Underwater Wonders of New Zealand

Forest and Bird, Issue 296, 1 May 2000, Page 44

Underwater Wonders of New Zealand

by Gillian and Darryl Torckler, 112pp hardback, New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd, Auckland 1999, RRP$49.95. Large format, lush colour throughout, great photography. This matches its description as a ‘privileged glimpse into the natural beauty and drama of New Zealand’s marine environment. Darryl Torckler has been photographing underwater since 1973, winning more than 100 major international awards. Gillian Whalley Torckler is a university scientist, and chairperson of the Oceans Society of New Zealand. This is not a comprehensive text; rather an evocative and selective introduction to the underwater world through striking images and minimal text. Basically, it’s a picture album accumulated through diving in New Zealand’s best places, from Kaikoura and Goat Island, to famous offshore sites such as the Three Kings, Stewart Island and the Rainbow Warrior. There is a more detailed record of nature at five dive sites off the Poor Knights and three in Fiordland. This is not a guide to diving sites, however; it is more a wonderful souvenir. Buy it for the brilliant pictures. Moir’s Guide North edited by Geoff Spearpoint, 240pp limp, New Zealand Alpine Club, PO Box 786, Christchurch 1998, RRP$29.95. A classic returns; this is the sixth (and completely revised) edition of the guide to tramping routes in the Southern Alps between Lakes Wakatipu and Ohau. Anyone who heads into this wild region without it, is asking for trouble.