This is the first field guide written for the general public and beginners in geology in New Zealand. Now fully revised and updated, it shows travellers in New Zealand something of the tremendous variety of our rocks, minerals and fossils and describes what to look for in many areas where rock formations are prominent. It covers the history of New Zealand from its beginnings on the sea floor some 600 million years ago to its present patchwork landscape of volcano, range and plain. This land was formed from many different layers of rock - volcanic flows, forest debris, ocean mud. All these have special characteristics, which are explained and illustrated to enable readers to find the layers and understand their origins and what they can tell us about the landscapes of the past. The crystals that grew in the rocks and the remains of living creatures that were preserved are also illustrated and described. Written in simplified terms, it includes an introductory chapter on general geology, A geological time chart and quick reference maps of the North Island and the South Island for travellers.

A portable, photo-packed guide for all visitors to the country. New Zealand's dramatic scenery is home to some equally dramatic wildlife, featuring a host of endemics found nowhere else in the world. From giant wetas and the ancient Tuatara to a suite of beautiful birds, including flightless wonders such as the Kiwi and Kakapo, these animals help make New Zealand one of the world's greatest wildlife-tourism destinations. Although there have been severe losses due to introduced predators, the country has a fiercely determined conservation sector, and the future looks bright. This fully revised and updated second edition of Julian Fitter's classic photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found on the islands, there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora, with the photography accompanied by concise species texts. Reader-friendly and portable yet covering everything the visitor is likely to see, this book is an invaluable companion for anyone visiting these biodiverse Pacific islands.

A fully illustrated field guide for New Zealanders and visitors Auckland to take with them out among the 53 volcanoes that shape this city.Volcanoes of Auckland is a handy field guide to the fiery natural world that so deeply shapes New Zealand's largest city &– from Rangitoto to One Tree Hill, Lake Pupuke to Orakei Basin. For tens of thousands of years, volcanoes have profoundly shaped the area's geology and geography. And for hundreds of years, volcanoes have played a key part in the lives of indigenous Maori and Europeans &– as sites for pa, kumara gardens or twentieth-century military fortifications, as sources of stone and water, and now as parks and reserves for all to enjoy.In a new cloth flexibind format designed for the backpack (and including three newly recognised craters), the field guide features:&•an accessible introduction to the science of eruptions, including dating and the next eruption&•a history of Maori and Pakeha uses of the volcanoes&•an illustrated guide to each of Auckland's 53 volcanoes, including where to go and what to do&•aerial photography, maps and historic photographs &– over 400 illustrations, 80% of them new.This field guide will help readers engage afresh with the history, geography and geology of Auckland's unique volcanic landscape.How many volcanoes are there? When did they erupt and how do we know? Will there be another eruption in Auckland and, if so, where and when? Will we have sufficient warning to evacuate in time? What is a lava cave, a volcanic bomb or a tuff ring? Why were Auckland's volcanoes such an attraction to early Maori? Why is it that Auckland's freshest water comes out of our volcanoes? This book answers these and many more questions.Volcanoes of Auckland is the essential guide for locals and tourists, school children and scientists, as they climb up Mt Eden or North Head and take in the volcanic landscape that so shapes life in New Zealand's largest city.

A comprehensive overview of New Zealand's natural history, with details of where to go to see them, along with recommended tramping tracks.