NZ company Wild Chix hunts for fans in Suzuki Jimny

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Wil Chix was created by Isabell Zitzelsberger. Photos: Supplied

Story courtesy of Suzuki NZ

Founded on the belief that adventure should be accessible to everyone, Wild Chix aims to empower women across New Zealand to step out of their comfort zone and build confidence by connecting with nature through hands-on experiences.

Suzuki New Zealand took the opportunity to ask Isabell Zitzelsberger, founder of Wild Chix, a few questions about her mission, why she started Wild Chix and what she’s been enjoying about driving the Suzuki Jimny five-door.

Tell us a bit about you and what you do

I'm Isabell, founder of Wild Chix — a women-led outdoor education business based in New Zealand. We teach women boating, fishing, hunting, freediving, and a wide range of outdoor skills. Everything we do is in a supportive, judgement-free environment where women can ask the 'silly' questions, learn at their own pace, and build real, lasting confidence in the outdoors. It's women teaching women — and that makes all the difference.

Wild Chix is a women-led outdoor education business.

What led you to start Wild Chix?

Before Wild Chix, I was selling boats — and most of my customers were men. I'd rarely even see the wives throughout the purchase journey, let alone have them involved.

Then I did my HUNTS course and found myself one of only two women in the room. It made me realise there was a real gap; a space where women could learn all the 'guys' things — hunting, fishing, boating — without relying on a husband, brother, or uncle to show them the ropes (and let's be honest, that never really works anyway!).

Women need an environment where they can make mistakes, ask any question, and actually feel comfortable. That space didn't exist — so I founded Wild Chix.

What advice would you give to a woman (or anyone) wanting to learn more about the outdoors?

Just start — you don't need to feel ready first. Most women who join us say the hardest part was actually booking. Once you're there, surrounded by other women who feel exactly the same way, everything changes.

Find your people. Learning in the right environment makes all the difference. You'll pick things up faster, feel more confident, and actually enjoy the process. The outdoors is for everyone — you just need to take that first step.

Wild Chix uses a Suzuki Jimny five door for its courses.

What's something that may surprise people about you?

I'm German! I grew up in Germany and had absolutely nothing to do with hunting or fishing until I moved to New Zealand in 2012. I came here and completely fell in love with the Kiwi lifestyle — the outdoors, the space, the culture around fishing and hunting. I've lived it ever since. It's a bit ironic that I now run a business teaching others these skills, but I think that's exactly why Wild Chix works — I know what it's like to start from zero.

What were your first impressions of the Jimny, and what is your favourite thing about it?

The Suzuki Jimny has been an absolute little adventure machine.

My favourite thing is that it gives you the confidence to say 'yes' to adventures. It's compact enough to drive anywhere, easy to park, surprisingly capable off-road, and always puts a smile on your face. Whether it's heading into the hills for a hunting weekend, towing gear around, or exploring somewhere new, it's become a trusted Wild Chix companion.

It might be small — but it's incredibly capable, and it proves you don't need the biggest vehicle to have big adventures.

Wild Chix teaches hunting, fishing, and boating.

What does the future hold for Wild Chix?

We're growing into a nationwide platform and community. We're currently building the Wild Chix Community Platform — including a connection space we call 'The Campfire', with course bookings, challenges, achievements, and member perks. The goal is to make it easier than ever for women anywhere in New Zealand to connect, learn, and get outdoors together.

Beyond the platform, we're continuing to expand our events, deepen relationships with industry partners and government organisations, and show up at major shows like the Auckland On Water Boat Show, Sika Show, and Hutchwilco Boat Show.