New Zealand: Lonely Planet    by Carolyn Bain, George Dunford & Korina Miller Order:  USA  Can Lonely Planet, 2006 (2006) Paperback Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Having hitchhiked around New Zealand in 1979, and now planning to take a slightly more upscale trip there again in 2009, I was intrigued to see what my usual source of travel guides, Lonely Planet, advises on places to see, to stay, and to eat - and especially welcome its suggested itineraries and not-to-be-missed highlights. The inside front cover includes a handy Quick Reference on how to use the book, information on exchange rates and price ranges, conversions, business hours and telephone area codes. A map highlights attractions, followed by summaries - accompanied by enticing photographs - of National Parks, Islands & Beaches, City & Cultural Life, and Food & Drink. Itineraries are suggested, from Top to Bottom to a more specialized Fine Wines tour. I was delighted to see a writeup on Captain James Cook by Tony Horwitz (author of Blue Latitudes) in the History section, as well as one on Middle-earth Tourism under Cinema, and an informative introduction to Maori Culture by Errol Hunt. An excellent overview of New Zealand Outdoors includes great places for tramping (hiking), something I very much enjoyed when last there. Major sections of the guidebook provide coverage (by region) that includes: Highlights and Top Activities; Tours and Festivals; child-friendly resources; Accommodation, Restaurants and Shopping; and different ways of Getting Around. General information at the back of the guidebook includes Maori geographical terms - to help the traveler make sense of Maori place names - and greetings. I remember New Zealand as a friendly and very scenic country that offers a remarkable variety of experience in a relatively small amount of territory, a traveler's Eden. This Lonely Planet: New Zealand guide portrays it well, and is an invaluable resource for either a first-time or returning visitor. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Travel books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews