Author David Thatcher has cruised extensively in New Zealand and the South Pacific. He is the author of other marine guides, including New Zealand's Northland Coast and the South Pacific Cruising Guide.

NZ$85.00 + delivery.

This third Edition of New Zealand's Northland Coast has been updated (2016) and provides full colour reproductions of large scale charts for the region Northland to Whangarei to Cape Reinga, including the Bay of Islands, Whangaroa and the Three Kings Island. Over 100 nautical miles of coastline are covered, including rocky foreshores, majestic capes, sheltered harbours and gulfs and the many endless miles of white sandy beaches.

Includes GPS reference points, details and photographs of anchorages, recreational opportunities and general information for cruisers. The chart reproductions include the LINZ official charts, and marinas and other plans.

This is the third edition of this Cruising Guide, which was first published in 2000.

David Thatcher has cruised extensively in New Zealand and the South Pacific as a commercial skipper, and for pleasure. He is the author of other marine guides, including New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf and the South Pacific Cruising Guide.

NZ$85.00 + Delivery.

Over 400 GPS anchorages and marinas nationwide with information on services and related activities.

NZ$45.00 + Delivery.

This is the eleventh edition, (2012) while remaining true to the spirit of the original and the intentions of the founding editors, has been extensively revised to take into account recent changes to buoyage and marine developments.

NZ$85.00 + delivery.

RECREATIONAL BOATING GUIDE - BAY OF ISLANDS.
6 detailed maps.

Was NZ$45.00 + delivery.
Now NZ$20.00 + delivery.

By Bob Harvey. Hardcover, 310 mm X 310 mm, 258 pages, 2.30 kg Published 2019

A deluxe hardback with stunning art and photos, and dazzling text, Sea Edge is the culmination of years of intensive research by Sir Bob Harvey into the history and photo archives of Auckland’s magnificent Waitemata Harbour.

This stunning book is organised into four parts:

Sir Bob Harvey was born and brought up close to Auckland’s waterfront, and has made the city and the sea a big part of his life.

NZ$75.00 + Delivery.

The Hauraki Gulf is one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural playgrounds a national treasure enjoyed and cherished by locals and visitors alike. Diverse in their stunning natural landscapes and the array of opportunities they provide for fun and recreation, the islands are an idyllic haven for boating, sailing, fishing, a variety of water-sports, exploring, rest and relaxation. They are also home to endangered native birds, wildlife and marine life - most of which are thriving in restored and regenerating habitats.

This book is a celebration of the Hauraki Gulf islands - the beautiful land and seascape we are fortunate to have access to.

Author Jane King explores the multitude of recreational activities, the rich history, the nature and conservation success stories, and yarns from people who live, work and love spending time in the gulf.

Was NZ$50.00 + Delivery.
Now NZ$19.99 + Delivery.

'The Story of the Hauraki Gulf' encompasses the 1.4 million hectares of marine space that comprises the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. This includes over 50 islands, including Great Barrier and Great Mercury Islands, the entire east coast of Auckland, both coasts of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Firth of Thames. The author visited numerous places within this vast and incredibly diverse area and interviewed over 60 people, whose lives have intersected with the Gulf in various ways - from local Iwi leaders, to men and women making a living from the area, to those enjoying the sailing, fishing and diving, and to the environmentalists who work tirelessly to preserve and protects and restore our natural heritage.

These stories are woven into a narrative of discovery and settlement, transformation (both land and sea) and scientific research and restoration. Over 300 photographs, historic and contemporary, and specially commissioned maps accompany the text.

This is a beautiful tribute to a stunning part of New Zealand, and one that we should all have on our shelves. (And one we should send to our friends)

NZ$90.00 + Delivery.

A classic, and timeless book.

NZ$25.00 + Delivery.

The all-time classic telling of life in the 1960s Hauraki Gulf. First Published in 1966

In 1964 trailblazing author Shirley Maddock and photographer Don Whyte made an extraordinary voyage around the Hauraki Gulf, documenting its people and places. This was a watershed moment in New Zealand history where New Zealanders were given the opportunity to see themselves, not just in the pages of this book but also on screen. It was a time when the way of life on the Gulf islands was a resourceful one, largely cut-off from the outside world. The best-selling and much loved Islands of the Gulf is a precious record of a bygone era, and an enchanting must-have for New Zealand households, baches and boats.

Right on Auckland's doorstep, across 4000 square kilometres of ocean lie some 40 islands - more if you count the gannet perches. In the early 1960s Shirley Maddock joined Captain Fred Ladd, the pilot whose jaunty seaplanes served those isolated island communities, to film New Zealand's first (locally produced) documentary series, Islands of the Gulf, publishing a book of the same name. Maddock would visit everyone from farmers to gumdiggers, rangers to nurses, flying through the morning haze to the rugged battlements of Great Barrier and the dim, bluish mound of Little Barrier; over the top of North Head to the bone white tower of the light on Tiritiri Matangi; beyond to Kawau, east to Rakino and the little Noises; south-east to the long golden lengths of Waiheke and Ponui, and last to the clouded peaks of the Moehau Ranges; and nearer to the inner harbour islands of Motutapu and Motuihe, Brown's Island with its lopped-off crater and, at the entrance to the Gulf, the last great volcano, Rangitoto.

This new 2017 edition is being published to coincide with the remake of Islands of the Gulf showing on TV ONE prime-time later this year with Shirley Maddock's daughter, actress and writer, Elisabeth Easther.

NZ$45.00 + delivery.

Rising to the highest point in the Hauraki Gulf, Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island stands sentinel over its rare and endangered birds, plants and animals. It is home to New Zealand’s most diverse native bird and reptile communities, a prodigious number of seabirds and a vast array of invertebrate fauna.

New Zealand’s first nature reserve, it is also a global symbol of conservation success and innovation. The island’s story is not just of its animals and plants, but of people, too: of Ngati Manuhiri and Ngati Rehua, the tangata whenua, and of the rangers, researchers and volunteers whose efforts have inspired the conservation world.

This book is a comprehensive account of the history and biodiversity of a very special place.

NZ$60.00 + delivery.

NZ$38.00 + delivery.

Acute observations of all the Islands and rocks of the Gulf, interspersed with personal reminiscences, the book is laced with personal anecdotes, sailing and cruising experiences and myriad maritime matters.

Running throughout the many and fascinating chapters are key themes of Maori and Pakeha use of the Islands, their historical interaction, and more recent attempts at cultural restitution, environmental restoration and wildlife preservation.

For lovers of the sea, of boats, of islands and of history, this is a book which will appeal to a cross section of New Zealanders everywhere.

Author Kerry Howe has spent his career writing internationally acclaimed books about Pacific/Polynesian/New Zealand History. Now an Emeritus Professor, meandering in a 50 year old wooden yacht (Townson 30), he reflects in this book on his lifelong engagement with the Hauraki Gulf islands.

Was NZ$35.00 + delivery
Now NZ$10.00 + delivery

An island of many faces. It has been, (and still is, in some places) a South Seas refuge, a working class Holiday retreat, a Hippie haven...However, Since 1987 (and the advent of a fast reliable ferry service) the Island has attracted an influx of Middle-aged , Middle class people, Super Gold-card Seniors, the Nouveau Riche developers and the Super Rich Overseas (absent) owners.

With growing popularity as a worldwide destination with the travel websites it seems Waiheke now is the island of 'Woodstock meets the Isle of Capri'. Escapism , tranquility, spohistication, beautiful surroundings and fantastic wine. The 'Martha's vineyard' of the South Pacific.

This updated (2017) guide book to the Island is a great introduction to the Island and to Island life.

NZ$36.00 + Delivery.

COLUMBIA CRUISES NORTH
By Ralph S. Von Kohorn. Hbk, 240mm X 155mm, 166 pages, monochrome drawings and plans.
Published in 1979 it is dated, however this book is the only "all North Island" yachting level guide ever to be published in New Zealand. See also the companion book called Columbia Cruises South. Together the books made the only complete New Zealand cruising guide outside the British Admiralty New Zealand Pilot.
Columbia was the author's motor cruiser and the book takes the reader on a cruise of exploration around the North Island. Everything from local lore and history to navigational and geographic details are described. The book is written in narrative style, telling of trips ahsore and gourmet meals in the galley!

NZ$40.00 + Delivery.

Rugged basalt bays on the west side, a mountainous interior and white-sand beaches on the east coast, serene one moment, savage the next - it’s not for nothing the island is called Great Barrier.

The book consists of five chapters – sea, beach, land, bush and the mountains. Each of these landscapes is explored through the eyes of 12 different locals, who describe a favourite part of the island and explain why it has special meaning for them. In the process, they capture the essence of a community that is unlike any other. Perhaps more than anywhere else in New Zealand, there is a determination to retain what it is that makes the Barrier special, and discovering, defining what that is, is the theme of this book.

Created around Chris Morton’s spectacular and evocative photographs, and a thoughtful and authentic text from Peter Malcouronne, this is a unique and special book, a tribute to this ruggedly beautiful island and the community that love it.

Was NZ$50.00 + delivery.

BOAT BOOKS 30TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION PRICE!

Now $30.00 + Delivery. (LIMITED TIME ONLY)

The Poor Knights Islands became the focus of a national campaign to protect a marine area during of that early 1970s `environmental era'' Regarded as having perhaps the most bio-diverse assemblage of marine organism in New Zealand, the community was unanimous in wanting it protected but there was disagreement over what form it should take. This led to community division and debate that extended for a further 27 years until it became a totally protected marine environment in 1998.

The book begins with a little of the history of the islands and values of the surrounding marine area before moving to the core of the story - about the people and issues during the path to total protection. It provides tells of changes and management actions that have occurred. It contains the recollections of 20 `old timers', some 50 short interest stories, 100 photos and 10 maps.

Provides lists of the people and organisation involved in the protection debate, reserve management, media coverage, legislative actions and the fish species recorded in the reserve.

NZ$55.00 + Delivery

POOR KNIGHTS WONDERLAND, Field Guide To The Islands and Marine Reserve.
By Glen Edney. Pbk, 0.15 kgs, 148mm x 210mm, 64 pages, full colour photographs, of superior quality compared to the 1st edition, and maps. Published 2010 (2nd edition).
This beautiful little book is an addition to the growing number of guides to what I have come to call New Zealand's Best Kept Secrets. These include The Singing Island describing Tiritirimatangi, and the books on Goat Island, White Island and others. Some of them are not generally available through local bookshops and tend to be published by the authors or concerned governing authority.
This book describes in detail the plant, animal, bird and fish life which abound in this unique habitat. It also gives a geological description and history of the islands, which have been separated from the mainland of New Zealand's North Island for two million years.

NZ$25.00 + Delivery

VOLCANOES OF AUCKLAND. A FIELD GUIDE
By Bruce W Hayward. Flexicover, 0.82kg, 235mm x 175mm, 335 pages, Full colour and black and white photographs. Line drawings. Published 2019
A handy field guide to the fiery natural world that so deeply shapes New Zealand's largest city - from Rangitoto to One Tree Hill, Lake Pupuke to Orakei Basin.

For tens of thousands of years, volcanoes have profoundly shaped the area's geology and geography. And for hundreds of years, volcanoes have played a key part in the lives of Maori and Pakeha - as sites for pa, kumara gardens or twentieth-century military fortifications, as sources of stone and water, and now as parks and reserves for all to enjoy.

In a new format designed for the backpack (and including three newly recognised craters), the field guide features;

This field guide will help readers engage afresh with the history, geography and geology of Auckland's unique volcanic landscape.

Volcanoes of Auckland is the essential guide for locals and tourists, school children and scientists, as they climb up Mt Eden or North Head and take in the volcanic landscape that so shapes life in our city

NZ$50.00 + delivery.

A guidebook for visitors and Aucklanders alike, Wild Auckland details 125 places of exceptional beauty and fascinating natural history which can be found in suburban streets and along country roads.

Details of individual places, how to get there, the facilities available and ‘nature features’ that can be identified along the way. The guide book has entries arranged according to geographic location, including two 8-page colour inserts with photos and captions which cross reference to page numbers and entries. It identifies unique flora and fauna, natural features of the lanscape and tips on where to go and what to see throughout the wider Auckland region.

If you are looking for deserted beaches, lush ancient forests, extinct volcanoes and majestic harbour headlands then this is the book to include in your back pack. The accessible how-to and where-to guide....

Was NZ$35.00 + delivery.
Now NZ$20.00 + delivery.

KID-FRIENDLY AUCKLAND
By Outdoor Kid. Paperback, 0.24kg, 150mm x 210mm, 84 pages. Published 2020, Colour Images, Line Drawings

Auckland is an amazing region to explore with kids. Clamber up volcanoes, squelch across tidal mudflats or jump on a ferry and zip across the harbour to the country’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto Island.
This guidebook has 70+ of the best crowd pleasing favourites to explore.

All walks show distance and time of the adventure, the grade of the path and if it is suitable for buggies, bikes, wheelchairs and pooches.

NZ$22.00 + delivery.

KID-FRIENDLY HAMILTON & WAIKATO
By Outdoor Kid. Paperback, 0.28kg, 150mm x 210mm, 153 pages. Published 2020, Colour Images, Line Drawings

100+ of the best off-the-beaten-track adventures that Hamilton & Waikato has to offer; from glowworm grottos, mining tunnels, spectacular waterfalls to spooky limestone caves.

All walks show distance and time of the adventure, the grade of the path and if it is suitable for buggies, bikes, wheelchairs and pooches.

NZ$25.00 + delivery.

KID-FRIENDLY CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
By Outdoor Kid. Paperback, 0.16kg, 150mm x 210mm, 76 pages. Published 2020, Colour Images, Line Drawings

This guidebook has 70+ favourites to explore.

All walks show distance and time of the adventure, the grade of the path and if it is suitable for buggies, bikes, wheelchairs and pooches.

NZ$15.00 + delivery.

MY CITY DISCOVERED - AUCKLAND.
By Matthew Anderson and Fengzhu Ji. Paperback, 0.16kg, 210mm x 148mm, 64 pages. 2015.
This little book is packed full of interesting places within the city waiting for you to discover. Here you will find a collection of locations to get you thinking differently about the city in which you live. From volcanic reefs to thunderous waterfalls, endangered wildlife to council run facilities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Designed for the residents of this city you will need to dedicate many weekends to hunt out all of the sites listed. The locations aim to take you far and wide throughout the many special and varied environments your city has to offer, from the white sands of the east coast beaches to halfway down Dominion Road. An added bonus is the website My City Discovered which is full of these wonderful places and a lot of extra information. The unique part is that when you purchase a copy of the book you receive a unique login code to access this extra information which is only available on the site after you login. So buy a copy, start discovering, get your log-in code and discover even more!

Was NZ$19.50 + delivery.
Now NZ$8.00 + delivery.

The website, associated book and the facebook page will guide you, the resident, around your city showing you the beautiful, the obscure and the challenging places you should visit. Follow the link - My City Discovered

WORTH A DETOUR NORTH ISLAND.
By Peter Janssen. Paperback, 0.82kg, 150mm x 210mm, 384 pages. Published 2019.
From Hawera’s Elvis Museum and the Awauni landfill named after John Cleese, to the historic Gate Pa and stunning Pencarrow coastal trail, Worth a Detour travels’ New Zealand’s North Island searching out 400 quirky destinations that are known to locals but are most often bypassed by visitors heading to better-known attractions.

Avoid the tourist buses and stroll empty beaches, experience unusual sights and uncover the other side of New Zealand’s history and landscapesuch as the Putopu bird in the Russell Museum, the Marakopa Falls in the Waikato, the Putangirua Pinnacles in the Wairarapa and so much more.

NZ$40.00 + delivery

AUCKLAND & THE BAY OF ISLANDS ROAD TRIPS
By Lonely Planet. Softback, 0.19kg, 130mm x 198mm, 127 pages. Photographs and Maps. Published 2016

Covers: Auckland, Waiheke Island, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Coromandel Peninsula, and more..

Four amazing road trips, plus up-to-date advice on the destinations you’ll visit along the way.

NZ$25.00 + delivery

STORIES FROM OUR BACK ROADS. THE NORTH ISLAND.
By Ray Stone. Softback, 0.96kg, 170mm x 240mm, 320 pages. Photographs and Maps. Published 2020

This book is for people who enjoy driving and exploring the stories of our back roads, but most of all it is for people who love New Zealand, whether they choose to do it from behind the wheel of their SUV or the comfort of their sofa.

Stories from our back Roads. the North Island introduces you to some fascinating stories of tracks, trails and back roads across the North Island. Many of them cross through forgotten parts of the country, and all of them have their own rich and exciting stories. Whether they follow the route of Maori foot trails or the path of early European settlers, each adds something to our history.

Ray Stone has driven each of these tracks, and provides not only the story behind them, but also a vivid description of each route, notes on the markers to look out for along the way and maps.

NZ$50.00 + delivery

EXCELLENT SHORT WALKS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.
By Peter Janssen. Paperback, 0.42kg, 148mm x 210mm, 240 pages.Updated Edition Published 2017.
250 Walks Under 2 Hours.

Peter Janssen introduces more than 250 North Island short walks with a difference. They are grouped by region, and each can be accomplished within the span of a couple of hours (and some much less), putting them well within the grasp of most people. What's more, all of them have a memorable highlight as their destination, whether it's a spectacular feature of the natural landscape, an historic site or similar landmark, giving readers motivation to stretch their legs.

The book is ideal for those walkers who are not at their peak level or fitness, those with children or a visitor to New Zealand. Ideally designed for those who do not have full tramping kit to hand.
Each walk includes:

A short introduction gives information on bush safety, practical considerations and information on how to use the book.

NZ$35.00 + delivery.

NEW ZEALAND GUIDES. Page one. NORTH CRUISING GUIDES. GIFT BOOKS. PHOTOGRAPHIC AND TOURIST GUIDES See also New Zealand History New Zealand Hydrographic Charts.

Return to Top of Page