Canterbury foothills & forests revisited in new book

A new, updated edition of a popular Canterbury walking and tramping guide has been published this month by Canterbury University Press (CUP).

Canterbury Foothills & Forests: A Walking and Tramping Guide, first published in 2002 by Shoal Bay Press, has been update by author Pat Barrett. The book explores new walking excursions in the greater Canterbury region, Lewis Pass National Reserve and Arthur’s Pass in addition to the areas included in the first edition.

Areas of the Te Kahui Kaupeka and Hakatere Conservation parks, which are now accessible to the public, are also included.

“There is a huge amount of new conservation land available for the public to explore now and also many new access ways to existing lands that were not in the old book,” says author Pat Barrett.

As well as providing walks for families with children, there are harder trips for those who aspire to the challenge of a climb and views gained from the tops of some of the higher summits.

“The book is a great asset for the outdoor user, be they first-timers, families, individuals or those who know the area well. It brings it all into grasp in one handy volume,” says Pat Barrett.

The walks and guides are organised by region and the book includes advice for planning a trip around the regions of Canterbury. There is background on landscape and climate, flora and fauna and a brief history of the Canterbury foothills.

The handy-sized guide is illustrated with the author's inspiring photographs and includes 17 new full-colour maps.

“I hope that the walks and climbs will provide inspiration and incentive for people to get up and go visit our wonderful mountain heritage – it is just waiting to be explored.

“This book should be on every Cantabrians bookshelf, especially post-earthquake, as we have so much to celebrate about living in Canterbury. It’s a fantastic place with so much outdoor opportunity. This book can make that happen.” 

About the author:
Pat Barrett is a keen outdoors-man who began his forays into the hills in the Tararuas, north of Wellington. He has been a regular contributor to NZ Wilderness magazine since 1993, as well as to The Press and The Dominion Post. 

He is the author of six walking and tramping guides. Mr Barrett lives in Christchurch with his wife Christine and their three children, and enjoys regular trips to the outdoors with them.