New Zealand is an enchanted land of diverse unspoiled scenic beauty. However, it is the country's waterfalls that excite and dazzle eco-tourists from around the world as well as nature-loving Kiwis (how New Zealanders refer to themselves; a nickname derived from the nation's native bird). So it is here that writer Johnny Cheng decided to focus his first of a series of waterfall-themed regional travel books, A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls (Story Nature Press, ISBN 978-0-9769551-9-1, 288 pp., softcover).
"No two of the waterfalls in this book are the same," he notes. "Each one has its own personality. For instance, New Zealand's most visited natural attraction, Huka Falls, is only 30 feet (9 meters) tall, but it's known for its dazzling turquoise color and awesome power. Sutherland Falls, arguably the country's most spectacular falls, is tall and majestic. Other waterfalls offer distinctive scenic backdrops that include such natural phenomena as volcanoes, or thermal water pools, or a glacier. Some, like Shine Falls, are so far off the beaten track that you might find yourself hiking amidst a herd of sheep, like my wife and I did!"
New Zealand abounds with these misty curtains as they are fueled by its wet climate, especially in spring and early summer (September through December). Over one hundred of the country's falls are covered in Cheng's guide, with driving directions, a description of the waterfall walk, a rating of the excursion, and full-color photos. The photos, many of which were taken by the author, are one of the strengths of his book. First, they're strikingly beautiful. And unlike with line drawings often used in travel guides, readers will actually get to see the sight they'll experience before they decide to go there.
According to the author, visiting New Zealand's waterfalls has a practical benefit. Given the various locations of these waterfalls, readers will have an excuse to see parts of the country that are often overlooked by most tourists and tours. This means a quieter and more relaxing travel experience as well as a chance to really get to know the country and its people and to discover new places.
And you couldn't pick a better guide when it comes to waterfalls. Cheng admits to be "addicted" to visits to these natural water features – at sites around the world. "Since 2001, I have visited hundreds of waterfalls in such places as Norway, the South Pacific, Australia, and the United States, in addition to New Zealand. It's become a theme to the way I travel today, but really it's an excuse to go out to see nature." The author has already drafted two additional works, and more waterfall guides – both international and domestic – are in the planning stages.
The publisher of A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls and the planned guides is Story Nature Press, a company Cheng established in Artesia, California. A goal of his firm is to motivate readers to see more of the world and its natural beauty. "My hope is that people become awe struck and impacted by what they see. That way they will care more about taking care of the environment. So on a grander scale, my wish is that my books can do some good, in addition to enriching the traveling experience of people."
So if you like the thought of traveling to New Zealand, pick up a copy of A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Cheng designed it to be the perfect trip-planning tool, and with its many photos and detailed depictions of the excursions, the book can be enjoyed by arm chair "travelers" as well. The Guide is available in better bookstores in New Zealand or direct from Story Nature Press.
