Travel book: Classic Walks of New Zealand

3:00 AM Tuesday Jun 15, 2010

Classic Walks of New Zealand, by Craig Potton. Photo / Supplied

There's an increasing number of books on the market about our wonderful tracks but it would be pretty hard to beat this effort with its wonderful photography (mostly by Craig Potton) and the excellent Bird's Eye Maps.

It covers nine walks - arguably the finest nine, though there's room for debate on that - from the circuits around Lake Waikaremoana and Stewart Island, to the Kepler and Heaphy Tracks.

The book does contain all the practical information you'd need to walk the tracks but really it's more a source of inspiration - or a good alternative for those unable to do the walking - than a guide book.

* Classic Walks of New Zealand, by Craig Potton (Craig Potton Publishing, $39.99)

50nine (Kaikoura) | 01:51PM Wednesday, 30 Jun 2010

Coming from the centre of Europe, I cannot believe the high amount of fencing. In Europe often on large farming properties walkers/ bikers have free access don't do any damage, but care about farmer's properties. A good working relationship between farmers and walkers/ bikers.

Gavin (New Zealand) | 04:11PM Sunday, 13 Mar 2011

Yes, in Europe that is very much the case. I worked on a farm in England, and we had to maitain the bridal path through the middle of our crop so that people and Horses had free access.

Unfortunately that is not the case here, with property being deliberately vandalized, such as fences being cut within 20m of a style so they don't have to climb over the fence.

Many people have been subjected to a five finger discount or had stock go missing. Many have had gates left open, as people prefer to open gates rather than use the styles provided.

Then there is the issue of health and safety with farmers liable for anyone on their property, whether the farmer knows they have entered the property or not.\
Being a fourth generation farmer myself,I know many people are quite happy to allow evin encourage people to cross their land as long as they don't do damage or leave their rubbish, particulary plastic which pose a threat to stock, if eaten they can cut or block the digestive track resulting slow painful death if the animal is not shot.