Atlantic, and much more.
I returned to New Zealand in 2014 where I spent a few years carrying on with commercial property in Auckland before deciding to turn my passion for Exploring into a “Job”.
It feels strange calling what I do a “job”, because what we do is take amazing people to amazing places and share our knowledge and our experiences. Most of the people who come away with us, become friends for life, with over 90% coming back for more.
