Travels in New Zealand
With Contributions to the Geography, Geology, Botany, and Natural History of that Country

A naturalist's two-volume 1843 account of his journeys through New Zealand's North Island, covering the flora, fauna and native islanders.

Ernst Dieffenbach (Author)

9781108062176, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 September 2013

448 pages, 4 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.57 kg

As a surgeon and naturalist for the New Zealand Company, Ernst Dieffenbach (1811–55) travelled widely in the North Island between 1839 and 1841. He was the first European to successfully scale Mount Egmont (or Taranaki), and he also visited the natural wonders of the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana, which were later destroyed in a volcanic eruption. First published in 1843, this two-volume work describes the landscapes, flora and fauna in a highly readable style. In Volume 1, Dieffenbach recounts his sea journeys through Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound, along with his excursions deep into the North Island. There is also a thorough account of his ambitious climb to the snowy summit of Mount Egmont. His passages relating to the people he encountered also give an insight into the lives of the native islanders. This volume includes illustrations of Lake Taupo, Mount Egmont and Mount Ruapehu.

Preface
Part I. Cook's Straits: 1. General remarks
2. Cook's Straits
3. Port Nicholson
4. Kapiti
5. Return to Queen Charlotte's Sound
6. Northern shore of Cook's straits
7. Taranaki
8. District from Taranaki to Mokau
9. The climate
10. General considerations on Cook's Straits
11. The natives inhabiting the shores of Cook's straits
Part II. Northern Island - Northern Districts: 12. Reinga
13. Harbour of Houhoura
14. Harbour of Mango-nui
15. Harbour of Wangaroa
16. Wangape and Hokianga
17. Waimate, Lake Maupere, and thermal springs
18. Bay of Islands
19. Wairoa, Kaipara
20. Gulf of Hauraki
21. Habour of Manukao
22. River Waikato
23. River Waipa
24. Lake Taupo and Tongariro
25. Rotu-kaua
26. Rotu-Kareka
27. Journey to Tauranga
28. Journey into the valley of the Waiho
29. Some remarks on the botany of New Zealand.

Subject Areas: Australasian & Pacific history [HBJM]