Our Story

Two very different runners.

Kinisi Running started in 2023, because Wānaka's running community deserved a proper specialist shop, not just gear on a shelf.

We moved to Wānaka for the same reason a lot of people do. Skiing in winter, running, climbing, biking, and camping in summer, there was never a shortage of things to do.

Ian only had weekends free, like most of us, so trail running became his way of fitting big days into short ones. He started running routes like the Routeburn Track and the Gillespie Circuit, usually hiked over three days or more, in a single weekend. A pair of running shoes and a light vest got him over that ground a lot faster than boots and an overnight pack ever could. He's since raced some of the best trail events the South Island has to offer, and he's always happy to talk gear or swap race tips if you let him.

Ian's enthusiasm is hard to argue with. I've always been more of an explorer than a runner, but he convinced me a pair of running shoes works a lot better on trails than hiking boots ever did.

We're a team of four now. Life on the trails is slower these days, but we haven't stopped adventuring, we've just been enjoying seeing it all again through our kids' eyes.

Come say hi next time you're in Three Parks. You'll get a friendly smile, a few questions from Tilly, and probably some solid advice from Ian. I do a lot of the talking online through our socials and newsletter, so you might not see as much of me in person. We're a good team that way, we stick to what we're each best at.

Much love from Ian, Jane and Tilly x