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

If you love the outdoors, you'll love parachute cord! Strong, lightweight, and durable, it's the most versatile material ever developed for making outdoor gear and accessories. This book shows you how easy it is to use colorful paracord to create attractive and useful survival bracelets, lanyards, straps, and more. Paracord Outdoor Gear Projects takes you step by step through all the knots and wraps you need to know. Get practical advice on tools and materials, and learn the right way to melt and fuse the cut ends of your cord. Whether you're camping in the wilderness, working outside, or just walking the dog, you're sure to find the ideal DIY project here.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 48

Dimensions: 217 x 270 mm

Publication Date: 01-08-2014

With the help of expert casting instructors Symonds and Maher, you can now become a master of the flyrod. Whatever your present abilities, this book will leave you with the perfect casting skills for all situations.

Flycasting, that key pre-requisite to all successful trout and salmon fishing, can be a stumbling block for many anglers.

This clear, well-illustrated guidebook will show you, step-by-step, how to execute all the casts you will ever need: from basic Overhead cast to Double-handed Spey cast, and from the simple Roll cast to the flamboyant Snake cast, and many more.

Packed with useful tips on:

• which cast to use and when
• how to improve your casting techniques
• how to correct bad habits
• latest casts from around the world
• advice on best casting rods, reels and flylines

This book will transform your casting skills whether you are a complete beginner or an already experienced flyfisher.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 96

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 20-03-2013

Every boat, be it sail or power, wood or fiberglass, stored in the water or on dry land, needs regular maintenance to keep it sea-worthy. Proper maintenance can help save money by catching trouble before it starts.



The Essential Guide to Boating, Boat Maintenance will help new and experienced boat owners keep their boat in tip-top shape. From repairing scratched and worn hulls and decks, to fixing engines and tightening fittings, every inch of the boat is covered including the below deck quarters. Learning to care for this valuable possession is part of the thrill of owning one. Whether DIY-ing it, or hiring help, this book is a great guide to have on-board to ensure many years of boating enjoyment.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 159

Dimensions: 190 x 230 mm

Publication Date: 17-07-2013

When you’re finished explaining the offside rule, shouting at the ref and perfecting your ball skills, treat yourself to a hearty half-time chuckle with this premiere collection of footy wise-cracks. No matter if your team win, lose or draw, Football Wit will keep you smiling through all the own goals and red cards that come your way.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 110 x 176 mm

Publication Date: 02-09-2013

This pocket-sized miscellany, packed with fascinating facts, handy hints and captivatingstories and quotes from the world of running, is perfect for anyone who knows theincomparable joy and freedom of lacing up your trainers and hitting the road.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 116 x 182 mm

Publication Date: 02-09-2013

Climbing entered the world stage in the 1950s: this was the era that produced not only Sir Edmund Hillary but a strong body of world-class New Zealand climbers. In this important and dramatic book Brian Wilkins, who was part of the adventure, shares his experiences of climbing in the Southern Alps and the Himalayas.

During the New Zealand Alpine Club expedition to the Himalayas in 1954, the year after Everest, Wilkins was the climber most closely associated with Hillary. Hillary’s two narrow escapes from death during the expedition saw Wilkins in a unique position to gauge the character and actions of this legendary figure at a formative stage in the famous climber’s career.

Wilkins’ New Zealand climbing includes the first ascent of the northeast ridge of Mt Aspiring, a gripping drama of survival and human endurance and a test of the ethics of mountaineering.

In this account he also submits the writings of his contemporaries to robust critical attention, writing with warm gentle humour, honesty and insight.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 220

Dimensions: 150 x 230 x 12 mm

Publication Date: 20-12-2013

The day the pubs ran dry: 9 - 3



Llanelli Rugby Club defeated the All Blacks on 31st of October 1972. This legendary result has been called one of the top ten moments in rugby history, and possibly one of the greatest rugby upsets ever.

The story of the game is retold in this book and each one on the pitch for Llanelli that day recollects the achievement. There is a chapter also on maestro Carwyn James, the inimitable Ray Gravell, and Max Boyce tells of writing his famous song. This is a book to be treasured by all rugby supporters.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 171

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 30-01-2013

Nigel Owens is one of the best referees in world rugby. But before reaching the highest echelons of the game, he went through a personal crisis and 'came out' as gay - the first to do so in the macho world of professional rugby. His bravery earned him great respect from players, officials and supporters alike.

In this warm, funny and painfully honest autobiography, he speaks frankly about his struggle to accept himself for who he was, leading to attempted suicide, bulimia and steroid addiction. Owens also recounts many amusing incidents from rugby matches, foreign trips and his off-field career as an entertainer.

Bind: paperback

Pages: 221

Dimensions: 140 x 215 mm

Publication Date: 30-01-2013

This classic bestseller uses crystal-clear computer-generated drawings to show the reader exactly how to create an artificial fishing fly, step-by-step. Clearer than photos, more life-like than drawings, the graphic instructions show, by subtle emphasis and exaggeration, precisely what to do. Included are all the basic techniques for applying thread, feather and fur to the hook, building up to more sophisticated methods such as parachute hackling, using the dubbing loop and hairwinging.

Pages: 80

Dimensions: 189 x 246 mm

Publication Date: 23-09-1999