PLACE NAMES OF NEW ZEALAND - John Lockyer

The meanings and stories behind the major place names of New Zealand are contained in this useful book.

Handy size to fit in pocket or car glove box.

All the top tourist destinations are covered, including the unusual, the quirky and the historical. Symbols denote towns, rivers, mountains and other natural features, and a basic Maori vocabulary and pronunciation guide is included.

Here are a few examples of the meaning of place names: - 

Dansey's Pass - Around 1855 William Dansey and companions crossed the pass to explore the Maniototo area

Hokonui - big snow

Pakatoa Island - - flowing tide or village for everyone

Picton - after Sir Thomas Picton, an officer with the Duke of Wellington, killed at Waterloo

Te Awamutu - the blocked stream or where the stream ended

Wadestown - After John Wade, the city's first auctioneer. He left NZ for the California goldfields in 1849 and never returned.

About the author.

John Lockyer is an experienced writer who is the author of a number of popular books - most notably the young adult version of the Willie Apiata story. John has a keen interest in New Zealand history and currently lives in Auckland.

Harper Collins - $24.99