From snow to surf, the Waikato is New Zealand's longest river. This fascinating account takes a historical journey along its 425 kilometre length, uncovering extraordinary reports of the people, places and events along its route.
From snow to surf, the Waikato is New Zealand's longest river. This fascinating account takes a historical journey along its 425 kilometre length, uncovering extraordinary reports of the people, places and events along its route.
Starting from a desolate, icy volcanic plateau, historian Paul Moon traces the Waikato's path through dense native forest, undulating pastureland, dams, several towns, a city, and a swampy delta, until it exits into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato. Along the way he uncovers settlements that have disappeared, sites scarred by wars, some of the world's most convulsive geological events, great tragedies, and the remarkable stories that have taken place along the river.
The Waikato: A History of New Zealand's Greatest River is the perfect companion for anyone who has travelled the river, or who wants to delve deeper into its forgotten past.
Dr Paul Moon is Professor of History at the Faculty of Maori Development, Auckland University of Technology, and one of New Zealand's most respected historians and social commentators. Moon has appeared on numerous documentaries, current affairs and news programmes both in New Zealand and overseas. His 26 published books include Encounters: The Creation of New Zealand which was shortlisted for the international Ernest Scott Prize in History.
Introduction: The River
I Tongariro
II Taupo
III Huka Falls to Lake Atiamuri
IV Pohaturoa to Karapiro
V Cambridge to Hamilton
VI Horotiu to Huntly
VII From River to Sea
Editorial notes Endnotes Index
Acclaim for Paul Moon's Encounters: The Creation of New Zealand. A History.: "Make a place for this book on your shelf ... it needs to be there if you are interested in New Zealand" - Prof. Paul Cleave; "... a richly evocative study which should be read by all who value the distinctiveness of this country" - Judges: Ernest Scott Prize panel; "Consistently engaging and highly readable" - Landfall NZ