Written by a New Zealand resident, and full of personal insights and opinions, this guide takes you to one of the world’s most exciting ecotourism destinations! It’s much more complete and in-depth than its major competition. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking along the Marlborough Sound, trout fishing in Lake Rotorua, driving the Milford Road, or feasting on sumptuous green-lipped mussels or succulent lamb, this detailed guide will help you plan the trip of a lifetime. You’ll also find the latest on nightlife in Auckland and Wellington and the best places to lay your head after an adventure-filled day.
A very good guide. Covers all the major points of interest and some of the less well known ones. My wife and I used it extensively on our six week trip to New Zealand.
My only objection is that it focuses too heavily on the very expensive accommodations, with only a few of the middle market properties reviewed. If you are going for 10 days and staying in first class places, then this is the guide for you. If you are going for a longer period of time, then this is one of several that you are going to need.
Unfortunately this edition is a bit outdated, I think my husband got older one. But it was a good read in addition to doing other planning using trip advisor, etc... Wish there were more middle priced places to stay including b&bs and also restaurants. Overall ok.
Frommer's is not as thorough but I like using their books in tandem with Lonely Planet. I especially like their hotel & restaurant recommendations. They update annually.
This is the best of the guide books I've read on New Zealand. It's a more personal review and has good info about the country's culture and places to see.