Kia ora readers! Planning your first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand? Why not dive into its stories through the pages of a book - we’ve put a list together just for you!
Aotearoa New Zealand is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and diverse culture, making it an incredible destination for travellers - if we do say so ourselves, we’re a bit bias! From Māori legends to contemporary novels, exploring New Zealand through literature offers a unique lens into its heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant way of life.
We’ve curated a reading list of books to transport you to the heart of Aotearoa, helping you prepare for your adventure while also deepening your appreciation for the places you’ll soon explore. Whether you're drawn to fiction, history, or travel writing, we’ve got books to(hopefully) ignite your wanderlust and enrich your journey.
Wild Walks Aotearoa: A Guide to Tramping in New Zealand by Hannah-Rose Watt
Recommended by staff member Zoë: “I spent a majority of my childhood weekends being (begrudgingly) taken on bush walks and tramps lead by my Dad. As an avid NZ bush-walker since he was a teenager, I got Wild Walks Aotearoa for my Dad for Christmas last year and he absolutely loved it. Dad spent most of Christmas morning flipping through the various chapters and tracks, reminiscing on past walks he’d taken and giggling at the author’s apt descriptions of difficulty. The accompanying photos throughout are beautiful, too!"
Becoming Tangata Tiriti: Working with Maori, Honouring the Treaty by Avril Bell
We don’t play about our indigenous culture here in Aotearoa. Right from landing at Auckland International Airport, visitors are exposed to the beautiful Māori culture through art, song and reo (language) and encouraged to learn more as they travel.
Becoming Tangata Tiriti offers insightful information on how to approach Māori tikanga (customs and traditional values) with respect whilst acknowledging the wrongdoings in our history’s past by Pākehā (non-Māori) - a great guide for residents and visitors alike.
The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Hugh Robertson & Barrie Heather
Get up to speed with our local birdlife before you take a trip down under. We’ve got loads of beautiful native birds to brag about here in Aotearoa, as well as some imported from the colonisers or those that flew all the way here and decided to nest for good.
Comprehensive, reliable and easy to read, this book contains beautiful colour illustrations and up-to-date guides for spotting birds in the wild. The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand is the only field guide to New Zealand birds officially endorsed by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand - impressive!
Mountains Volcanoes Coasts and Caves: Origins of Aotearoa New Zealand's Natural Wonders by Bruce Hayward
We’d tell you to skip the museum and read this instead, but to be honest, the Auckland Museum is fantastic in its own right. So read this & visit the NZ volcano exhibition anyway!
If The Lord of the Rings films did one thing right for Aotearoa, it’s that it showcased our spectacular landscapes and stunning scenery. Mountains Volcanoes Coasts and Caves does the same thing! With stunning aerial photography this beautiful book takes readers through 100 natural wonders of Aotearoa: from dormant mountains to crystal-clear beaches and back again.
Rugby League in New Zealand: A People's History
Kiwis love rugby like England loves football - and we’re not too shabby at it either. Rugby League in New Zealand: A People's History tells the story of a game and its supporters thriving against the odds, explaining why rugby is embedded into Kiwi culture. This is the history of a sport told through its communities.
Got a suggestion to add to the list or looking for something a little different? Get in touch with the ubiq Bookshop team!