Kiwis Might Fly

Book Description

Polly Evans was a woman with a mission. Before the traditional New Zealand male hung up his sheep shears for good, Polly wanted to see this vanishing species with her own eyes. Venturing into the land of giant kauri trees and smaller kiwi birds, she explores the country once inhabited by fierce Maori who carved their enemies’ bones into cutlery, bushwhacking pioneers, and gold miners who lit their pipes with banknotes—and comes face-to-face with their surprisingly tame descendants. So what had become of the mighty Kiwi warrior?

As Polly tears through the countryside at seventy-five miles an hour, she attempts to solve this mystery while pub-crawling in Hokitika, scaling the Southern Alps, and enduring a hair-raising stay in a mining town where the earth has been known to swallow houses whole. And as she chronicles the thrills and travails of her extraordinary odyssey, Polly’s search for the elusive Kiwi comes full circle—teaching her some hilarious and surprising lessons about motorcycles, modern civilization, and men.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome book.......2007-10-17

I was given this book from a friend as a vague taster of NZ before I headed down there for a year and they seriously recommended reading it. I didnt know much about New Zealand and didnt really feel like I needed to know much about its history or landscape. But as I started reading this book I was suddenly fuelled with intregue and curiosity about the beauty of NZ and how it came to be. Based on a personal perspective of Polly Evans who decided one day that she's bored of Rainy England and feels it a good idea to ride around NZ on a 600cc on a mission to find out if the modern Kiwi bloke really is on the verge of extinction, this extremely funny book boasts educational references, drama, personal reflection and a fairly decent overview of NZ as a whole. Despite the strange theme, the book delves into personal experiences of many of the sights and attractions around NZ, clear and detailed references to the history different places and events, lots of good clean British humour and an engrosing writing style of adventure. I really enjoyed this book and found it to be inspiring and and exteremly interesting. Plus there arent many books that make me laugh out loud, and this one did, a lot! I've also used this book as a good reference to many trips out so far, handy!

Kiwis Might Fly.......2007-05-13

I picked up her book on bicycling in Spain at the library and liked it so much I bought Fried Eggs and Chopsticks and eagarly awaited the release of Kiwis Might Fly. Her books are written for the arm-chair traveler to laugh over but not emulate. Her personal experiences plus brief forays into history make a very enjoyable read.

A bit slapped together.......2007-04-25

This book is less about The Kiwi Man (its ostensible theme) than it is about Polly Evans and her newfound love of motorcycling. If you want a sometimes entertining overview of things to do and see in New Zealand, this isn't a bad choice, but a cursory overview is all it is. I read it in an afternoon. Deep, it's not: some of the background info sounds as if she pulled it off of a tourist brochure. And it could use a good editor (why, or why, does she get paid to write books when she doesn't know the difference between further and farther?) I got none of that Bill Bryson I-love-these guys feeling for the people of New Zealand, nor did I get that (often entertaining) sense of grumpy irritation that so many travel writers affect (though she sometmes seems to attempt it, it just comes off as mean and off-point, as with the minister's wife and the potato peeler...very odd). Come to think of it, I learned very little about New Zealand at all, other than it's very pretty, has a wide range of weather and topography, offers some nice roads for motorcycling, and is filled with mostly nice people who are happy to help tourists. I knew all of this. Oh, I did learn that it's frighteningly easy for a novice to rent an oversized motorcycle there.

Ms. Evans has to reach way too hard to incorporate her "theme" through most of the book (her attempt to tie it all together in the last pages is laughable). She occasionally tries out an overly arch tone that is intensely irritating -- I found myself skimming those parts -- and she sometimes falls into the "and then I went here and turned around and went there" style of a boring blog. Perhaps this would have been better if she'd been honest about her real subjects -- her motorcycle and herself. Presumably, the meaningless title for this book was chosen by the publishing house, as it has nothing to do with the text. Maybe there are too many chick-motorcycle-travel books for yet another, but a more honest tile for this book would have been something like _Kawasaki Kiwi: How I Got My Groove On and Learned to Fly_. After all, what really happened is that this gal had an affair with a bike. It just happened to have happened in New Zealand. The search for The Kiwi Man had sod all to do with it.

An entertaining ramble..........2005-09-24

It's difficult to write travel books with a "twist" but Polly Evans has a pretty good try here in a book that has two on the go at the same time. First, a lady with no previous motorbiking experience passes her test in the UK and, only a couple of weeks later, hires a 500cc road bike to circumnavigate the whole of New Zealand. Brave or stupid, her gradual mastery of this "monster" provides an engaging backdrop to the journey and results in a series of hilarious problems. Second, she sets out not only to see the country but to discover whether the traditional Kiwi male - the pioneer who could mend a clapped out tractor with a rubber band - still exists. A quest which allows her to include some fascinating facts about New Zealand's development, takes her to places that most tourists miss, and gives her the opportunity to ruminate on the issues facing a traditionally male dominated society in the process of change.

All good stuff but the problem is that, as with many "I'm off to see the country in a few weeks" travel books, she can only scratch the surface of the place. For example, in Christchurch she takes an immediate dislike to its "faux" Englishness, with its boatered punters and its school children in 1950's uniform, without having the time or inclination to get behind why these things exist. As a result, her conclusion that the city is in some form of ridiculously nostalgic time warp completely misses the point that this need to replicate the safety & security of "home" was an integral part of the male "pioneering spirit" she is in fact seeking, and that Christchurch with its strong links to rural farming communities still embodies, more than any other of New Zealand's major cities, this particular aspect of its history and life.

Truth is that it's virtually impossible to draw objective conclusions about a country or its people without immersing yourself in it and, with only a couple of days in each place, what she in fact ends up with is a series of intriguing snapshots rather than any real answers to the question she sets herself. But, no matter, because, in the end, it's an enjoyable ramble which, on the way, provides an excellent "primer" into New Zealand's history, captures a great deal of what a tourist can expect to see when there, and includes some wonderfully entertaining incidents as you follow her round its beautiful landscapes on her huge machine.

Average customer rating:

Finally a book for luxury hotel lovers!

Overnight Sensations: The Americas
Kiwi Collection
Manufacturer: Kiwi Collection
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0973598905

Product Description

Overnight Sensation is one of the most complete and comprehensive collections of luxury hotels, resorts, inns, lodges and ranches ever put together. 468 of the most luxurious places to stay in the Americas, over 1,600 high resolution full colour photography. "Through detail rich photography and imaginative slice of life narratives, this book endeavors to put you, the reader, right there at the heart of the very best places to stay, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina."

Customer Reviews:

Finally a book for luxury hotel lovers!.......2006-10-27

If you like travelling in style and experience the best hotels in the world (or Americas) this is a must have book to show off with on your coffee table in your living room. Not only does it have a cool design but it invites one to travel more and see what is actually out there in the world for the one that likes to spend a few extra $ on staying in nice hotels. Surprisingly, you will find that many hotels in this book do not cost much more than boring hotel chains that has little extra to offer in terms of sensations. I have heard that there are new editions of this book in the pipeline that covers the rest of the world, I can't wait to get it! Forget about travel guides, buy this book and you won't need to make any other plans for your holidays or business trips.

Lonely Planet Kiwi Tracks: A New Zealand Journey

Average customer rating:

Tramps in New Zealand
Where is New Zealand heading?
I'm not a fan of travel writing, but ...
A wonderful personal diary of a New Zealand vacation
Exciting Country, Depressing Author

Lonely Planet Kiwi Tracks: A New Zealand Journey
Andrew Stevenson
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1741046793

Book Description

Many of us dream of escaping from everyday life, tossing a few possessions in a backpack and travelling light in far-off lands. Andrew Stevenson did more than dream: he packed his rucksack and went.

Andrew's destination was New Zealand, the island nation famous for its pristine wilderness, from sandy beaches and fast-flowing rivers to glacial mountains and primeval forests. In a hiker's heaven, he treks along the Milford Track, the Kepler Track, the Abel Tasman Track and other famous walking routes. Along the way he gets caught in a blizzard on a mountain path, spends time in a Maori settlement and tries hugging a tree.

With insight and a gentle humour, he explores the spirit of this spectacular land at the southern end of the Pacific, its indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, and provides an illuminating view of his fellow backpackers and twilight world they inhabit, forever between destinations. He also reveals that, however much or little you may have in you rucksack, the heaviest baggage is what you carry inside.

Customer Reviews:

Tramps in New Zealand.......2004-10-24

First off, I loved this book. I have a great desire, if not budget, to see New Zealand. This has only increased my longing to visit this country. Stevenson's writing is very subtle in its humor. I laughed more reading this book than any other travel book I have read before. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in travelling and especially in New Zealand.

Where is New Zealand heading?.......2004-04-16

I very much recommend Andrew Stevenson's "Kiwi Tracks," equally well for those who do and do not know personally New Zealand's natural and cultural landscape and her Great Walks. I myself fall somewhat in between these categories - having explored the South Island only, during some six visits in the last 20 years, always tramping, always in awe.

He tells well how the Great Walks (the term had not existed in my early tramps) have turned from a few persons in lonely huts to nearly hundreds of packed-in campers on solo or guided tours -in just a few short decades. Also his South Island walks were unusually impaired by a massive snow storm and so come across a bit off-putting.

Stevenson gave me the best-yet view of what I have been missing in the North Island ("away from the Mainland," as he quips).

Overall, his book is a beautiful, honest, and detailed travel narrative (thank goodness for someone taking the time to name by name the many fauna and flora experienced). But it is markedly canted by his own ah, delicate emotional state during the journey. The book's dust jacket warns us: "... whatever you have in your rucksack, the heaviest baggage is what you carry inside." Stevenson's emotional center of mass during his trip clearly is located a bit outside himself and he is prone to tip over emotionally during the journey. His honesty about this both hurts and helps the narrative - it does give the reader a reference point: The author is working hard to discover that which is truly important to himself in his journey, as well as puzzling over that same question for New Zealand - the colonist vs. native Maori views of national politics, natural heritage, and future directions.

While relating the pristine and inutterably amazing natural beauty of this land, not the least being the almost inconceivable human innocence and generosity of its citizens, he gives us a tutorial in NZ's basic dilemma. When he asks a fellow tramper to quote the best and worst of his travels: [I paraphrase] "The worst is to see the landscape so corrupted by commercialism so quickly." (You can guess - the bus tours, helicopters, jet boats, egregious mountain re-landscaping.) "The best is that New Zealand is still so unbelievable beautiful." This echoed within me, watching once-quiet towns transformed at the snap of a dollar into teaming Disneylands.

Stevenson shows us, by example(s), of how New Zealand transforms and helps its visitors. A German therapist suggests that tramping holds more value than health insurance premiums. I am inclined to agree.

Of the highest value to me in the book is that Stevenson gives us some great insight into the NZ national values debate (still-ongoing) contrasting (via his hitchhiker's car-cabin testimonies) the views of the progeny of the more recent Western, rough-hewn pioneers against the natural spiritualism of
Maoris, who also gave him rides, and to whom he related more. He shows us that the people of New Zealand must finally listen to the Maori, and strive to preserve their naturalist vision (in the face of adventure bungee-jumping tourism). Between the lines, he shows us that the dialog must go both ways,
especially when facing the World's money, foreign buyers and the touristic denizens of the new millennium.

I'm not a fan of travel writing, but ..........2003-12-31

I found this to be an interesting book. If you want to learn all about New Zealand, its flora and fuana, or great "tramps" (hikes, for you and me), this isn't the book for you. However, it is an enjoyable light read, giving the reader interesting snapshots of life in NZ. Stevenson meets some interesting people along his journey and I found the way in which he shares their stories much more engaging than most of his descriptions of his walks in the woods. Yes, at times the book strains credulity and some of the characters may seem a bit cliche, but I, too, stood in wonder of many of the situations he encounters. Ultimately what comes through is that New Zealand is a land both unlike any other and exactly like home, too.

A wonderful personal diary of a New Zealand vacation.......2003-05-04

Andrew Stevenson has successfully accomplished what very few others are able to do.
He has written a travel guide that is actually enthralling to read. From its pages you will gain a wonderful sense of the flora, fauna and people of "The Land of the White Cloud."
Although the title suggests it to be a book on hiking... it is not. It is a personal account of his time in New Zealand, where he spends 4 months marching through some of the most beautiful places on earth.
The casts of characters that he introduces us to are not "over the top" hard to imagine people, but... simply the everyday folks of New Zealand and the foreigners that are vacationing there too.
I look forward to reading all of Mr. Stevenson's works.
Andrew... if you ever need a hiking buddy... drop me a line!

Exciting Country, Depressing Author.......2003-02-13

Being that I am preparing to spend the next two years of my life in school in New Zealand, I have been looking for books that can help to prepare me for what my experience in the country will be. That said, I found this book a valuable read. The author presents a good picture of an outsider's view of New Zealand, at least from a traveller's perspective. I think the overall picture, of a beautiful country with an old fashioned mindset, is an interesting one, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it for myself. His descriptions of NZ's natural offerings are the strong point of the book.

Unfortunately, the author is leaving behind a life in Norway that was apparently, in his mind, quite tragic, and he drags the reader through his problems. He's gone to NZ to think about his life, and apparently tramping alone through the wilderness doesn't perk him up much. Reading about how depressed and lonely he is becomes an annoyance from the first chapter, and negatively impacts the entire book. The country he describes sounds beautiful in itself, but with his constant crying, you can't help but feel down about the whole experience. It's like taking a vacation with a friend who's going through a rough divorce.

Overall, the book was good when it stuck to any issue other than the author's relational troubles. I'd recommend it if you can pick it up secondhand, or at the library, as I did.

Kahu the Cautious Kiwi
Average customer rating:
Kahu the Cautious Kiwi
Brian Birchall
Manufacturer: Golden Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H0U9XG

The Naked Rower: How Two Kiwis Took on the Atlantic--and Won!
Average customer rating:

Used to be the bible of oceanrowing a couple of years back!

The Naked Rower: How Two Kiwis Took on the Atlantic--and Won!

Manufacturer: Hodder Moa Beckett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1869587669

Product Description

The Naked Rower is the story of one man and his dream. The man was New Zealander Rob Hamill and the dream was to win the world's first trans -Atlantic rowing race. It was, they told him, the impossible dream. He had no money, no rowing partner, not knowledge of the boat building and - while he was a world-class sculler - he had never rowed at sea. Worse still, when he finally did try blue-water rowing, he became chronically seasick. The Naked Rower is a swashbuckling story of high adventure, friendship placed under unbearable strain, terrible tragedy, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit.

Customer Reviews:

Used to be the bible of oceanrowing a couple of years back!.......2006-01-05

This is the true story about when Rob Hamill, a person with no experience of sponsorship, took on the quest to participate in the worlds first ocean rowing competition. And this is where comparisons with other books stops filling any purpouse.

Bear in mind that there are a couple of million above "6000-meter climbs" that Everest climber base there knowledge upon. Back in 1997 when Rob Hamill and others left Teneriffe in rowing boats, we then only knew of 12 attempts to cross an ocean in a rowing boat. Only 8 had survived (since then the people at the royal ocean rowing society have managed to track down a few more early crossings). These people broke new land (water) and were truly pioneers in a way that is very, very rare today. They risked their lives for several montsh of time. Today, almost 200 people have crossed an ocean in a rowing boat. Every year more than 200 people pay guides to be guided to the top of Everest. This book is delivering a bit of that feeling, of getting your self out in the unknown.

It used to be the bible of ocean rowing books, partly because it was almost the first book on the subject and partly because of the really fast crossing the Kiwis managed. However, the book is mostly about, rowing, eating, rowing and a little bit about the persons on the boat. Every sailor or ocean rower will learn a lot by reading the book.

This book is not about fighting for survival (then read Stephen Callhans "Survival") or about one of the worlds most severe ocean crossing (then visit my website) or about the first persons to cross an ocean in a rowing boat (then read Daring the sea - marvelous book). It is a book about how one man turned a dream into the by far fastest rowboat ocean crossing that any person would ever dreamt about. It is a book that keeps a modern, well focused attitude towards ocean rowing - a good way into this "community". I recommend this book to the one interested in oceans, ocean crossings, rowing, sponsorshipprojects, adventures or multisport. There are other books that are better in most aspects but this is still a classic book well worth reading. If you are a person that would like to sail a bit further, then this book should be regarded as mandatory in the shipslibrary. The world of oceanrowing is still very limited, a lot of names mentioned in the book is still active and are living legends you might meet or contact if you are thinking of planing your own expedition.

Buy the book now!

Niclas Mårdfelt
Swedish ocean rower

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A cat copes with a convention
I love ya Louie
Good but enough of the Science Fiction references
Writers Rant
I Almost Didn't Finish this One!

Cat in a Kiwi Con
Carole Nelson Douglas
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Cat in a Leopard Spot: A Midnight Louie Mystery
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ASIN: 0812584252

Book Description

Midnight Louie, the purring P.I., is a jet-black sleuth making his twelfth outing in Carole Nelson Douglas's Cat in a Kiwi Con. While his human partner, public relations whiz Temple Barr, and her significant other, ex-magician Max Kinsella, are bespelled by murder most magical on a Las Vegas university campus, Louie has followed the lethal and lovely Siamese, Hyacinth, into the world's largest science fiction and fantasy convention, GigantiCon.They're all there: Hercules and Xena, elves and aliens, captains and crew, and Godzillions of fans--both in costume and out. When a prominent player is killed, not only is the method of death perplexing, but the suspects in this case are a very unusual cast of thousands. Soon it becomes clear that none of the investigators are safe in an atmosphere that provides cover not only for an unknown murderer, but for an antagonist in an alien guise who is after the hides of each and every one of them.Joining in the fantasy-in-progress may be their only hope.

Customer Reviews:

A cat copes with a convention.......2003-08-06

In a neighbourhood copious with cats, it was inevitable that someone would confront me with this series. Douglas' twist of a cat acting as a major character [although not the primary one as the "Midnight Louie [sic] Mystery" on the dust jacket implies] is handled with finesse. The cat is observant, independent and adaptable. Thankfully, "Louie" isn't over-anthropomorphised. While instrumental, he isn't the primary sleuth you might expect. Instead, Douglas uses her feline character to air some causes she's concerned about - in this case the threatened extinction of Kiwis [the birds, not the European "pakeha"] in New Zealand. On the other hand, she plops some invective into the narrative against selected targets, of which more later.

There are some murders to keep the plot within the "mystery" genre, some of which are leftovers from previous books. These tend to be added to keep your interest. Will they be solved here or go on to further revival later in the series? There is the usual rivalry of "cops" versus "private" sleuths, although none of the "private" characters are in the business. Instead, one is a "public relations whiz", one a magician and one a former priest. Douglas takes these three on a merry mazurka of personal relationships. Only one of these characters seems to have a clear view of the assigned role. Douglas has fun with her creations, but character development isn't her forte. Even the repartee doesn't achieve the "clever" level that some mystery writers attain. Perhaps this is Douglas' way of imparting realism.

The author's real strength is in descriptive prose. She shines at that. In this book there are many opportunities to show her stuff as it takes place around a "sci-fi" convention. Although she correctly disparages the term "sci-fi", she seems unaware of Harlan Ellison's long-standing suggestion "SF" be rendered "Speculative Fiction". Her knowledge of television and film SF is ample. Characters relocated from their fictional realm into the convention's arena with aplomb. Writers clash, roles are depicted and characterisations dissected. For unexplained reasons, Douglas lashes out at Jeri Ryan's Seven of Nine character from Star Trek: Voyager. The reason for her calumny seems focussed on the physical, which seems out of place in a "feminist" writer. The repetition of her scurrility against this one character becomes boring, especially when she transfers it to one of her minor characters.

Usually, in such a series reading the first volume is mandatory, but that constraint doesn't seem to apply, here. So much of this tale is interwoven with past events, one has the feeling reading the others would be repetitious. This book, one of the latest, is a good introduction to Douglas. The plot line is convoluted enough to satisfy the most demanding mystery buff. The SF/fantasy environment allows Douglas to bring in "weird" characters who impinge but lightly on the story. It's good beach/cottage reading material, but of limited scope and less interest. The whole series would be a chore, unless you have an extended holiday. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

I love ya Louie.......2001-08-08

I love Louie, but this book was something of a disappointment. Mrs. Douglas kept us on the outside the whole time so it was hard to really get into the book. I have to admit though I was rolling on the ground at her depiction of a preteen girl. No preteen girl I have ever known is scared of a simple amusement ride and would hold her escort's hand. Mrs. Douglas hit so wide of the mark that she not only missed the barn she ended up 2 states over. Otherwise, an enjoyable if not particularly engrossing read.

Good but enough of the Science Fiction references.......2001-05-18

The book started off alright but quickly became dragged down. There was not enough of Louie and too many Buffy references. This is a mystery/comedy novel. To many plot lines that need to be connected and finished. Unfortunately if you are a big fan, which I am, you will need to read this book to catch up on the many different trains of thought Temple/Max/Matt/Molina/Louie have before reading "...Leopard Spot".

Writers Rant.......2000-08-12

When Science Fiction writers get together, they complain about getting ripped off--even as murder runs through the convention. Carole Nelson Douglas has written another funny, quirky mystery. Again, Midnight Louie, the cat, plays the staring role.

Louie, along with Temple and Max, solve the crime, but there is a bigger crime here--one left to be solved in a later book in the series. Read this one for the fun of it, not to have all the loose ends tied up.

I Almost Didn't Finish this One!.......2000-07-29

I have read all the books in this series, and found myself wishing that ONE of the loose ends would please be tied up in this one....but nope, just a new loose end and more cat babbling. I enjoy books with animals....talking and otherwise, but this cat "talks" too much! I heartily enjoyed the first books in this series, but the neverending Max/Matt campaign is wearing thin. The fun part of the book is the science fiction convention, but it is not enough to engage a casual reader. My stubborness to finish the book was really the only reason I did finish it! Maybe the next one will wrap up some plot lines.... we can only hope!

McGill's dictionary of Kiwi slang, catchphrases, characters and kiwiosities

Average customer rating:

McGill's dictionary of Kiwi slang, catchphrases, characters and kiwiosities
David McGill
Manufacturer: Silver Owl Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0959797963

Book Description

The companion volume to the author's A Dictionary of Kiwi Slang, 25,000 sold. This collection expands into catchphrases, commentaries, jokes, ditties and characters contributing to Kiwi English as we use it, and includes a revised an updated version of The Dinkum Kiwi Dictionary, which has been out of print in the nineties.

New slang like lomu-ed, the Otahu sidestep, Ruthanasia, shark biscuit.

Why would you stop a Presbyterian?

How could Frank Bunce play piano while pouring concrete?

What is the Australian haka? Who is the Screaming Skull? Where is Dorkalofa?

Do you know the difference between a goneburger, a turboburger and a wallyburger? Who are Les Miserables Bastards and why don't they like kiwifruit? All is revealed in this double-value sequel to the first slang collection Harry Orsman in the Evening Post called `a delight' and Professor Gordon in the Sunday Times said was `a real bewdy'.

Hall & Ball: Kiwi Mountaineers from Mount Cook to Everest
Average customer rating:

Extreme sports attitude in historical detail

Hall and Ball, an adventure that many dream about

The Great Adventure

Hall & Ball: Kiwi Mountaineers from Mount Cook to Everest
Colin Monteath
Manufacturer: Cloudcap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Mountaineering | Sports | Subjects | Books
Mountain Climbing | Mountaineering | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 093856742X

Customer Reviews:

Extreme sports attitude in historical detail.......1999-09-09

Both the pictures and text of this book are authentic and tell the story of typical New Zealand adventurers that became famous and died in the mountains. The pictures are by Hall, Ball, and friends. You see what you have only read about in books on Everest climbs, from the dawns to the garbage. The text puts the Himalayan climbing tragedies in context of the lives of the heros and their friends. Details come from journals, letters, interviews, and memories. The author knew Hall & Ball well. This is a great tribute, compelling read, and looks good on a coffee table too (big book).

Hall and Ball, an adventure that many dream about.......1998-05-11

Rob Hall and Gary Ball, two New Zealanders who lived the dream of conquering 7 of the world's highest summits in 7 months. This book is full of breathtaking photography, a touch of humour, the heartaches and joys of conquering the summits and the tragedies which cut their lives short. This book is a must for those who have similar aspirations and dreams.

The Great Adventure.......1998-02-13

As a fan of mountaineering writings and photography I was pleased to 'discover' this fine new book. Most people will know of Rob Hall in light of the tragic storm that took his life and several others in May of 1994. But as you will find there is very much more to the Hall story and his amiably unorthodox business partner and friend Gary Ball. This book is very well-written and lavishly adorned with inspiring climbing photography. It tracks the early days of Hall and Ball on their home peaks on the South Island of New Zealand to the world's Greater Ranges. Although, there is plenty of lively dialogue concerning Everest and the issues of commercial expeditions between the covers, this book as a whole is a pleasant santctuary from the "controversies" of the Everest disaster. It serves to joyfully remind its audience of the enduring appeal of high mountains and the vibrant life that can be found there. I highly recommend this book. It is a thoughtful illumination of two legendary mountaineers and the great adventure that was their lives.

Average customer rating:

Kiwi: The People's Bird
Neville Peat
Manufacturer: University of Otago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Australia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1877372366

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Beware
Bonzer, mate
Useful and Hilarious Dictionary
A Personal Kiwi-Yankee Dictionary
Soon to be Kiwi Explorer

A personal Kiwi-Yankee dictionary
Louis S Leland
Manufacturer: J. McIndoe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Living and Working in New Zealand, Third Edition: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in New Zealand)

ASIN: 0868681229

Customer Reviews:

Beware.......2002-02-23

This book is dated (c.1975) sexist, racist and vulgar. Be warned if you are a woman, a person of color or have anything approaching a 21st century sensibility.
Sample quote: "bum - is what you sit on. Les femmes in New Zealand appear to have an unusually high proportion of broad ones and sturdy legs to match. Pioneer heritage?"
Not my idea of amusing.
If you want to find out about New Zealand, there are many websites that will give you a clearer idea of the place and the people than this book.

Bonzer, mate.......2001-08-24

Even if you don't plan a trip to New Zealand in the near future, you can read this book and spice up your vocabulary. I've rated it four stars instead of five merely because it's now eleven years old.

NZ slang evolves quite quickly, partly due to the prevalence of what's known as the Big OE--the big overseas experience, where young Kiwis take off for England and the Continent for a period of years, some never to return. This foreign immersion results in the inclusion of English slang expressions into the NZ idiom.

As a 30-year expatriate Kiwi, I found myself enjoying again the colorful language I heard and used in my youth. A new edition would be greatly appreciated, and a must for every traveler planning on spending more than a couple of weeks in NZ.

Useful and Hilarious Dictionary.......2001-07-22

Although not required for understanding New Zealanders, this dictionary is great for getting acquainted the local slang. It is written in a way that talks to you. I found some of the definitions to be very funny!!

A Personal Kiwi-Yankee Dictionary.......2000-04-11

By defining English words and phrases unique to New Zealand, author Leland effectively describes at least a bit about New Zealanders and New Zealand culture also--and his affection for them, and for language, comes across well. Provides a look at the country and people through examination of their use of language. Humorous, good-natured, informative, and very enjoyable, I was given this book by a friend and just wish it were longer and updated to include any recent additions.

Soon to be Kiwi Explorer.......2000-04-06

This is too much fun. To be able to learn a language for travelthat is only a slang slant to your own. Already the little guide hashelped to acclimate me to telephone and chat line conversation for the lands down under. The book is fun and informative and easy. To be informed makes the trip so much more fun for me from start to finish. And as usual I have found this guide nowhere else in the major local bookstores. But on line its here at my door to have read before I leave on my vacation. This book is quite entertaining just to read if you just want to be familiar with the culture of a very unique and friendly land. If I had not seen it for sale at Amazon . Com I would never have imagined such a special guide was available for purchase.

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