Wild New Zealand From The Road
Gordon Ell
Random House NZ - $49.99

Wild New Zealand From The Road explores the best of New Zealand’s landscapes and wildlife – all easily accessible by car. ‘Around one third of New Zealand land is held in public reserves and while the wilderness is still a physical challenge for most, it’s now possible to experience a good portion of it from the road,’ says author Gordon Ell.

Along with suggesting ways to find and enjoy New Zealand’s wild places, Ell has celebrated New Zealand’s rich range of magnificent landscapes and the nature and wildlife that make them so special, drawing on more than 30 years’ experience of photographing and writing about New Zealand’s natural environment. Wild New Zealand leads the way to firsthand encounters with rare and endangered birds and plants, to exquisite landscapes featuring giant trees, waterfalls, lakes, and seal and bird colonies – most of which can be reached by a short walk.


With New Zealand’s natural places under threat from intensive farming and increasing urbanisation, putting land aside for parks, reserves and sanctuaries to conserve our unique environment has been a priority. Sophisticated tourist services, for visitors and Kiwis alike, bring nature to the roadside, and dedicated reserves allow the public to experience wildlife in more natural conditions.

Conveniently organised by regions, and with all journeys beginning at central travel nodes in the North and South Islands, this portable handbook makes it easy to plan a trip and to get on the road.

Wild New Zealand From The Road is handsomely and profusely illustrated with Ell’s own photographs from his extensive travels throughout the country.
The photos here show The Far North, visitors on White Island, Lake Taupo and Banks Peninsular.
About the author:
Gordon Ell is the author of more than 30 books, is a former national president of Forest and Bird, a member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, and was awarded an ONZM for services to journalism and conservation.