Moments of wonder and realisation in New Zealand wilderness

AOTEAROA LIGHT takes readers on a journey through the wondrous and varied landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand’s wilderness, through photographs that catch the light, and experiences and reflections that explore our role within Earth’s connected ecosystem.

Book reviews: Geoff Spearpoint (trans-alpine legend, photographer and writer), Andy Carruthers (mountain-running machine, NZAC), Tony Orman (Top South Farming)

Read about Writing Aotearoa Light, Captivating Photography Aug/Sep 2025

NZ$69.99 (includes gst and free postage within New Zealand). Order now at batemanbooks.co.nz and available in good bookstores from August 2025.

Author interviews: With Susie Ferguson, RNZ, 30 August 2025

Forest & Bird

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why everyone enjoying the privilege to choose how to live (consumption, travel, investment, voting, employment decisions) must wake up to the peril humanity has placed ourselves in. Read about what individuals can do to make a positive difference ...

View many more images of Aotearoa New Zealand – North Island mountains – South Island mountains – North Island lowlands – South Island lowlands

In brief Light; for landscape photographers, is the element that makes all the difference. Dawn and dusk are known as ‘magic hours’ for good reason. Sometimes the interplay between sun, cloud and landscape can bring magic at other times of day too. And when light is shed figuratively it can bring clarity, insight, wonder and realisation.

There is much to gain from venturing in to wilderness. To move safely in the un-constrained natural world, not modified for our convenience, can demand absolute in-the-moment focus. The contrast between city and wilderness allows us to step away from our ‘every-day’, gifting us the time and space to more deeply engage with companions, to more honestly know ourselves, to ponder bigger issues.

Concerned about the challenges our warming planet brings, photographer, tramper and occasional climber Peter Laurenson presents stunning images of Aotearoa New Zealand that convey the benefits of wilderness; reminders of what we must protect and nourish, if humanity is to thrive.

Format Hardcover, 260 pages, 270mm high by 300mm wide. Approx 52,000 word narrative, plus 356 colour photos, including 20 double page spreads.

Edited by journalist Kathy Ombler, past NZ Geographic Board member David Barnes and writer/photographer John Rhodes; foreword by Les Molloy QSO; published by Bateman Books; and recognised and supported by Federated Mountain Club’s Mountain and Forest Trust and New Zealand Alpine Club’s Dow Hall fund.

Price NZ$69.99 (includes gst and free postage within New Zealand) at batemanbooks.co.nz.