The culmination of twenty-five years traveling New Zealand - many years in a 7 metre bus/home/office full time 24/7-365 days a year in search of places to go, scenic vistas to see, activities to enjoy. I have over 10,000 photographs and many miles of memories. I have tried hard to present the country of New Zealand as you would see and enjoy it as if you had been with us on our journey.
Real information from a real traveler who actually has been there and done that over thousands of kilometres and many years...............
I have included where to go, some ideas of what to do and see plus information on entering and leaving the country and other important traveling tips.
A very comprehensive package of information on New Zealand so you will know just how to spend your time when here.
How many times have you arrived somewhere and found out the timing was off and you missed out on something of real importance.
Get all the information now and have the time to go through it before arriving in New Zealand.
No sense in searching hundreds of sites to try to piece it all together. I have done it for you right here in this book and most from my own experiences gathered with computer and camera in hand.
Why wait and lose time trying to find out what you want to do after getting here. Get it all now!
Be armed with the best information so all you need to do is enjoy the trip. This is the most comprehensive travel guide of New Zealand
put together after years of constant research. Not just another hurry through visitor that after a couple of weeks proclaims to be an expert with thorough knowledge of everything and writes a book.........
Real information from a real traveler who actually has been there and done that over thousands of kilometres and many years...............
I have included where to go, some ideas of what to do and see plus information on entering and leaving the country and other important traveling tips.
A very comprehensive package of information on New Zealand so you will know just how to spend your time when here.
How many times have you arrived somewhere and found out the timing was off and you missed out on something of real importance.
Get all the information now and have the time to go through it before arriving in New Zealand.
No sense in searching hundreds of sites to try to piece it all together. I have done it for you right here in this book and most from my own experiences gathered with computer and camera in hand.
Why wait and lose time trying to find out what you want to do after getting here. Get it all now!
Be armed with the best information so all you need to do is enjoy the trip. This is the most comprehensive travel guide of New Zealand
put together after years of constant research. Not just another hurry through visitor that after a couple of weeks proclaims to be an expert with thorough knowledge of everything and writes a book.........
- Arrival and departure information and how to handle the air flights, etc.
- Road rules and regulations and what to expect
-
Recommended top accommodations - b&b's, hotels, motels, farm stays
- Top cafes, restaurants and wineries.
- List of top galleries, museums, events ad festivals.
- Department of Conservation campsites and holiday parks.
- Information websites covering everything in New Zealand to experience.
- The complete road trip around New Zealand compiled from years of constant travel
-
and much, much more.........................
Ron Laughlin - New Zealand Travel Guide
The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide New Zealand - Been There & Done That
a handbook in black and white 8 1/2x11 in full colour -
revised - 2017 with over 300 photographs
a handbook in black and white 8 1/2x11 in full colour -
revised - 2017 with over 300 photographs
Book reviews from customers:
By George Lister:
"I am researching information about going to New Zealand with my family and doing a self-drive camper van trip. Of all the information I have looked at this book is definitely way above all other information I have seen. I like the idea of someone who actually has spent years travelling New Zealand providing good solid inside information. It is so much more comprehensive than by someone just passing through. This book will be on the seat beside me when we get there............. "
By James Fogarty:
"This book is what every traveller dreams of! To be able to get in one book all the necessary information you need to really enjoy and understand the place you wish to visit. The fact it is written by someone who actually spent years travelling New Zealand constantly gathering photos and information for travellers is the real key. I am tired of reading blogs by amateurs who make one pass through a place and think they know it all. I like to know what is down that side road and the next street over and this book provides it. Fantastic job. I am sure it will be dog-eared by the time I get back from my visit to New Zealand. Thank you Ron."
By Roy Friends:
"I was told to find this book and I am very glad I did. It is tops of all travel information on New Zealand I have ever seen. Can't wait to go there and get to experience all it has to offer."
By Janice Warren:
"WOW! Is all I need say!!! I have spent lots of time trying to make sure I had all the information I needed for our family's once-in-a-lifetime visit to New Zealand. When I found Ron’s website and bought his book I had all I needed."
Plus hundreds more have made positive statements and enjoyed New Zealand because of these books.......
By George Lister:
"I am researching information about going to New Zealand with my family and doing a self-drive camper van trip. Of all the information I have looked at this book is definitely way above all other information I have seen. I like the idea of someone who actually has spent years travelling New Zealand providing good solid inside information. It is so much more comprehensive than by someone just passing through. This book will be on the seat beside me when we get there............. "
By James Fogarty:
"This book is what every traveller dreams of! To be able to get in one book all the necessary information you need to really enjoy and understand the place you wish to visit. The fact it is written by someone who actually spent years travelling New Zealand constantly gathering photos and information for travellers is the real key. I am tired of reading blogs by amateurs who make one pass through a place and think they know it all. I like to know what is down that side road and the next street over and this book provides it. Fantastic job. I am sure it will be dog-eared by the time I get back from my visit to New Zealand. Thank you Ron."
By Roy Friends:
"I was told to find this book and I am very glad I did. It is tops of all travel information on New Zealand I have ever seen. Can't wait to go there and get to experience all it has to offer."
By Janice Warren:
"WOW! Is all I need say!!! I have spent lots of time trying to make sure I had all the information I needed for our family's once-in-a-lifetime visit to New Zealand. When I found Ron’s website and bought his book I had all I needed."
Plus hundreds more have made positive statements and enjoyed New Zealand because of these books.......
and what are they saying on Trip Advisor: “ the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide ”
Feb 21, 2017, 3:45 PM
"I just got this book from Amazon and am absolutely delighted.
Our family is taking a New Zealand vacation for 4 weeks and renting a camper van.
This book was written by a travel writer who has spent twenty years traveling New Zealand with over five years on the road full-time.
If you want to know about all the back roads and places to see and what to do this is the one.
Not one of those 30 day wonder books this is the real thing."
Elaine F - Detroit
=======================================================================================
Feb 21, 2017, 8:01 PM
Elaine,
You will love this book and the pages will be well dog eared by the end of your trip! Keep it close at hand & it will be like your own personal guided tour to the wondrous secrets that New Zealand holds. The author is a well seasoned traveler & knows what it is to find the heart of such a unique and rich country.
Have the best trip ever!
Patti
======================================================================================
Feb 21, 2017, 9:00 PM
In the course of planning my trip to NZ (leaving next week) I happened upon this same author's book "New Zealand - Been There, Done That" (which I think is the same book as the one mentioned above, but with colour pictures) I have found it an excellent resource to help me decide what to do and where to go. It's very easy to read and well set out and focuses on what, in the author's opinion, are the best places to go, points of interest,
roads to take etc. I also contacted the author directly and asked numerous questions and sought advice and he was very helpful and prompt in replying. Anyone who, like me, finds the thought of wading through one of the *huge* travel books in the book stores rather daunting, and just wants to cut to the chase...this book does just that. I love it
Jan
Australia
=======================================================================================
Feb 22, 2017, 3:08 PM
I met the author on TA over 5 years ago. He helped me plan the trip of a lifetime. I was so glad to see he finally put all his experiences in print. He is tyhe real deal and will take you places off the beaten track. Anyone wanting a truly unique New Zealand adventure should buy this book.
Jim
Kansas City
=======================================================================================
Feb 23, 2017, 12:50 PM
I haven't seen this book but we just got home from a 5 week NZ adventure and the author of this book was absolutely amazing in the help he provided for us on our trip. We told him where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see what we wanted to spend and he took over from there. He made all the accommodation reservations for us and the trip went without a hitch! He even booked the car and ferry crossings for us and did this all -- without us paying him a cent! If you are planning a trip and need help, do not hesitate to contact the author of the book!!!
Kuddos to him!
BMWLarry
Oregon
=======================================================================================
Feb 23, 2017, 5:10 PM
My family and I are currently in NZ and using this book. We found the author, Ron Laughlin, mentioned numerous times on TA. We have the book and it's great. We also have Fodor's and it pales in comparison to Ron's book which has much more detail. In addition, Ron booked a camper for us at a better rate than we were able to obtain on our own. He receives a commission from the camper company. He also provided us with a customized itinerary for our four week trip in New Zealand. The price he got us on the camper was better than we were able to get on our own.
We filled out a detailed form that sussed out our desires for the trip and from this he crafted a terrific itinerary that we have been following for three weeks now. When we passed through Picton where Ron and his wife Paula live, we had a nice dinner with them and they are terrific people.
Also, regarding campers, we booked a KEA brand camper which is certainly not the least expensive but it has been great. The service is terrific (we had questions the first week and when we called at any hour we talked to real people who answered the phone right away), and the van is almost brand new. Kea seems to be at the top of the food chain in the world of camper rentals along with Maui. The top companies end up selling their used vehicles to the other companies who are able to rent them out for less. So, you have to decide what 's more important, service and newness of the vehicle or price. I'm sure the less expensive vehicles are fine, just not as clean and new! We have a six berth (Ford Transit 6speed Diesel) Kea and it's been very good fur us (albeit, cozy).
If you are thinking about a camper trip in NZ, talk to Ron, have him book you a camper and provide you with a custom itinerary.
Good luck and enjoy NZ.
David Goldman
Michigan
==================================================================================================
Mar 03, 2017, 6:00 PM
Our family just returned from a three week vacation in New Zealand. We had bought the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide before going and found it the best guide we ever used and we travel a lot.
If you are going to self-drive this book doesn't miss a thing from the activities, the walks, the accommodations and the scenic places and if you are not real familiar with traveling on long plane rides there is a lot of info there.
It also covers general information and history on New Zealand and the difference in the language.
Highly recommended.................we gave it a 10 out of 10......
John R
Columbus
Feb 21, 2017, 3:45 PM
"I just got this book from Amazon and am absolutely delighted.
Our family is taking a New Zealand vacation for 4 weeks and renting a camper van.
This book was written by a travel writer who has spent twenty years traveling New Zealand with over five years on the road full-time.
If you want to know about all the back roads and places to see and what to do this is the one.
Not one of those 30 day wonder books this is the real thing."
Elaine F - Detroit
=======================================================================================
Feb 21, 2017, 8:01 PM
Elaine,
You will love this book and the pages will be well dog eared by the end of your trip! Keep it close at hand & it will be like your own personal guided tour to the wondrous secrets that New Zealand holds. The author is a well seasoned traveler & knows what it is to find the heart of such a unique and rich country.
Have the best trip ever!
Patti
======================================================================================
Feb 21, 2017, 9:00 PM
In the course of planning my trip to NZ (leaving next week) I happened upon this same author's book "New Zealand - Been There, Done That" (which I think is the same book as the one mentioned above, but with colour pictures) I have found it an excellent resource to help me decide what to do and where to go. It's very easy to read and well set out and focuses on what, in the author's opinion, are the best places to go, points of interest,
roads to take etc. I also contacted the author directly and asked numerous questions and sought advice and he was very helpful and prompt in replying. Anyone who, like me, finds the thought of wading through one of the *huge* travel books in the book stores rather daunting, and just wants to cut to the chase...this book does just that. I love it
Jan
Australia
=======================================================================================
Feb 22, 2017, 3:08 PM
I met the author on TA over 5 years ago. He helped me plan the trip of a lifetime. I was so glad to see he finally put all his experiences in print. He is tyhe real deal and will take you places off the beaten track. Anyone wanting a truly unique New Zealand adventure should buy this book.
Jim
Kansas City
=======================================================================================
Feb 23, 2017, 12:50 PM
I haven't seen this book but we just got home from a 5 week NZ adventure and the author of this book was absolutely amazing in the help he provided for us on our trip. We told him where we wanted to go, what we wanted to see what we wanted to spend and he took over from there. He made all the accommodation reservations for us and the trip went without a hitch! He even booked the car and ferry crossings for us and did this all -- without us paying him a cent! If you are planning a trip and need help, do not hesitate to contact the author of the book!!!
Kuddos to him!
BMWLarry
Oregon
=======================================================================================
Feb 23, 2017, 5:10 PM
My family and I are currently in NZ and using this book. We found the author, Ron Laughlin, mentioned numerous times on TA. We have the book and it's great. We also have Fodor's and it pales in comparison to Ron's book which has much more detail. In addition, Ron booked a camper for us at a better rate than we were able to obtain on our own. He receives a commission from the camper company. He also provided us with a customized itinerary for our four week trip in New Zealand. The price he got us on the camper was better than we were able to get on our own.
We filled out a detailed form that sussed out our desires for the trip and from this he crafted a terrific itinerary that we have been following for three weeks now. When we passed through Picton where Ron and his wife Paula live, we had a nice dinner with them and they are terrific people.
Also, regarding campers, we booked a KEA brand camper which is certainly not the least expensive but it has been great. The service is terrific (we had questions the first week and when we called at any hour we talked to real people who answered the phone right away), and the van is almost brand new. Kea seems to be at the top of the food chain in the world of camper rentals along with Maui. The top companies end up selling their used vehicles to the other companies who are able to rent them out for less. So, you have to decide what 's more important, service and newness of the vehicle or price. I'm sure the less expensive vehicles are fine, just not as clean and new! We have a six berth (Ford Transit 6speed Diesel) Kea and it's been very good fur us (albeit, cozy).
If you are thinking about a camper trip in NZ, talk to Ron, have him book you a camper and provide you with a custom itinerary.
Good luck and enjoy NZ.
David Goldman
Michigan
==================================================================================================
Mar 03, 2017, 6:00 PM
Our family just returned from a three week vacation in New Zealand. We had bought the Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide before going and found it the best guide we ever used and we travel a lot.
If you are going to self-drive this book doesn't miss a thing from the activities, the walks, the accommodations and the scenic places and if you are not real familiar with traveling on long plane rides there is a lot of info there.
It also covers general information and history on New Zealand and the difference in the language.
Highly recommended.................we gave it a 10 out of 10......
John R
Columbus
A Visitor's Guide to
Driving in New Zealand 2014
latest revision 2017
Driving in New Zealand 2014
latest revision 2017
Coming over for a New Zealand adventure in 2017/18 be sure to get in touch for my personal help. it is free.