Around New Zealand
WILD JOURNEYS by Bruce Ansley, HarperCollins
In 15 standalone chapters, Bruce Ansley goes on an adventure through New Zealand, visiting places and stories from the recent and more distant past – the infamous escapades of prison escapee George Wilder, a hunt for a ghost bird in South Westland, a drive through the North Island’s Volcanic Plateau at a time of heated activity… a wonderful dip-into addition to any holiday reading collection.
AJAX THE KEA DOG by Corey Mosen, Allen & Unwin
Working dogs herd sheep, catch criminals, guide the blind, and find drugs at the airport, but who knew they also help our conservation efforts? This is the story of Ajax, a kea detection dog, who works with his trainer, Corey Mosen, in remote regions of our country to sniff out the nests of the endangered bird so it can be monitored and protected. A high-country adventure story, heart-warming animal story and informative nature story, with beautiful photography, this will delight all ages.
LET’S GET LOST by Nicola McCloy and Jane King, Penguin Random House
For the summer road-tripper, here’s a travel guide that heads off the beaten track to New Zealand’s lesser travelled routes. Covering the length of the country, writer Nicola McCloy provides the route directions, attractions and “local hero” stories, with visual enticement from Jane King’s photographs. Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend away or a longer journey, this will inspire the traveller to detour from the main highways.
NEW ZEALAND’S GREAT WALKS by Paul and Shelley Hersey, Penguin Random House
Preparation advice, route descriptions, maps and stunning photographs of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks (which include the likes of the Milford Track, Heaphy Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Whanganui River journey) make this a helpful go-to guide for anyone contemplating a walk (or kayak) on our wild side. The authors, experienced outdoor enthusiasts Paul and Shelley Hersey, also provide a bit of local history, information about points of interest both on and off the tracks and conservation notes.