Frommer's New Zealand (Complete Guide)

Frommer’s books aren’t written by committee, or by travel writers who simply pop in briefly to a destination and then consider the job done. We use seasoned, locally-based journalists like Diana Balham and Kate Fraser. Both are born and bred Kiwis who have worked for the finest newspapers in New Zealand covering travel, culture, cuisine and more. They’ve checked out all of the country's best hotels and restaurants in person, and offer authoritative, candid reviews that will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget, whether you’re a backpacker or on a splashy honeymoon. Most importantly, they’re not shy about telling you what you should see…and what you can skip without regret.

This light, portable book includes a fold-out map, plus detailed maps throughout, with exact pricing, opening hours, and other important details that will make your trip smoother and less hectic. It features smartly conceived itineraries for travelers of all types, with fastidiously researched information on all of the outdoor adventures New Zealand offers. From bungee jumping to spectacular hiking, plus the most responsible outfitters to use for these activities, this book has it all, from budget to luxury and everything in between.

Diana Balham has worked as a writer and editor in New Zealand for more than 25 years and has had the good fortune of being able to include travel writing in the mix for a good proportion of that time. Born and raised in Wellington, she grew up in an intrepid family of nature-loving explorers so her passion for travel and the outdoors was more or less a foregone conclusion. Diana now lives on the spectacular west coast of Auckland with her ridiculously fearless hiking, rock-climbing, paragliding husband and their equally adventurous young son.

From her home in the South Island of NZ, Kate Fraser has pursued a career in words, initially as a copy director in advertising agencies, followed by the freelance years as a lifestyle journalist, followed in turn by a number of years as a section editor for The Press and restaurant reviewer for Cuisine magazine. Kate’s awards for her work include two Qantas awards, and Culinary Quills from the Foodwriters Guild. Her work has been published in newspapers and magazines and she is an occasional contributor to Radio New Zealand. She has travelled extensively and has visited (and eaten well) in well-known as well yet-to-be-discovered places. Kate resides in Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ.