Adventuring in New Zealand, The Sierra Club Travel Guide to the Pearl of the Pacific  •  Margaret Jefferies GUIDEBOOK •  2000 •  PAPER  • 542 PAGES An overview of the culture, geography and especially the natural history of New Zealand, suitable for anyone with an interest in the outdoors. With some practical information on where to go, what to see and where to stay. It includes 25 maps and 15 illustrations. (NZL11, $20.00)
Albatrosses  •  W. L. N. Tickell NATURAL HISTORY •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 480 PAGES A complete and illustrated account of the albatross by British biologist naturalist W.L.N. Tickell. Organized geographically, he covers the biology and natural history of all 13 species of Diomedeidae, the most oceanic of birds. With numerous charts, graphs, an extensive bibliography, and a section of color photographs, many by the author. (FG49, $70.00)
Auckland Map  •  Periplus Maps REFERENCE •  2006 •  MAP A city map of Aukland published by Periplus for the traveler. (NZL27, $12.95)
Best, A New Zealand Compendium  •  Ella Griffiths GUIDEBOOK •  2004 •  PAPER  • 128 PAGES This excellent guide to the region is both useful and stylish. It offers up-to-date travel information, a succinct overview of the country and its sights, and good maps. (NZL80, $19.95)
Between Worlds, Early Exchanges Between Maori and Europeans, 1773-1815  •  Anne Salmond HISTORY •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 590 PAGES The second, scholarly volume in Salmond's study of early encounters between Europeans and New Zealand's Maoris. Covering the second and third voyages of Cook and the foundations of Pakeha society, while incorporating accounts of Maoris at home and traveling abroad for the first time, this book tries to paint the whole story of this pivotal time in New Zealand's history. Follows "Two Worlds." (NZL37, $40.00)
Captain James Cook  •  Richard Hough BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1997 •  PAPER  • 398 PAGES A vividly written narrative of the life and three great voyages of Captain Cook. This fine book includes a gripping account of his discoveries throughout the Pacific -- and his demise in the Sandwich Islands. (PAC24, $50.00)
A Concise History of New Zealand  •  Philippa Mein Smith HISTORY •  2005 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES This well-written pocket history in the series by Cambridge University Press covers the history and development of New Zealand from its origins and early development to the 21st century. With illustrations, glossary, chronology and bibliography. (NZL79, $22.99)
Cultural Atlas of Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific  •  Richard Nile  •  Christian Clerk CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1996 •  HARD COVER  • 240 PAGES This handsome volume weaves together history, geography, archaeology, and the arts, covering the Australasian region from prehistory up to the founding of the modern nations. It features concise essays by experts, great maps, hundreds of illustrations, and in-depth coverage of Aboriginal art: a worthy addition to any library. A volume in the Cultural Atlas series, noted for its intellectual depth and rich illustrations. (AUS09, $50.00)
Culture Smart! New Zealand  •  Peter Oettli GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 168 PAGES A concise, well-illustrated and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture. (NZL75, $9.95)
Dogside Story  •  Patricia Grace LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES At the forefront of Maori literature, Grace writes with ease and style about a man struggling for custody of his daughter in a Maori community on New Zealand's east cape. (NZL98, $13.95)
Erewhon  •  Samuel Butler  •  Peter Mudford LITERATURE •  1970 •  PAPER  • 232 PAGES Butler's satirical account of a journey across the mountains to an upside-down country at the end of the world (Erewhon is an anagram of Nowhere), where sick people are thrown in jail and murderers are taken to the hospital. Erewhon is also a place in New Zealand where Butler, not coincidentally, ran a sheep ranch for several years in the 1860s. Upper Rangitata, in the foothills of Canterbury, retains its wild beauty (featured in the movie Lord of the Rings). Butler not only exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian society, church and education but also does a fine job of evoking the landscape of the region. First published privately by Butler in 1872. (NZL65, $14.00)
Fiordland Underwater, New Zealand's Hidden Wilderness  •  Paddy Ryan  •  Chris Paulin NATURAL HISTORY •  1998 •  HARD COVER  • 192 PAGES (NZL58, $34.95)
Fodor's Exploring New Zealand  •  Fodor's Travel Publications GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES With its many photographs, great introductory chapters and practical travel information, this book is an excellent overview of Italy and its attractions for visitors. Featuring separate sections on suggested places to visit, recommended walks, practical information, descriptions of restaurants and hotels, ratings of sights, and a chronology of historic events. (NZL90, $22.00)
Fodor's New Zealand  •  Fodor's GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 596 PAGES A practical guide featuring suggested itineraries, recommended restaurants, shops and hotels, and good coverage of outdoor activities. (NZL56, $22.95)
Frommer's New Zealand  •  Adrienne Rewi GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 530 PAGES A practical travel guide featuring excellent annotated listings of what to do and where to eat and sleep. With one-color maps and suggested excursions. (NZL85, $21.99)
The Future Eaters, An Ecological History of the Australasian Lands and People  •  Tim F. Flannery NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 432 PAGES An ecological history of the region, focusing on human impact on local environments and animal populations in the recent geologic past. Flannery, the prolific author of "Throwim' Way Leg," as well as many more books (often about nature and/or Australia), sets out a powerful tale, none too flattering about the intelligence or foresight of our own species. (AUS48, $16.00)
Gap in Nature, Discovering the World's Extinct Animals  •  Tim F. Flannery  •  Peter Schouten SCIENCE •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 184 PAGES An illustrated, informative tribute to 103 species that have perished in the last 500 years. Not surprisingly, islands are well represented, including (famously) the dodo which once roamed the forests of Mauritius and many birds and mammals from New Zealand. Flannery and Schouten, who visited museums around the world to see specimens and collect information, focus on animals that could be realistically re-created. The paintings, which are spectacular, were all drawn at life size in the original. Organized by date of extinction from the Upland Moa (1500), Dodo (1681) and Steller's Sea Cow (1768) to the Passenger Pigeon (1914), Darwin's Rice Rat (1929) and Guam Flying-fox (1974). (SCI55, $34.95)
The Garden Party and Other Stories  •  Katherine Mansfield LITERATURE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES This collection of short stories, the last in a distinguished career by the sharp-witted writer, features a number of tales set in Mansfield's native New Zealand. Many are set in Wellington, where she lived before she moved to England in 1909. (NZL23, $14.00)
Great Southern Landings, An Anthology of Antipodean Travel  •  Jan Bassett ANTHOLOGY •  1995 •  HARD COVER  • 344 PAGES Ranging from travel accounts to flights of fantastic adventure, these tales provide a cultural portrait of Australia and New Zealand over the last four centuries. It includes 90 extracts from the likes of Eric Newby, Jan Morris, Jonathan Swift and Jules Verne. (AUS63, $45.00)
The Happy Isles of Oceania, Paddling the Pacific  •  Paul Theroux EXPLORATION •  2006 •  PAPER  • 480 PAGES • FAVORITE Here's Theroux at his best: wickedly funny, open-minded and enormously well informed. In this best-selling book, he flies off to Australia with a kayak and ends up exploring much of Melanesia and Polynesia as well. This book is a terrific introduction to the region, combining history, anecdote and acutely observed detail on people and place. (PAC03, $15.95)
The History of New Zealand  •  Tom Brooking HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 250 PAGES A compact, authoritative history of New Zeland geared for university students. The author is a professor of history at the University of Otago. (NZL73, $49.95)
How to Gaze at the Southern Stars  •  Richard Hall SCIENCE •  2004 •  PAPER  • 160 PAGES From the Southern Cross to the mysterious dark companions of the Dog Stars, the constellations in this guide will help readers see the night sky in a whole new way, allowing them to enjoy the vast beauty of the solar system. (NZL81, $14.95)
Insight Guide New Zealand  •  Insight Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 350 PAGES A profusely illustrated overview of New Zealand, featuring concise essays by well-regarded authors on natural history, politics, and culture. It also includes hundreds of photos and maps, along with some limited practical information. Local writer Gordon McLaughlin led the team of experts who contributed to the book. In addition to a survey of attractions throughout both North and South Island, the book features essays on the Maori, natural history and outdoor adventures. (NZL17, $22.95)
Joseph Banks, A Life  •  Patrick O'Brian BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1997 •  PAPER  • 328 PAGES A fine biography of naturalist and explorer Joseph Banks by one of our great writers of the sea. O'Brian's account of the three-year voyage of the Endeavor -- and the discovery of Australia -- is particularly good. Chapters cover globe-trotting botanical adventures with James Cook and others in Polynesia, Australia & New Zealand, Iceland, England and France. With a few maps, engravings and illustrations. (AUS47, $18.00)
Kiwis Might Fly  •  Polly Evans TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2007 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES The author of Fried Eggs With Chopsticks (CHN362) motorcycles through the island in search of the roots of New Zealand culture -- and New Zealand men. (NZL77, $13.00)
Let's Go New Zealand  •  Let's Go GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 480 PAGES A volume in the popular series of budget travel guides. (NZL83, $21.99)
Lonely Planet New Zealand  •  Lonely Planet GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 772 PAGES The most comprehensive guide to New Zealand, this hefty book includes maps, a new color section on flora and fauna, and an extensive overview of the culture, history and nature of the archipelago. You'll also find the usual detailed treatment of accommodations, restaurants and sightseeing. (NZL21, $25.99)
Making Peoples, A History of the New Zealanders from Polynesian Settlement to the End of the Nineteenth Century  •  James Belich HISTORY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 497 PAGES An extremely readable and scholarly history that traces the development of New Zealand -- and the Maori -- from pre-contact to the late 19th century. With its wide, yet detailed focus, this book gives the reader a glimpse into the social forces that have formed the Maori, including the tremendous impact of colonization. It concludes with a discussion of the Pakeha, the 19th century settlers who helped shape what has become modern day New Zealand. Belich, a professor of history at the University of Aukland, continues the story in a second volume (NZL59). (NZL07, $20.00)
Miles from Nowhere, A Round the World Bicycle Adventure  •  Barbara Savage TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1985 •  PAPER  • 340 PAGES The adventures of a beginning cyclist and her husband who cover 23,000 miles and 25 countries in two years. The personal, unpretentious writing captures the colorful characters that cross the path of this young couple and the flavor of the countries they traverse. Sadly, Barbara Savage died in a cycling accident training for the triathlon upon her return home as the book was going to press. (BCY02, $16.95)
Moon Handbook New Zealand  •  Jane King GUIDEBOOK •  2002 •  PAPER  • 512 PAGES Now in its fifth edition, this Moon Publications handbook is an up-to-date, practical guide to destinations in New Zealand. With dozens of maps, a focus on the outdoors -- and short introductory chapters on the land, people, history and economy. (NZL01, $19.95)
National Geographic Traveler New Zealand  •  Peter Turner  •  Colin Monteath GUIDEBOOK •  2009 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES • COMING IN FEBRUARY A compact guide featuring National Geographic's usual attention to maps and color photography. (NZL99, $25.95)
New Zealand  •  Colin Monteath CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 128 PAGES An introduction to culture and natural history of New Zealand through hundreds of color photographs. (NZL78, $9.95)
New Zealand Map  •  Borch Maps 2007 •  MAP A laminated, double-sided traveler's map at a scale of 1: 3,000,000. (NZL88, $10.95)
New Zealand Wildlife  •  Julian Fitter FIELD GUIDE •  2009 •  PAPER  • 176 PAGES • COMING IN FEBRUARY A compact guide to the birds, reptiles, insects, plants and marine life of the archipelago featuring a very good selection of large color photographs. Separate chapters cover visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats. (NZL97, $25.99)
North Island New Zealand Map  •  HEMA Maps MAP A reference map of New Zealand's North Island at a scale of 1:1,000,000. (NZL74, $10.95)
Odyssey Guide New Zealand  •  Elisabeth Booz GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES An illustrated, literate guide to New Zealand and its attractions for the visitor, much enhanced by color photography and maps. Compact, but includes background on culture and natural history. (NZL20, $21.95)
The Oxford History of New Zealand  •  Geoffrey W. Rice HISTORY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 774 PAGES An all-encompassing history of New Zealand through the 1980s, featuring contributions by historians, scientists and other specialists. With 10 maps and figures. (NZL39, $45.00)
The Oxford Illustrated History of New Zealand  •  Keith Sinclair HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 408 PAGES An balanced, illustrated history of New Zealand, from Polynesian settlement through the 1990s. With black-and-white photographs and drawings throughout. (NZL40, $49.50)
Paradise Reforged: A History of the New Zealanders From the 1880s to the Year 2000  •  James Belich HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 606 PAGES The continuation of Belich's lively, provocative history of New Zealand and its people, Maori and European. Organized chronologically, he addresses both economic and social history, looking at ties with Britain, reliance on sheep, the environment and other topics. Highly recommended. Follows Belich's "Making Peoples" (NZL07). (NZL59, $40.00)
Penguins  •  Lloyd Spencer David  •  Martin Renner NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 232 PAGES A concise, comprehensive overview of the penguins, their evolution, ecology and behavior. With line drawings, figures, charts and black-and-white photographs. A volume in a series of monographs on birds published by T & AD Poyser in Britain. Spencer, who has done field work on Erect-crested, Yellow-eyed and other New Zealand penguins is a professor at the University of Otago in Dunedin. (ANT207, $42.00)
The Reservoir, Stories and Sketches  •  Janet Frame LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER Stories, poems, sketches and memoirs from the New Zealand writer Janet Frame. These powerful pieces are characteristic of Frame's haunting style and her search for humanity. (NZL41, $10.95)
Rough Guides New Zealand 25 Ultimate Experiences  •  Rough Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES Subtitled Make the Most of Your Time on Earth, these colorful pocket guides, 25 in all, published in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Rough Guides, celebrate remarkable, not-to-be-missed things to do and places to go, certain to inspire. With an appendix including, for example, excellent reading and some practicalities, these teasers might just help you choose the next trip. As a celebration of Rough Guides, their scope and personality, they can't be beat. (NZL82, $5.99)
The Snorkeller's Guide to the Coral Reef, From the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean  •  Paddy Ryan  •  Peter Atkinson NATURAL HISTORY •  1994 •  PAPER  • 184 PAGES An illustrated overview of coral reefs, coral reef fishes, invertebrates and plants of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this compact book is an excellent resource for anyone thinking of exploring the underwater world. Beginners will appreciate the chapters on learning to snorkel, reef etiquette, photography hints and first aid. With 200 color photographs. (DIV18, $19.95)
South Island Map  •  HEMA Maps MAP A handsome map of New Zealand's South Island at the scale of 1:1,000,000. With good topographic relief, roads and index. Traveling distances between major points of interest are indicated. (NZL24, $10.95)
Southern Exposure  •  Chris Duff TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2003 •  PAPER  • 264 PAGES In this book, subtitled "A Solo Sea Kayaking Journey Around New Zealand's South Island," seasoned kyacker Chris Duff challenges the waters of the Pacific while ruminating on the beauty of New Zealand's coast and people. (NZL63, $17.95)
Southern Land, Southern People  •  Neville Peat NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES This book celebrates the gallery of the same name at the Otago Museum in Dunedin, which opened in August 2002. It's a short, illustrated overview of the people, geology, fossil record, climate, and the flora and fauna of southern New Zealand with a focus on the Otago Region. (NZL66, $14.95)
Southern Night Sky  •  Pocket Naturalist FIELD GUIDE •  2001 •  PLASTIC CARD A glow in the dark laminated card showing the most conspicuous stars, constellations and celestial objects of the Southern Hemisphere. (SCI30, $5.95)
The Southern Sky Guide  •  David Ellyard SCIENCE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 82 PAGES A primer of the southern sky for the amateur astronomer. With 24 outstanding charts by Wil Tirion and an introductory chapter on skywatching. (SCI05, $16.99)
Spinners  •  Antony McCarten LITERATURE •  2000 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES A striking and imaginative debut novel from New Zealand playwright Antony McCarten, this book deals with extraterrestrial visits, teenage pregnancy, overworked meat-packing high school girls, and small town life, if not necessarily in that order. Through these seemingly random occurrences, McCarten weaves an amazing mystery with as much poignancy as intrigue. (NZL35, $13.95)
Straying from the Flock, Travels in New Zealand  •  Alexander Elder TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2005 •  PAPER  • 276 PAGES A personable account of travels in New Zealand, Australia and the Cook islands, organized into 50 chapters, each describing a single day. (NZL71, $14.95)
Trailblazer New Zealand, Great Walks  •  Alexander Stewart GUIDEBOOK •  2004 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES A guide to recommended walks and treks with 50 trail maps, plenty of practical information and an overview of the nature and history of New Zealand. With city guides to Aukland and Wellington along with sections on trip planning and camping. (NZL68, $19.95)
The Trial of the Cannibal Dog, The Remarkable Story of Captain Cook's Encounters in the South Seas  •  Anne Salmond HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 536 PAGES An intriguing history of the voyages of Captain Cook with a focus on the relationship between the Pacific islanders and seafaring Englishmen. Salmond describes how mutual curiosity turned into animosity, culminating in the death of Captain Cook in Hawaii. (PAC138, $30.00)
Two Wheels Around New Zealand  •  Scott Bischke TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 286 PAGES An amiable account of travels through New Zealand by bicycle with Scott and Kate. With route maps and some back-and-white photographs. (NZL18, $12.95)
Voyage of the Beagle  •  Charles Darwin EXPLORATION •  2002 •  PAPER  • 468 PAGES • BEST SELLER • FAVORITE The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices. (GPS02, $12.95)
Wake of the Invercauld, Shipwrecked in the Sub-Antarctic: A Great-Granddaughter's Pilgrimage  •  Madelene Ferguson Allen EXPLORATION •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 256 PAGES Robert Holding was one of only three young sailors to survive being shipwrecked in 1864 on the Auckland Islands south of New Zealand. This is his story of survival and exploration as told by his great-granddaughter who twice ventured to these remote shores to trace his fate. Allen interweaves her own research and travels to the region with excerpts from Holding's 19th-century diary of the shipwreck. With modern and archival photographs. (NZL31, $60.00)
Whale Rider  •  Niki Caro 2003 •  DVD The acclaimed screen adaptation of the novel by Witi Ihimaera. Faced with rejection from her family and her village, a young girl in New Zealand is determined to prove that she is meant to be a leader within her tribe. (NZL70, $26.95)
Wild Central, A Natural History of Central Otago  •  Brian Patrick  •  Neville Peat NATURAL HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 160 PAGES A natural history of South Island's ecologically distinct central region by the "Wild Fiordland" author/photographer team. Peat and Patrick cover geology, climate, botany, entomology and some exquisite vistas in this handsome book. (NZL44, $39.95)
Wild Dunedin, Enjoying the Natural History of New Zealand's Wildlife Capital  •  Neville Peat  •  Brian Patrick NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 144 PAGES A comprehensive, illustrated overview of the natural history of Dunedin, a coastal city on New Zealand's South Island. With good maps, lively essays and plenty of color photographs. (NZL29, $39.95)