Our Whānau and the story behind Back to the Wild
As a mum who spends most of her time tramping, skiing, and exploring with her kids, I needed sunscreen and other outdoor skincare that could handle New Zealand’s wild conditions - without the chemical nasties I didn’t want on our skin.
With a science degree and a love of DIY, I started formulating my own natural sunscreen just for our family. I made an extra batch for friends, and listed the leftovers on Facebook Marketplace - they sold out almost instantly!
This was when I realised I wasn’t the only one searching for something better, and Back to the Wild was born that night back in 2017!
Today, Back to the Wild offers a range of small-batch, handcrafted outdoor skincare that’s both effective and gentle on the earth. Every product is made with science-backed ingredients, independently SPF-tested, and packaged sustainably. We’re here to support families who live life outdoors - keeping skin safe, nourished, and ready for adventure.
Plus, we've expanded our range to include exclusive tramping books, getting kids excited to head out overnight tramping, and a range of curated tested by us outdoor gear!
And if you're into tips for living self-sufficiently, especially on a regular urban block, check out my personal @UrbanSelfSufficiencyNZ blog.
We hope you enjoy our products just as much as our family does!
xx Sonia.

Let customers speak for us
from 280 reviewsReally great gift idea
Highly rate all the products in it.

This is the best kawakawa balm we have used, and we have tried a few for our infants hives.
So amazing, highly recommend having a tub in first aid kit!!
My Mum also used it as a massage balm post surgery and said it was amazing

We love using this product, primarily for nappy rash and when using reusable nappies.
Applies easily and seems to keep bottoms in tip top shape.
Have used it on bad nappy rash and it helps heal it well.
We have also tried it on hives and it worked well too

Effective, smells and feels great too.
Highly recommend this product

Such a great book, we have had to buy more for birthday presents for friends kids!

Lovely mild soap - great for when pregnant or breastfeeding

Love this gorgeous balm for sun protection with lovely mild Kawakawa. I use this on all my babies under 2

Love, love, love it! Such a nice lip balm, smooth, gentle and lasts ages!

Gorgeous, creamy soap - makes my skin feel great

I have dry, curly hair and have been finding it hard to find a shampoo bar that doesn't dry it out even more. This bar has cleaned well without drying it out.

I have dry, curly hair and have been finding it hard to find a good conditioner. I have tried this twice on my hair and it leaves my hair feeling nourished :-)

Brilliant soap bar, smells fresh - it's nice and bubbly and cleans really well :-)

Strong round tin - perfect for travel and placing soap in.

This product is hydrating on the lips and leaves them feeling soft! Highly recommend!

Want to know more?
Check out my personal @urbanselfsufficiencynz blog, or my husband's Drainage business - Drain Guru

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