Lonely Planet's New Zealand gives detailed practical advice to those planning to travel around New Zealand, providing clear information about attractions, accommodation, places to eat, roads and transport. Recommendations are accompanied by evaluations and costs - all laid out clearly in a north to south survey of the country. This is what I would expect of a good travel guide, but Lonely Planet's New Zealand offers more. This guide is especially written to meet the individual needs of a wide range of travellers. There is specific and helpful information for people travelling with children, those travelling alone with a special section for women alone, disabled travellers, gay and lesbian travellers, and for those interested in New Zealand's national parks, adventure tourism, tramping, history, museums, art galleries, and bird watching ....

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Introductory sections
From the first paragraph the reader's attention is gripped by the vivid descriptions in Destination New Zealand.

"You're winding your way along a valley etched into the earth by an ancient, industrious glacier, continually crisscrossing a broad, pebble-bottomed river that couldn't look fresher if it had just splashed its way out of a cloud, and drinking in views of variegated rock-hills, the knotted greenery of unkempt arboretums, and snow-dipped peaks crowding before an expansive blue backdrop... Such memory-filling vistas are commonplace in New Zealand, but truth be told, overblown descriptions don't do the country justice - this is one of those rare places where superlatives fight a losing battle to match the actual stature of the land, not the other way around."
Extract from Destinations, the first page of "New Zealand 12"

Turn the page and the next feature is a clear map with descriptive boxes attached to scenic highlilghts - another convincing invitation to visit.

The chapter near the beginning labelled Highlights gives introductory information in sections titled National Parks, Maori, Outdoors, City, Food, and Film. These are a compelling enticement to read further, and those who do will be well rewarded. There is advice about money, the best books and movies, especially Lord of the Rings. Popular Itineraries has clear uncluttered maps and time indications, and Roads Less Travelled suggests more leisurely exploration.

Snapshot gives fast facts - a concise list of New Zealand's statistics, and some discussion of current issues.

History and Culture
The concise chapters on New Zealand history and culture are so well written that they offer worthwhile reading for intending travellers, armchair travellers and even people who know the country well. The history section covers the arrival first of Maori, then of European navigators, and then of white colonists. Next come the reforming government of the 1890s bringing in women's suffrage and industrial legislation, New Zealand's support of Great Britain in the Boer War and two World Wars, the reforming government of 1935 which introduced social security, and in the 1970s the move away from dependence on the Mother Country (Great Britain) when she joined the European Common Market. There is comment on the development of a more cosmopolitan society with immigration from the Pacific Islands and Asian countries giving a new ethnic mix.

The sections on history and on lifestyles are brought right up to 2004, so travellers reading this book come to the country equipped with current information.

There are notes on the contributors - among them well-known historian Professor James Belich and media commentator Russell Brown,

Maori Culture written by Errol Hunt introduces the reader to Maori mythology, the tribal society, Maori wairua (spirituality), Maori attitudes to whenua (the land), tipuna (ancestors), marae (tribal home), takanga (war), waiata (song), haka (dance), whakairo (carving) and moko (tattoos).

Environment and outdoor activities
Environment includes comment on the land, wildlife, trees and national parks.

New Zealand Outdoors covers activities ranging from aerial sightseeing, fishing, bird watching and tramping to kayaking, surfing and bungy jumping, with a map showing places that offer these activities. Another map highlights great walks. The section on skiing includes information about ski resorts in the North and South Islands. Each section contains advice on the best times to visit and the equipment to take.

Visitors would find it helpful to check out Food and Drink and note the advice to spread Marmite or Vegemite only sparingly. Do note the list of DOs and DON'TS near the end of the food section.

Information on the regions
Each region is covered, working from north to south. Black labels on the edges of the pages make them easy to find.

Within each section after Getting there and around the major city is listed first with details of activities, places worth a visit, shopping, eating places, and accommodation in three sections according to cost - budget, mid-range and top end. Then the surrounding districts are covered.

Maps and small coloured photos highlight the text.

The skilled authors writing material about the most impressive scenery convey not only the visual impact, but also the emotions felt by many viewers. Two extracts illustrate the style of these comments.

At Cape Reinga, the northernmost point in New Zealand:

"Standing at the windswept Cape Reinga lighthouse and looking out over the endless ocean has an end-of-the-world feel to it. The lighthouse is still in use, and directly below it is where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, generating waves up to 10m high in stormy weather. Still visible on the very tip of Cape Reinga is the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree whose roots hide the entrance to the mythical Maori Underworld."
From the chapter entitled Northland, page 166 of "New Zealand 12"

In the far south at Ulna Island in Paterson Inlet off the coast of Stewart Island:

"Bird-watchers go all woozy here. As soon as you get off the launch the air is alive with the song of tui and bellbirds, and you'll see kaka, weka, kakariki and NZ pigeon (kereru); some birds come so close that you don't need a telephoto lens to snap them. The abundance of birdlife here is due mainly to the absence of predators."
From the chapter entitled Stewart Island and Outer Islands, page 647 of "New Zealand 12"

Directory
A useful directory at the end gives travel advice to those with children, disabled people, gay and lesbian visitors, and people travelling alone, with a separate section for women on their own. There are comments on money, visas, the customs regulations, legal matters, embassies and consulates, dangers and safety precautions, annoyances like the sandflies, and the climate.

Closing sections
The guidebook closes with sections on transport, health, world time zones, language, a glossary and an index. A careful study of the section on language and pronunciation and the glossary of uniquely New Zealand expressions and Maori words will mean that you have fewer communication problems.

Visitors to New Zealand who make good use of this guide will be informed travellers - and informed travellers are well equipped to have an enjoyable and trouble-free holiday.

New Zealanders who use this book will be better informed about their own country and discover new delights - possibly even in the area where they live.