Three outstanding handbooks from enterprising NZ non-fiction publisher

Art Galleries to visit in New Zealand

-Over 130 outstanding art collections open to the public-Denis Robinson and Gaye Ingold - New Holland -$29.99

New Zealand has a wealth of creative talent on display through numerous art galleries in towns and cities up and down the country.  Some owner/artist galleries specialise in the work of one artist, while others prefer to represent the work of several artists or specialise in various media, including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics and glass. With listings for over 130 entries, this guide presents a delightful range of interesting galleries to visit, from those tucked away in unusual locations to those that house important historical or contemporary collections. Each entry in the book includes address and contact details, opening times, artists represented, refreshments and attractions nearby. Boxed text alongside some of the entries provides additional information about artists and further attractions near the gallery location making it the ideal guide to consult when planning the next trip away. 

 About the Author & Photographer

 Denis Robinson has a significant knowledge of the art gallery scene and found it a simple exercise to identify the best galleries to include from over 250 recommendations received from i-sites around the country. His sister Gaye Ingold assisted with the research to compile the information for this book.  

 Denis is the author of eight bestselling books about New Zealand artists, including five published by New Holland. He lives on the Hibiscus Coast, north of Auckland and operates his own art and design consultancy, connecting artists with art lovers.

Cycling Auckland

Technical know-how and bike trails around the city and environs

Catherine Smith - New Holland - $29.99

Auckland Transport has clocked 13,500 cyclists on Auckland roads and dedicated cycleways and according to Cycle Action New Zealand (CAN), there are around 750,000 cyclists in New Zealand.  Cycling is an excellent way to get back in touch with nature and your local community. Whether you want to keep fit, get around town quickly and sustainably or you fancy the European-style of urban biking and the Frocks on Bikes trend – Cycling Auckland has everything you need to get going.

 There are tips, illustrations and practical information about buying a bike and getting started, buying second-hand bikes, finding the right bikes for kids and accessing the right clothing and accessories. Cycling Auckland also includes 19 of the best routes and cycleways to ride around Auckland, urban and suburban, with detailed maps and descriptions. There are also links and useful websites to access resources, safety information, riding groups, blogs, organisations and venues. This guide is perfect for the social rider and novice.

Catherine Smith approaches her subject with enthusiasm, to encourage readers to give up four wheels for two and bring back the kind of social riding from our childhoods: pleasurable cycling around the neighbourhood without all the complicated gears and logistics.

About the Author

 Catherine Smith is a keen cyclist and the editor for the popular Herald Weekend Life supplement. She was the editor for Simply You Living   for 6 years and deputy editor for Simply You from 2009. In 2006 she wrote Home Staging in New Zealand, and she has contributed with writing and styling on a number of publications, including Your Home and Garden and She magazines.

KIWI - a natural history

Isabel Castro and Rod Morris - New Holland $29.99

New Zealand’s best-known bird and national icon is the subject of this new and highly accessible title from two experts in their field. There are five recognised species of kiwi, distributed unevenly in locations throughout New Zealand and ranging from the most widespread – the North Island brown kiwi – to the most endangered (the little spotted kiwi). Along with stunning photographs from award-winning wildlife photographer Rod Morris, native bird expert Dr Isabel Castro describes all key aspects of kiwi, from their evolution, prehistory and closest relatives (based on the latest research) to their feeding and breeding behaviour and current conservation issues, making this the perfect introduction for anyone with an interest in these fascinating birds.

The series

Kiwi is the second title in a new A5-sized full-colour series from New Holland on New Zealand’s wildlife, targeted at a family readership. The first title is Penguins of New Zealand by Lloyd Spencer Davis and Rod Morris.

About the author & Photographer

Since acquiring her doctorate at Massey University, Dr Isabel Castro has closely studied New Zealand’s native birds, with particular focus on hihi and kiwi. Among other published works, Isabel is co-author of A Guide to the Birds of the Galápagos Islands (Christopher Helm, 1996). She lives in Palmerston North.

Rod Morris is one of New Zealand’s foremost natural history filmmakers and photographers. His collaborations with New Holland include New Zealand Nature, A Photographic Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand, and A Photographic Guide to Mammals of New Zealand. Rod lives on the Otago Peninsula.

Footnote:

Three appealing, well-researched guides, designed for the jacket pocket, backpack or car glove box; published with a perfect sense of timing for the summer holidays. Great value too at just $29.99 each. Available at bookshops everywhere.