Based on Les Hill’s 63 years of fly fishing in New Zealand, HOOKED FOR LIFE is packed with interesting, amusing and informative anecdotes. The book resonates with the sheer joy of hunting and catching trout, while imparting a lifetime’s worth of invaluable lessons on how to go about it. The reader will not only benefit from the author’s years of experience with nymph and dry fly, but will enjoy soaking up the special atmosphere he evokes and relive vicariously the primal contest between angler and fish. Along the way they’ll learn to think like a trout and understand the nature of the world it lives in; get some tips on streamside photography; and come to appreciate the author’s view that it is often more satisfying to catch one special fish than a large number on a particular day, or that the trout that gets away can provide as much fun as several brought to a net. In the second part of the book, Dr Graham Macdonald’s thoughtful chapters on fishing and wellness give an insight into the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing, an unusual angle not often explored in fly fishing literature. From page one, HOOKED FOR LIFE is lavishly illustrated with over 120 superb large-format colour photographs that not only invite one into the book, but also reveal the beauty of our rivers, streams, lakes and countryside, and encourage the reader to head out to experience the wonderful world of fly fishing. The perfect gift for any angler. "A marvel of a book, illustrated with superb photography and written with quiet wisdom, story-telling art, information and love. A treasure trove gathered from more than 60 years of perfect pleasure." - Kevin Ireland, author of How To Catch A Fish ABOUT THE AUTHOR Les Hill is a retired school teacher. He lives on a two-acre block close to Hokitika with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. He enjoys life in the outdoors – trout fishing, whitebaiting, sea fishing and hunting. He always carries a camera. He is the author or co-author of seven previous, highly acclaimed books on trout fishing. Les was a regular contributor to Fish and Game magazine and has had numerous articles and photographs published in books and magazines both in NZ and abroad.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 210 x 256 mm

Publication Date: 01-11-2020

Upriver will appeal to everyone who loves New Zealand’s South Island/Te Waipounamu and wants to find out more about the formation of its diverse landscapes and the story of human settlement since the very first landings about eight centuries ago. It will also provide all the information needed by those wishing to retrace the author’s footsteps, either in the easily accessible regions of the west or east coasts, or in the more challenging mountainous regions of the South Island/Te Waipounamu. An absorbing blend of trip descriptions laced with background notes about the meaning and significance of places that were encountered, it tells the story of the author’s journeys to the principal sources of each of the 24 rivers that flow down to the sea from the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. Each of the 24 chapters in this book paints a full-length portrait of the water catchment areas of the 24 rivers that flow all the way down to the sea from the Main Divide of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, including its highest peaks and lowest Main Divide passes. Those portraits fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to form a comprehensive picture of this unique island. Safe backcountry trips require detailed knowledge of the terrain, situational awareness, teamwork, and contingency plans. The backcountry trips that are described in this book were spread over five decades, mainly in late summer-early autumn when weather conditions are usually more favourable. Only experienced, well-equipped parties should undertake them when they go further than river lowlands. "Every now and then a book comes along that is fresh and original, presenting a different perspective on a topic well traversed. Upriver is one of these. A wonderful book chock full of meticulously researched facts about the Southern Alps and the rivers draining from them, it brings out both Maori and Pakeha perspectives on the land… Full of fascinating details of old and new histories, with explanations of the names bestowed on the landscape, all held together by a matrix of the authors own journeys. I thoroughly enjoyed it". – Geoff Spearpoint

Bind: paperback

Pages: 384

Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm

Publication Date: 15-08-2020

This new edition of Pat Barrett's popular guide to walking excursions in the greater Canterbury region adds Lewis Pass National Reserve and Western Arthur's Pass National Park to the areas included in the first edition, and also covers additional areas of Te Kahui Kaupeka and Hakatere Conservation Parks that are now accessible to the public.

The book has a comprehensive introduction, with advice for planning your trip, and provides some background on landscape and climate, flora and fauna, and a brief history of the Canterbury foothills. Pat's personal accounts of some of his favourite walks and climbs will inspire even 'armchair trampers' to get out and enjoy the natural splendour of this magnificent region.

Canterbury Foothills & Forests includes walks and tramps suitable for a range of fitness levels; families with children and the moderately fit will enjoy the many short walks along well-marked tracks, and there are harder trips for those who aspire to the challenge of a climb and the views gained from the tops of some of the higher summits.

The walks and climbs are organised by region: Rangitata region, Ashburton Lakes and Rakaia Valley, Waimakariri Plains region, Waimakariri Basin and Arthur's Pass National Park, and the Lewis Pass region.

The handy-sized guide is illustrated with Pat's inspiring photographs and includes 17 new full-colour maps.

Useful features include:

Walk Times

Walk Grades (from Easy to Hard+)

Standard access information, including phone numbers for landowners where applicable

Details for the best route available

The particular natural attractions of a track/peak

Notes on the weather, terrain and equipment you should carry

Bind: paperback

Pages: 296

Dimensions: 148 x 210 mm

Publication Date: 20-11-2014

When we’re apart from the ones we love, how do we get our kisses to them? We blow them! The blown kisses in this charming book travel far. Tied to a rocket, attached to a pigeon, kicked like a rugby ball – and many other imaginative ways. Wayne Youle (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaeke, Ngāti Pākehā) is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists. His work is bright, playful and full of kindness. Wayne lived in isolation for 14 days during the COVID-19 lockdown. He created 14 ways to share blown kisses with his sons. This book is dedicated to everyone around the world in lockdown who can only blow their kisses. A book for children. And a delightful gift for anyone. Available in te reo Māori and English.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 125 x 166 mm

Publication Date: 01-11-2020

Providing rare insight into old spirituality, customs, and language, The Mãori Oracle includes a set of 58 oracle cards honoring the New Zealand Mãori tradition of seeking guidance and advice from our ancestors and loved ones who reside beyond the veil. It uses many of the teaching stories and portents that are still used by Mãori from tribes all over New Zealand. Although the symbols are Mãori, they are pathways for the language of spirit – a language that is universal. This beautiful oracle deck and guidebook offers anyone, from any culture, an opportunity to reconnect to one's own heritage and ancestors. It has been created to act as a pathway for messages from the other side, providing a sense of divine guidance from one's own family and a strengthening in the knowledge that we are not alone. Author: PA Minnell was born and raised in New Zealand and lives with her husband and daughter. Proud to be of New Zealand Maori and European descent, she is an avid supporter of the recovery and the revival of ethnic spirituality.

Bind: stationery

Pages: 80

Dimensions: 228 x 152 x 38 mm

Some families shouldn’t stick together. When unlimited wealth and power are incorporated into the mix too, no boundaries are safe from being crossed to get what you want. Dan Calder’s thrown in at the deep end to help Police make some sense of all the evidence about the terrorist bombing plot at Auckland International Airport, but the one thing he needs most of all is the one thing he doesn’t have… Time! When Calder challenges the authorities view, he’s summarily dumped altogether from the investigation. Aggrieved and hell bent on solving the outrageously audacious crime, he takes off to St Louis in search of a missing sister and preventing the family reunion to end all reunions. One insatiable desire passed down through four generations in America’s broken heart city, a mercenary entirely focused on the job, unbreakable family bonds and Dan Calder’s career covering up a domestic life in turmoil. Everything is on the line with multiple stories interwoven by time and blood… Bonded. Taking inspiration from arguably the most famous, rare and sought after postage stamps ever, Ian Austin has created a brand new crime thriller using the real life stories and histories of those few Plate 77 Penny Reds known to exist . From being lost in earthquakes to stolen from auction houses, the fabled Plate 77's are accepted as the 'Holy Grail' for philatelists across the globe. Using his vast police experience, including undercover and specialist surveillance stints. Austin's Dan Calder character has embedded himself into New Zealand's crime writing culture, with his previous books The Agency, The Second Grave and Frozen Summer. Bonded sees Calder become a truly international crime busting traveller for the first time. Taking his skills and his internal struggles across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States and thereby opening the potential for a whole new audience. Bonded is an edge of the seat thriller and Ian Austin's best yet.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 350

Dimensions: 153 x 254 mm

Publication Date: 19-11-2021

If you stand still for long enough, the past catches up with you… Leaving behind the fragments of her old life, Marcia Reed-Wilton crosses the world to return to her dilapidated childhood home and dig up the weeds of the past. Next door, Mrs Everglade struggles to maintain her independence in spite of her increasing frailty. Sixteen-year-old Lea escapes into her poetry to cope with depression until meeting Alex, a much more potent distraction. Meanwhile, Iris leaves her career on a whim to embark on an adventure of an entirely different kind, moving to a sleepy seaside town to write a book. On the other side of the world in opposite seasons, Zane, vocalist for a popular band is haunted by cryptic dreams that lead him home. A few twists of fate and a buried secret leave these individuals deeply and unexpectedly connected. The Seekers' Garden is a lush and captivating exploration of loss, growth and spirituality, revealing the way connections form in unlikely places.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 346

Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 16-08-2021

The balloon — now fully inflated — was restive and impatient, straining at the circle of men and boys holding it. Lillian’s scanty costume attracted even more admiring glances. All eyes stared at her in a blur of dread and desire as she positioned herself on the trapeze. ‘Ready … I mean right,’ she said with a catch in her voice. The professor gave the command and the men holding the balloon released their grip and stepped back. Testing her courage after her brother’s death, daredevil Lillian and her sister Ruby risk their lives for fame and fortune by parachuting from hot air smoke balloons throughout Australia and New Zealand. Feisty Lillian struggles to choose between love and her perilous career but in the competitive 1890s era of ballooning, is she brave enough to confront the truth about her past? Determined to take control of the balloon circuit and provide for her children, Lillian travels to New Zealand only to clash with charlatans, showmen, and disgruntled crowds when her exhibitions fall short of their expectations. A cascade of betrayals and reconciliations culminate in one last-ditch ascent from which there is no turning back.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 280

Dimensions: 152 x 229 mm

Publication Date: 28-06-2021

Take a journey with Jack as he is taught the twelve magic beans by the wise old man... He then offered Jack a trade: the cow for some magic beans. He explained that these magic beans would give Jack the knowledge and understanding he needed to become as rich as him. He said, “Boy, I can show you how to take this fine piece to the market and get back the business the large factory took from your family—and so much more. In fact, someday you will become so rich that you will never have to work again. Just like me, you can sit under this lovely old tree and enjoy the hum of the market making you money without even having to step a foot inside it.” “No capital, struggling with debt, lack of staff, time and sales— sound familiar? That was us. A radical change of thinking led to explosive growth and going global. We call it Magic Beans.” ~ Terrence Bull

Bind: paperback

Publication Date: 16-08-2021

Peter Bellis carved his name into lawn bowls legend with his famous "perfect bowl", the last chance come-from-behind toucher that won him the world singles title over local Scottich hero Willie Wood in Aberdeen. In Perfect Bowls Belliss expounds on the training, strategy and tactics that produced not only that incredible winning shot, but took him to further world titles in the pairs and triples. As resident professional at the Cabramatta club in Sydney, Australia, Belliss continues to reign as a giant in the world game. Still relatively young for a bowler, his best is perhaps yet to come. Revealing all the keys to Belliss's extraordinary success at the highest levels of the game, Perfect Bowls is a must for every bowler, regardless of age or ability.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 195

Dimensions: 180 x 245 mm