Along the way he uncovers stories from the various locations: there are episodes of battles, forgotten villages, tourism ventures, sports events, fishing, farming, damming, and just about everything associated with the river.
The book is the story of the river, the Waikato is the main character, and the connections it has with the people and places along its 425km route.
It is a story full of surprises, tragedy and adventure.
Countless hours were also spent researching the more than 170 images in the book. What emerges is an intimate portrayal of a remarkable stretch of water, that has provided for communities and facilitated wars.
The 'everyday' nature of life along the river at different periods of its history is also given prominence, making this history very much a living experience for its readers.
The Waikato: A History of New Zealand's Greatest River is available at Browsers in Victoria Street, Hamilton, and will also be available on the night.