Wild About New Zealand A Guide to our National Parks

By Gus Roxburgh with Matt Philip and Peter Hayden

Photographs by Jason Hosking

RRP: $55.00

Publication: 4 October

Imprint: Random House NZ

Our 14 National Parks play a significant role in the preservation of our pure image and contribute greatly to our economy by encouraging tourism – an industry worth around $10 billion a year – and as a sanctuary for threatened species.This year marks the 125th anniversary of New Zealand’s first National Park at Tongariro and, to borrow a quote from American writer and historian Wallace Stegner, our National Parks remain “one of our best ideas”.

Wild About New Zealand: A Guide to Our National Parks complements NHNZ’s landmark television series of the same name, expanding on that ‘conversation’ by providing additional, comprehensive material about each of our National Parks, including their history, outstanding natural features, flora and fauna; in-depth profile interviews with notable locals; and handy ‘Visitors’ Guides’ with useful information, including ‘The Top Five Activities’,  suggested itineraries and birds-eye-view maps.

Environmental expert, outdoor adventure specialist and award-winning documentary maker Gus Roxburgh is the primary writer behind Wild About New Zealand and his insightful introductory essay provides invaluable contextual and background information about the establishment and maintenance of our National Park heritage. Throughout the book, Gus suggests new, and tried and true ways, to enjoy the stunning and eclectic ‘playgrounds’ afforded by our National Parks; be it diving with the fish at Goat Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park or boating through icebergs on the Tasman Glacier lake in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. 

His words are enriched by Jason Hosking’s stunning aerial and on the ground, in the moment photography; heightening the experience of the reader. Wild About New Zealand is not only a ‘coffee table’ style celebration of New Zealand’s beauty, but one which is packed with useful information, making it a useful guide for those heading out into our Parks.

Wild About New Zealand will inspire New Zealanders to explore the outstanding and diverse beauty of our National Parks; encouraging each and every one of us to not only get out and experience them, but to do our bit to protect them for subsequent generations.

Gus Roxburgh (left) was born in Nelson and holds a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management. He was brought up in the outdoors and to this day is a passionate adventurer, traveller and environmentalist. He is also an award-winning documentary and programme maker with Oscar-shortlistings and Emmy Award nominations to his credit.

He has directed a broad range of travel, adventure, science and reality-based television shows internationally and premiered his films at Sundance, Los Angeles, Deauville and Torino Film Festivals. Gus is the presenter of NHNZ’s acclaimed ‘Wild About New Zealand’ TV series; his leisure pursuits include skiing, surfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, mountain-biking and travelling. Married with a new baby, Gus divides his time between Wanaka and Santa Monica.

Jason Hosking is a freelance photographer who specialises in photographing nature,

wildlife and travel destinations. He is a contributing photographer to Getty Images,

Corbis and a number of other international photo libraries. His assignment work has 

taken him all over the world.