A Traveller's History of New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands

This book starts very slow (with the geology of the country) and then ramps up as it approaches modern day New Zealand. It covers almost every major event that has been recorded in the country and explains the cultural and social significance on what happened and why it happened that way. I was there for 2 weeks and found myself referring back to what I had read to provide more background to what we were seeing. This book makes you semi-fluent in New Zealand history. MUST READ and definitely worth the money.As a side note: the original Polynesian inhabitants are the Maori people. I was corrected (embarrassingly by a Maori) on how to say the word. It is not May-ore-ee (like most think). It is Mar-ee.

This is a well written general introducton to New Zealand, and is a bt more than just a "Traveller's History". Chambers explains how the geology affected the geography of the region, and how this in turn determined the development of flora and fauna. The ethnographical dscusssion is interesting and written with considerable wit. I found the modern history to be intriguing, and beware the MMP! The book has nice maps and line drawngs and a good bibliography. I am at a loss, however as why one would need the historical gazetteer or list of rulers.

Good information. Not very enticing narrative. I am wading through it, and finding some of the information interesting. A good overview,,,,,,just stick with it. I am hoping to get to the end before we leave for New Zealand.

If you're looking for a book about New Zealand and the South Pacific dealing with time up to the European presence, thie book is okay. However, for more recent history, it is sadly lacking, having the flavor of wishing for the "good old days" of British Empire. This edition was published in 2007, but reads like something written in the 1950s.

Gift for my father who very proudly displays this book in his home. His one hope is to visit New Zealand in his lifetime.

Loved New Zealand and this book was a great help in setting the background and history for this young country. So wonderful to arrive and know a little bit of Kiwi history as we travelled through to the attractions.

A must read before trip to New Zealand if you are interested in the history - well written, and much great history of Maori people!

wonderful review of everything Kiwi

Informative and well written