"Islands offer a clear view of the ocean horizon, they set you up to see the curvature of the Earth, and may awaken something profoundly deep in you."
Join writer Neville Peat on a unique journey through islands ranging from the tropics to Antarctic ice – islands that contribute to the character of Aotearoa New Zealand, its geography, its nature and its human stories. These are islands that invite us to view the global challenges of our age in new ways, with new insights.
Whenua Hou - A New LandThe story of Codfish Island Whenua Hou/Codfish Island in Foveaux Strait, best known as a kākāpō sanctuary, has a greater claim to fame – as the foothold of bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand.
“. . .Whenua Hou’s contribution to the bicultural history of Aotearoa New Zealand is unique . . . New Zealand’s first planned mixed-race settlement.”
“The mountain fastness is close enough to feel powerful but not claustrophobic . . . the lake has a gleaming, softening presence . . . There is a serene coherence to it all.”
The Invading SeaNew Zealand has been found wanting on both coastal hazard preparedness and greenhouse gas mitigation – a case of too little, too slow, too inclined to leave it to the next generation . . .
The Catlins and the Southern Scenic RouteStraddling the Otago-Southland border, the Catlins region comprises a rugged coast of sand beaches, towering sea cliffs and rock stacks.
Shackleton's WhiskyAn intoxicating blend of Antarctic exploration in the ‘Heroic Era’ and the world of Scotch whisky, this book gives the full story behind the cases of Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt that were rediscovered under the hut of Ernest Shackleton’s 1907-09 British Antarctic Expedition 100 years after an epic attempt at the South Pole.
Rivers RareThe Upper Waitaki region, spreading eastward from the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s highest peak (Aoraki/Mt Cook), contains a spectacular array of braided rivers, which are rare internationally.
Stewart Island RakiuraStewart Island Rakiura National Park Uncrowded, spectacularly natural Stewart Island is a popular holiday destination with many bush walks and a wealth of natural and built features to enjoy.
Rakiura HeritageStewart Island/Rakiura has a special place in the nation’s history, not only as the southernmost permanently settled corner of Polynesia but also as a foothold for early European occupation.
The Tasman‘Whenever people interact with a sea of the Tasman’s nature, there is bound to be drama.’
Neville Peat
WORDS & IMAGES
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