Don't Leave Home Without It
The definitive book on New Zealand travel-bar none. More than just a travel book, the Rough Guide also includes a somewhat balanced thumbnail sketch of the people and local issues. You end up with a Cliff Notes cultural 'feel' that I found very useful especially when reading their newspapers or speaking with the people. While the Rough Guide is based in backpacking and hostels and I am more of the room service in the hotel type, I wouldn't go to NZ without this book under my arm. The authors seem to know virtually every square meter of the country..what it is, what's it's history, and is it worth seeing. If there's a junction with 2 cottages and a petrol stop, they've been there and know where to stay and eat. There is a newer version of this book coming out in Oct. 2008. However,I used this edition on a North Island trip in late Sept. 2008 and can vouch for the continued accuracy of this version.In New Zealand hotels and restaurants change a little but the beauty of the country never changes. I've been to New Zealand many times,it's unthinkable not to have this book (and Jason's maps) with me. So, backpack or room service, don't leave home without it.

Great book
This book was awesome. I am going to NZ on my own, and this book provided all the information I would ever need to know about locations to visit, the people, and lodging. Great value.

size of print


I had Rough Guides recommended to me but I am disappointed in the size of the print, I would have rather the book been larger that having to strain my eyesight to read. I'm sure the book is very informative & we will ready ourselves hopefully for a trip to NZ in late 2008.

Invaluable Accurate Information
I planned our entire trip using a good road map and the 4th addition of the Rough Guide. Everything regarding the locations we visited was amazingly accurate. There are good maps of all the cities as well as the areas of interest. I did not find particularly useful the recommendations for accommodations, which featured either places for backpackers or those at the higher end, with not much in between. I also did not agree with some of the restaurant recommendations. Nevertheless if you are looking for a great guide book for everything else, this one is a winner.

An excellent resource
After trying another guidebook, we purchased The Rough Guide shortly before we left for New Zealand. It was an invaluable companion during our travels. The reviews were spot-on, leading us to a number of excellent restaurants and good campgrounds. We even appreciated knowing that a restaurant was "somewhat overpriced but adequate" before we went in--and that description was completely accurate.

The Rough Guide covers a range of restaurants and accommodations, which is useful. Even budget travelers sometimes like to splurge (and know that the splurge is worth the money). Their evaluation of activities was also accurate.

This guide is well worth the price--and worth it's weight when traveling.