7 Best Travel Books About New Zealand

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“Everywhere you turn in New Zealand, there’s something exciting to do. It’s the gem of the world.”

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Over three million people visit New Zealand each year. From bungee-jumping, sea-kayaking to whale watching, the country has become renowned as one of the cleanest and greenest adventure playgrounds on the planet, enticing countless adrenaline junkies and nature lovers from all across the globe. New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty was famously put on full display in the Lord of the Rings series, but there are so many other hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Join us at What We Reading as we inspire your next trip with the best New Zealand books! 

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New Zealand: Your Essential Guide To The South Island – Philip Cristian Claassen

Philip Cristian Claassen’s guide to the South Island is kicking off our list of the best New Zealand books to inspire your next trip. Beginning at the top of the island, he leads readers on an epic journey starting from the West Coast down to the furthest tip and then back up the East.

In addition to the most popular attractions and destinations, Claassen includes several quirky and lesser-known hidden gems and mind-blowing natural landscapes that capture the majesty of the country perfectly. Featuring over 400 attractions and destinations, it is one of the most comprehensive travel books in New Zealand. 

Lonely Planet New Zealand – Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet is the world’s leading travel guide publisher, and they impart all of their expertise in their unique New Zealand edition. Filled with the most relevant and up-to-date information, it is the number one companion for knowing what to see and what to skip.

From uncovering the best natural hikes, and witnessing huge glaciers to being immersed in local Maori culture, Lonely Planet takes readers to the heart of the country in their guide. The book comes with high-quality photographs to inspire your wanderlust and a host of maps, contact information and reviews to supply all the practical tips needed to make your trip a success! 

Lord Of The Rings Location Guidebook – Ian Brodie

New Zealand is synonymous with Lord of the Rings. Filming for Peter Jackson’s acclaimed original trilogy was famously filmed across the country, with New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes masterfully bringing the fantasy settings to life.

And, for fans of all things Middle Earth, Ian Brodie has the perfect travel guide in the Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. This definitive full-colour guidebook showcases all the major real-life locations from the first three films, featuring insights and anecdotes about the process of filming. 

New Zealand Solo Traveler: Adventures Of A Woman Traveling Alone For The First Time – S.Y.M. Wong-A-Ton

Part travel guide, part autobiography, S.Y.M. Wong-A-Ton offers an inspiring read that will not only fuel their wanderlust for New Zealand but travelling solo on the whole. New Zealand Solo Traveler follows Wong-A-Ton as she breaks the fear barrier and jets off on her own to the other side of the world.

What follows are nine chapters detailing Wong-A-Ton’s journey across the country, and reflections on the obstacles, achievements and life lessons she picked up along the way. Don’t miss this book, which provides a walkthrough on how to feel inspired for a solo trip to New Zealand and prepare everything.

Super Cheap New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide For Budget Travelers, Backpackers, Campers, Students And Families – Matthew Baxter

Matthew Baxter’s Super Cheap New Zealand is the ultimate budget travel guide for New Zealand, offering the latest and most relevant tips and information for money-savvy travellers. Baxter delves into the best opportunities for stretching travellers’ wallets.

From eating for next to nothing to taking advantage of super cheap plane tickets and activity passes, there is no better New Zealand travel book for getting to the ‘how’, ‘where’ and ‘when’ of how to tackle this country on the cheap. 

Hellbent For Paradise: Tales From Aotearoa – Land Of The Long White Cloud – Zoë Cano

Hellbent for Paradise is the breathtaking and often nerve-shredding chronicles of Zoë Cano and her adventures around the jaw-dropping natural wonders of Aotearoa.

As much a celebration of Cano and her self-discovery as the stunning beauty of New Zealand, the book follows her on a 5,000-kilometre journey on the back of her motorcycle as a series of cyclones run rampant across the country. Along the way, she encounters a whole cast of characters that reveal the colourful culture at the heart of New Zealand. 

A Maverick New Zealand Way – Mary Jane Walker

An International Book Awards finalist, A Maverick New Zealand Way features over 600 photos and maps, and nearly fifty chapters documenting Kiwi adventurer Mary Jane Walker and her various volunteer conservation efforts across the country.

As well as covering her own goals and ambitions, the book comes with a wealth of information on the backgrounds and discussions surrounding both the urban and rural areas of New Zealand and is sure to inspire wanderlust in any eco-conscious traveller.