Kiwi Tracks: New Zealand Journey

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Andrew Stevenson

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Pages: 224 (Paperback)

ISBN: 1741046793

Pub: Lonely Planet Publications

Pub date: 1999-10-01

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 19215

Editorial Review:

Lonely Planet has a reputation for publishing knowlegeable, quirky and enthralling travel literature, looking at familiar destinations in a new light. Their approach is different from more mainstream publications, focusing on the very essence and experience of travelling as much as the countries themselves.
New Zealand is the stated subject of Andrew Stevenson's Kiwi Tracks but his inner emotions, life history and candid backpacking experiences interweave to form an engaging subtext. Stevenson spent four months on the road, two months on South Island and two on North Island. He bypassed the urban centres as often as he could to walk through the National Parks, Fiordland and stroll along Ninety Mile Beach. In search of the spirit of the places, he talks to fellow travellers and locals, immersing himself in the "generosity and hospitality of Kiwis".

Stevenson's beautiful, prosaic style expertly captures the country's sense of space and isolation, from the ancient forests of Gondwanaland to the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. He peppers his book with personal, sometimes painful experiences and in his quest to discover the true beauty of New Zealand's varied landscape, Maori heritage and culture, he reaches a truer understanding of himself and his need to travel. -- Anna Hornsey

Reader Reviews:

Kiwi Tracks (0/0 people found this helpful)

A number of people have reviewed this book, commenting on the fact that it was more about the author's inner feelings than the actual country. Anyone going to another country must be affected by their travels, otherwise what is the point of going. I found this book very moving and interesting and am looking forward to seeing the places mentioned as soon as finances permit, and hopefully meeting as many assorted "oddbods" along the way as possible.

classic literature (4/5 people found this helpful)

This is a multi-dimensional book, providing brilliant descriptions of New Zealand's nature, poignant anecdotes, true-to-life portrayals of Kiwis and other visitors alike, poetic encounters with Maoris, and pertinent observations on conservation. I thought the occasional reference to a previous relationship only added to the multi-dimensional aspect of the book, giving a sense of flesh and blood to the author who is honest and forthright with his feelings and thoughts. There's no doubt someone like Bill Bryson is a master at whatever he writes about, but he also leaves a huge question mark about himself. Stevenson portrays himself, warts and all, and I found the candid revelations and self-deprecating humour added to the readability and fluid style of the travelogue. I've read his other books and it's perhaps no surprise that he's now married to a Kiwi. I am a foreigner who has recently settled in New Zealand, and Stevenson's insights into the country and people are spot on. It's too easy to be naive about a country before you move there and his astute observations give a balanced point of view. That being said, the changes that have taken place in New Zealand since the book was first published in 1999 (and presumably his trip was some years earlier), are dramatic but they do give an accurate representation of a country in the process of change. The only downside is, New Zealand used to be the world's best kept secret. With books like Kiwi Tracks proliferating, it's not such a big secret any more.

Distractingly self-centered (6/6 people found this helpful)

The author falls into the trap of believing we are more interested in his personal thoughts rather than the majesty of his surroundings in this account of a young mans travels through New Zealand. While there are beautiful descriptions of the nature and geography, all too often the writer spends his time recounting his own navel-gazing and angst; rather like an antipodean episode of Dawson's Creek. This is incrediblely frustrating, as when he writes about the people and the environment he is in, there is some genuine brilliance.

When a travel writer like Bill Bryson discusses his feelings and opinions, he does it with a lightness of touch that is completely missing here. I should have guessed from the triteness of the final sentence of the jacket description: "He also reveals that however much or little you may have in your rucksack, the heaviest baggage is what you carry inside."

Do visit New Zealand, it is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the world, especially the tracks described in this book. But don't waste your time reading this sophomoric "What I did on my holidays" account.

Kiwi Tracks - Andrew Stevenson (3/4 people found this helpful)

Kiwi Tracks By Andrew Stevenson, Lonley Planet Journeys.
Kiwi Tracks was a book that I could simpply not put down, im afraid I am a person who verry rearly ever finishes reading a book, but I sure finished this book. Im a Kiwi who has walked many NZ tracks including some of the ones Andrew describes in this book, and Kiwi Tracks describes exactly what New Zealand as all about. I will purchase more of Andrews books to read in the future.
Thanks for takeing time to read my Review.

Refreshing Kiwi (5/6 people found this helpful)

I loved this book and could not put it down. It was very refreshing to read. The author Andrew showed depth and much understanding to all the locals and various travellers he met along the way. It was amusing and interesting. I learnt a lot about NewZealand and its culture.
Highly reccommended

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