The Rough Guide to New Zealand

by Laura Harper, Tony Mudd, Paul Whitfield

Book Overview

The Rough Guide to New Zealand is the essential guidebook to this spectacular adventure destination. A fully comprehensive account, the guide incorporates a country full of magnificent scenery, craggy... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1858286611
• ISBN13: 9781858286617
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Rough Guides
• Length: 952 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Planning New Zealand...

As a travel destination, New Zealand is distant, exotic, and unique. New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere 2000 km east of Australia and roughly 14 hours flying time from the US West Coast. Its terrain is an exciting mixture of mountains, forests, glaciers, rivers, beaches, and three modern urban areas in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Its human culture is a fascinating mixture of Polynesian Maori and British colonial influences; its animal species include specimens such as the Kiwi, New Zealand's famous flightless bird. The 2008 edition of "The Rough Guide to New Zealand is an excellent planning guide for those intending a visit. At nearly a thousand pages, this Rough Guide nicely mixes maps, graphics, photographs, travel narrative and listings of useful websites. An introductory section offers suggestions on where and when to go (New Zealand's seasons are reversed from the US), and some outstanding sights not be missed. A second section covers the basics of geting there, getting around (New Zealand is the size of Britain), and some basics on the culture. A third section provides descriptions of the 14 major regions of the country, along with what to do and where to stay. Concluding sections offer some history and a glossary of local terms. As the introduction notes, New Zealand is far away enough and different enough to justify some planning and an extended stay. This Rough Guide should meet most requirements for travel planning, whether the visitor wants vigorous outdoor activities like hiking and rafting, quieter pursuits such as museums and wineries, or unique attractions such as visiting the film locations for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. "The Rough Guide to New Zealand" is very highly recommended to the traveler who wants to plan ahead and make the most of a visit to a unique destination.

Don't Leave Home Without It

The definitive book on New Zealand travel-bar none. More than just a travel book, the Rough Guide also includes a somewhat balanced thumbnail sketch of the people and local issues. You end up with a Cliff Notes cultural 'feel' that I found very useful especially when reading their newspapers or speaking with the people. While the Rough Guide is based in backpacking and hostels and I am more of the room service in the hotel type, I wouldn't go to NZ without this book under my arm. The authors seem to know virtually every square meter of the country..what it is, what's it's history, and is it worth seeing. If there's a junction with 2 cottages and a petrol stop, they've been there and know where to stay and eat. There is a newer version of this book coming out in Oct. 2008. However,I used this edition on a North Island trip in late Sept. 2008 and can vouch for the continued accuracy of this version.In New Zealand hotels and restaurants change a little but the beauty of the country never changes. I've been to New Zealand many times,it's unthinkable not to have this book (and Jason's maps) with me. So, backpack or room service, don't leave home without it.

An excellent resource

After trying another guidebook, we purchased The Rough Guide shortly before we left for New Zealand. It was an invaluable companion during our travels. The reviews were spot-on, leading us to a number of excellent restaurants and good campgrounds. We even appreciated knowing that a restaurant was "somewhat overpriced but adequate" before we went in--and that description was completely accurate. The Rough Guide covers a range of restaurants and accommodations, which is useful. Even budget travelers sometimes like to splurge (and know that the splurge is worth the money). Their evaluation of activities was also accurate. This guide is well worth the price--and worth it's weight when traveling.

Great Reference, With websites and prices!

We are yet to take our trip to New Zealand, however, I'm sure we'll feel more comfortable with our decisions on where to go, what to see, where to stay, and what to do from using this Book. The book gives general price ranges for hotels, activites, and in some cases restaurants. I think the greatest resource has been the website listings within each section. The websites cover everything from airlines, to tour groups, to just general information about the country. Needless to say, We're very excited to take our trip and I know this book will be coming along with us!

Absolutely the Best Guidebook for New Zealand

I fancy myself somewhat of an expert in New Zealand travel, with numerous lengthy trips there, including two group trips that I organized and led. I have used DK, Lonely Planet, Let's Go, and Rough Guide, and there is absolutely no question which is best. Rough Guide. It is more thorough and more intelligently written than any of the others, and its graphics have gradually improved as well. Though not as glossy as DK or as famous as Lonely Planet, Rough Guide provides the traveler/reader with the best understanding of New Zealand. If in doubt, go to a bookstore and read the descriptions of a given place in Lonely Planet, and then in Rough Guide. It will be obvious which is better. I recently purchased the recent editions of both Rough Guide and Lonely Planet (both published Sept 2006) but have decided that it won't be necessary to bring both on my next trip to New Zealand. Rough Guide has everything found in Lonely Planet and much, much more. Highly recommend.