The Rough Guide to New Zealand (Rough Guide Travel Guides) [Paperback]

Paul Whitfield (Author), Laura Harper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Each title in The Rough Guide 100 Essential CD series is a blueprint for a great record collection. Containing detailed reviews of 100 recordings from acknowledged classics to those that deserve to be, and brief bios of the artists responsible, these little books are condensed histories of the musical genres they explore.

This new edition contains extensive information on all sorts of activities -- from thrilling bungee jumps to explorations of the country's fascinating Maori and Polynesian heritage. Also included are detailed information on the major walking trails -- he Milford, Routeburn, Heaphy, and Abel Tasman. Packed with a range of recommended listings to suit all budgets.

Product Details

• Paperback: 832 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 1st edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1858282330
• ISBN-13: 978-1858282336
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,113,471 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Whitfield was born in the UK in 1961 and emigrated to New Zealand with his parents aged 13. He spent formative years in Auckland and Hastings before moving to Christchurch to study Chemical Engineering. The food industry put a roof over his head for a few years but his real home was on the road, travelling through the Americas, cycling through Europe and North Africa and trekking in Nepal. Wanting to share his experiences, he started writing travel guidebooks for the Rough Guides in the early 1990s, first in Scandinavia quickly followed by guides to Wales, California and New Zealand. With these under his belt he branched out to Alaska, Mexico and Yosemite National Park. All the while he was complementing his writing with photography, both for Rough Guides and OurPlace World Heritage, documenting UNESCO World Heritage sites. He now lives in his adoptive homeland, New Zealand.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars latest Kiwi guide is the best, June 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Rough Guide to New Zealand (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

This first edition of the New Zealand Rough Guide has taken its place as the best overall travel book for the country. As with others in its series, this Rough Guide gives a thorough description of all the cultural and recreational aspects that a first time or a seasoned traveler "downunda" should know. For the basic information concerning accommodation or eating, the Rough Guide follows its practice of offering choices for every price level but it doesn't act as listing agent for each and every hostel, hotel, B & B or cafe. In that regard, the Rough Guides encourage the traveler to look for him or herself instead of following the standardized tourist formula.

But it's heavy on the activities for specific woderful areas like Kaikoura, the Otago Peninsula, Wanaka and many, many more. The color photographs are an appealing addition, also.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Compare RG, LP, and NZ Frenzy, December 20, 2010

By 

Rachel Flowers "Rachel Flowers" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rough Guide to New Zealand (Rough Guides) (Paperback)

In prep for my 4-week trip to New Zealand I bought this Rough Guide and NZ Frenzy (South), and I was given a Lonely Planet South Island book. My opinion is that I can't tell the Rough Guide from the Lonely Planet---they seem identical, but each has some snippets and suggestions that the other doesn't have. So, I'm glad to have both, but they are a bit overwhelming since there is so much to read thru. On the other hand, the book that excites me the most is the NZ Frenzy book. The NZ Frenzy book actually got me excited, way more so than the RG and LP books. The RG tells you that there are "walks" or forest parks or such in an area, but the NZ Frenzy fills in the details about which walks are good, or lousy...and what to bring and when to go to maximize your fun.

My opinion is to get the Rough Guide, then definitely get the NZ Frenzy to go with it. Hope I see you there, I can't wait!!

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Personalized travel recommendations (spot-on) from a book, February 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Rough Guide to New Zealand 2 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

Just returned from a 21-day journey to Kiwi-country, and used the Rough Guide extensively. From Dunedin to Auckland, the book spells out excursions, accommodations and lifestyle samples in various price ranges better than most other guide books.

Format is simple to read, easy to find just what you need. We were turned on to some great motels and B&Bs, excellent eateries and a few adventure tours along the way. Maps of cities were quite helpful. Other books have prettier pictures, but this one does the best job of finding stuff to DO in NZ.

This review refers to the 2000 2nd Ed.