I am sure I was able to see much more of the real New Zealand in these 10 days than I could have independently. Dave, UK

All who wander are not lost. J.R.R. Tolkien

Very good value, fantastic guide, would recommend to anyone. Will never forget the things I've seen and done. Clare, UK

Outdoor tip

Can't sleep without a pillow? Pack your sleeping bag stuff sack with soft items (clothes are ideal) to make a comfortable pillow. Try folding the clothes rather than just stuffing them in to avoid annoying ridges. If you don't like the feel of the stuff sack against your face then try wrapping it in a clean fleece.

Best Films and International Books Chosen by

Previous Clients

After doing one of our trips, we ask people to name a book that inspires them and a film that was truly great. Here are our results, which we update every couple of years. Choices may reflect the epic nature of our trips (Lord of the Rings, Touching the Void) or it could just be a coincidence!

View graphs of the top films and most inspiring books.

Why did we do this?

Back when we started running safaris, in 1995, Malcolm’s mum lamented that she had spent too many years working with little or no time to read. She had just retired and asked Malcolm to recommend good books as she made up for her lost literary years. He knew some, but he knew a better way to find more. He asked his clients.

We can now share this amazing list of great films and inspiring books with you. Malcolm’s mum is happy and, like her, you too will never be short of a film to watch or a book to read. But, be warned, it will take a lifetime to get through these.

Films and Books From New Zealand - Your

Homework!

What New Zealand films are out there?

New Zealand has featured in several big budget movie productions. Perhaps the most famous of these is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was filmed entirely in New Zealand. Our Volcanoes and Rainforest trip passes through many of the areas that doubled as Middle Earth during the production of the three films. The following films/series were also filmed in New Zealand.

Worth seeing (most recent releases first)
* see first
• Land of the Long White Cloud *
• Kaikohe Demolition
• Eagle vs Shark
• No. 2 *
• Black Sheep
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
• Sione’s Wedding *
• The World’s Fastest Indian *
• Woodenhead
• River Queen
• King Kong
• In My Father’s Den
• Whale Rider *
• Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King *
• Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers *
• Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring *
• Rain
• Via Satellite
• The Piano *
• Savage Honeymoon
• Stickmen
• Brain Dead and Meet the Feebles (early Peter Jackson, only view if you like low-budget splatter films)
• The Price of Milk
• Snakeskin
• Topless Women Talk About Their Lives
• Once Were Warriors *
• Utu
• An Angel at My Table
• The Frighteners *
• Heavenly Creatures *
• Scarfies (a great bogan tale)
• Ruby and Rata
• Vigil
• The End of the Golden Weather
• The Navigator
• The Quiet Earth
• Footrot Flats
• Smash Palace
• Ngati
• Goodbye Pork Pie
• Walking with Dinosaurs (TV series)
• The Castle – an Aussie movie but has to be mentioned because it’s fabulous *

Worth avoiding
• Kombi Nation
• Vertical Limit and The Last Samurai (both Hollywood films with great New Zealand scenery and appalling stories!)
For an extensive list of recommended films compiled from our past clients see top films.

What New Zealand books are out there?

The following list will introduce you to some of New Zealand’s best authors and their favourite books.

• Mister Pip, Lloyd Jones
• Owls Do Cry, Janet Frame
• An Angel at my Table, Janet Frame
• The Garden Party, Katherine Mansfield
• Plumb, Maurice Gee
• Blindsight, Maurice Gee
• The Bone People, Keri Hulme
• Tu, Patricia Grace
• Potiki, Patricia Grace
• That Summer, Frank Sargeson
• Penguin History of New Zealand, Michael King
• Te Puea, Michael King
• Once Were Warriors, Alan Duff
• Sing to Me, Dreamer, Shonagh Koea
• Pounamu, Pounamu, Witi Ihimaera
• Tangi, Witi Ihimaera
• The Book of Fame, Lloyd Jones
• Harlequin Rex, Owen Marshall
• The Life of Captain Cook, James Beaglehole
• The Haunting, Margaret Mahy
For an extensive list of recommended books compiled from our clients see most inspiring books.