New Zealand's Biggest Year

by Harry Boorman

New Zealand’ s Biggest Year is an epic birding tale of how two friends become rivals and set out to break the all-time record for the most Aotearoa New Zealand bird species seen in one calendar year. Their rivalry results in more birds being spotted in a single year than ever before and two national records are broken. However, which of these two birders will take the title and become the all-time biggest year lister Aotearoa New Zealand has ever seen? From the first day at the top of South Island to the sprint finish on the Chatham Islands, this is Harry Boorman’ s personal account of his epic, year-long adventure. Full of twists and turns, unexpected sightings, pandemics and trip cancellations, including the addition of a species (the Emus) to the official bird list on the very last day, Harry’ s story gradually unfolds to its nail-biting conclusion.

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2024

Reviews

[Kiwiflora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry is a young Englishman, now living in NZ, and passionate about birds. All birds, from your common seagull, garden thrush to the rarest of native birds and huge albatross which can only be seen at sea. It is a delight. Harry is on a mission to physically sight as many birds in NZ's territorial range as he can over one calendar year - of course he had to choose 2021 when NZ was shut down for pretty much half of the year, including his residence city of Auckland. Let's not get into all that. His goal was somewhere in the realm of 215-235 species, well and truly meeting that target, surpassing his own expectations. The story is a bit of a geographical ramble around the various islands, cramming as much as he can into weekends around his full time work commitments. And his long suffering lovely sounding girlfriend Anita. He makes extraordinarily long journeys on the merest hint of a much searched for bird, meeting interesting locals and as always on such treks - the kindness of strangers. NZ's native birds are unique in the world, and it was intriguing to find out more about them, looking at the lovely photos that are every few pages. I loved Harry's enthusiasm and positivity, despite the curve balls thrown at him. His determination to see the project to the bitter end - 1159pm on 31/12/21 is a movie director's dream scenario. I learnt so much, in particular that a petrel is not just a petrel - there are 27 different varieties in NZ waters. 27! But only one Common Mynah. Thank goodness - pesky things. Anyway, extremely enjoyable, easy and quick to read. Finish the book over a weekend, then go outside and do some spotting.

[Sarah-Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Boorman’s “New Zealand’s Biggest Year”, is a story of passion, determination, and pure grit! Taking the reader on this inspiring journey through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand.

A rollercoaster of emotions, with epic twists and turns, highs and lows - facing unprecedented challenges from nerve wracking sea storms, to pandemics, mosquito ridden forests and even karate kicking bird attacks! Harry’s adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat from New Year’s Day to the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve!

From the remote landscapes of New Zealand to the endless sightings of birds … this book will transcend you as if you are right there with Harry! Before you know it you will be googling frantically to catchup a glimpse of these amazing locations and magical bird species!

“New Zealand’s Biggest Year” is exhilarating, captivating and inspirational. Demonstrating nothing short of pure passion, human strength and determination.

It’s a must read for anyone - this will spark a whole new curiosity for nature, wildlife … get reading!

[Chris J Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the pleasure of speaking with Harry for our All Creatures Podcast. Out of all the authors we have interviewed, from Richard Dawkins to multiple scientists writing about their experiences studying animals all over this world, this was one of the best books I have been able to review. I read it over two days as I could not put it down once I dived in.

Harry describes his Big Year in New Zealand, and this is a must read for any birder. Much more, if you ever plan on coming to New Zealand, this is a great guide to some of New Zealand's rarest birds. The book is written in an easy to follow style and is a true page turner. Without giving anything away, the book describes some of New Zealand's more remote regions and how Harry accessed them.

Highly recommend for any birder, New Zealand's Biggest Year!

[Bick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book for all those who have any interest in birding. It’s written with an infectious enthusiasm, and will encourage all who read it to get out there to see what they can see. The author spent 2021 on a ‘big year’ challenge, to see how many distinct bird species he could see in a calendar year. A bit like a naturalists olympics, this required huge energy and commitment. As well as being a very entertaining read, it can’t help but provide heaps of advice about how to get the most from the activity. The importance of patience comes through loud and clear, and if you’re living in or visiting New Zealand, you’ll also get heaps of tips about where the good spots are. Highly recommended read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.