Back view of Hayden wearing a Wyld Peak cap and classic hoodie, holding a long-range rifle while hunting in Marlborough, New Zealand

Wild Work in Marlborough: A Conservation Journey with Wyld Peak in New Zealand

Wild Work in Marlborough: A Conservation Journey with Wyld Peak in New Zealand

Several weeks ago, two of our Wyld Peak crew, Hayden and Avi, set off on a rugged, purpose-driven adventure to the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand. The destination was Blenheim, a town tucked between vineyards and remote bushland. The mission? To support field operations with Ritchie from Indistree, a conservation expert deeply rooted in the region, in an effort to protect New Zealand’s fragile native ecosystem.

Stunning sunset over a vineyard in Blenheim with the Southern Alps in the distance, capturing the rugged beauty of New Zealand's South Island

Adventure in the Wild Bush

The lush, wild terrain of Aotearoa hides an ongoing environmental crisis. Invasive species like wild pigs, possums, and rabbits have wreaked havoc on native plants and animals for generations. These introduced animals upset the delicate ecological balance, and controlling their population is essential to preserving New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.

Avi standing quietly with misty hills behind him in the Marlborough Sounds, wearing a Wyld Peak beanie and layered outdoor gear

For Avi, this was a total immersion into the heart of the bush. With Ritchie’s field knowledge and Hayden’s outdoor experience, Avi gained first-hand insight into what it takes to work in this demanding landscape. They crossed steep ridgelines, trudged through tangled blackberry, gorse, and vines sharp enough to tear through gear. It wasn’t glamorous. It was real conservation work, in real conditions.

Hayden in a Wyld Peak hoodie and cap alongside Ritchie, both glassing the open Marlborough fields for pests during a backcountry hunt

And that’s exactly why we were there.

At Wyld Peak, we don’t just claim our apparel can take a beating in the wild, we prove it. This trip served as a live field test for our gear: our organic hoodies, organic cotton tees, and hard-wearing caps faced the unforgiving bush head-on. The results? Even after days of brutal exposure to thorns, branches, sweat, and New Zealand’s unpredictable elements, our apparel stood its ground.

Our hoodies delivered warmth and wind resistance when temperatures dropped. Our breathable cotton shirts kept the team cool and comfortable during long hikes. And our durable caps shielded them from the sun and rain alike. Nothing ripped, nothing failed. That’s what we mean by adventure-ready apparel, tested not in studios or staged photo shoots, but in the wild where it matters.

Avi carefully taking aim with his rifle during a rural pest control mission in the hills of Marlborough

But this story is about more than just gear. It’s about responsibility.

At Wyld Peak, sustainability isn't a marketing angle, it’s a core value. We believe in protecting the lands we love to explore. Partnering with Indistree wasn’t just about lending a hand; it was about learning, supporting local expertise, and contributing meaningfully to an effort that aligns with our mission. While we won’t share specific numbers from this trip, we can say with confidence that every step, every action, helped reduce the pressure invasive animals place on native bushland.

Avi overlooking a wide stretch of Marlborough fields and hills, rifle slung over his shoulder during a quiet moment in the bush

Conservation is never easy. It’s dirty, physically demanding, and often unrecognized work. But it’s also necessary. And we’re proud to be a part of that story.

When you wear Wyld Peak, you’re not just wearing a hoodie, you’re wearing something tested in real-world conditions, created by people who actually go there. You’re investing in apparel that supports environmental action, not fast fashion. And most importantly, you’re joining a community that values nature, adventure, and doing things the right way.

Hayden dressed in hunting gear and a Wyld Peak organic hoodie, approaching an overwatch position in the remote Marlborough backcountry

Whether you’re trekking through Oregon’s backcountry or navigating the tangled wilds of New Zealand, Wyld Peak will keep you comfortable, capable, and connected to something bigger.

Ready to gear up for your next adventure? Explore our latest collection today, made for the trail, tested in the wild, and built to last.

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