Vaughan Yarwood

I recently lived and travelled in New Zealand for 15 months and it was rare to come across another traveller who didn't have a copy of this book - seeing a competitor's book was even more rare. It is the backpacker's bible in New Zealand - and for a good reason. It IS extensive and helpful and easy to use (and yes, I did compare before purchasing). Sometimes the masses have got it right. ;) That isn't to say that it's perfect - yes there are things missing (gladly the company seems to be good at updating their products often) and I thought the writing was a bit uneven, especially for the South Island (the focus is very much on commercial activities there: pages and pages for Queenstown and the quickest drive-thru of the Catlins for example). But no one suggests your travels should be a paint-by-numbers exercise anyway.

Definitely recommended for anyone planning/on a NZ trip. And do yourself a favour - even if you only have the standard three weeks, step outside the Auckland - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Queenstown fast track for a bit!… (altro)