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Clanlands in New Zealand: Kiwis, Kilts, and an Adventure Down Under
Buckle up, grab a dram, and get ready for another unforgettable wild ride.
They're back! Stars of Outlander, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are no strangers to the rugged beauty of Scotland. But this time they're setting their sights on a new New Zealand.
Join our intrepid Scotsmen on their latest epic adventure across The Land of the Long White Cloud in this thrilling follow-up to Clanlands . Setting out to explore a country that Graham calls home, and that Sam has longed to visit, these sturdy friends immerse themselves in all that New Zealand has to stunning landscapes, rich history, world-class food and drink, and – much to Graham’s mounting anxiety and Sam’s deep satisfaction – famously adrenaline-fuelled activities! As ever there’s not nearly enough space in their trusty camper van and with plenty of good-natured competition and tormenting to go around, Sam and Graham's friendship is put to the test once again. Along the way we learn about the length and breadth of this jewel of the Southern Seas, exploring the fascinating story of its people while testing the very limits of Graham's sanity.
Like the very best buddy movie sequel, this latest installment is full of unforgettable experiences and loveable characters and promises to be an even more memorable ride with two of the most entertaining travel companions around.
So, say goodbye to your inhibitions and kia ora to New Zealand like you've never seen it before.
They're back! Stars of Outlander, Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish are no strangers to the rugged beauty of Scotland. But this time they're setting their sights on a new New Zealand.
Join our intrepid Scotsmen on their latest epic adventure across The Land of the Long White Cloud in this thrilling follow-up to Clanlands . Setting out to explore a country that Graham calls home, and that Sam has longed to visit, these sturdy friends immerse themselves in all that New Zealand has to stunning landscapes, rich history, world-class food and drink, and – much to Graham’s mounting anxiety and Sam’s deep satisfaction – famously adrenaline-fuelled activities! As ever there’s not nearly enough space in their trusty camper van and with plenty of good-natured competition and tormenting to go around, Sam and Graham's friendship is put to the test once again. Along the way we learn about the length and breadth of this jewel of the Southern Seas, exploring the fascinating story of its people while testing the very limits of Graham's sanity.
Like the very best buddy movie sequel, this latest installment is full of unforgettable experiences and loveable characters and promises to be an even more memorable ride with two of the most entertaining travel companions around.
So, say goodbye to your inhibitions and kia ora to New Zealand like you've never seen it before.
9 pages, Audible Audio
Published November 7, 2023
166 people are currently reading
1319 people want to read
About the author
Sam Heughan
16 books815 followersSam Heughan was born April 30, 1980 in New Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. An accomplished stage and screen actor best known for Outlander (2014), A Princess for Christmas (2011), and A Very British Sex Scandal (2007). He is an active patron of Youth Theatre Arts Scotland and Leukemia and Lymphoma Research. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) located in Glasgow, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 11, 2024
Buckle up, and probably put a safety helmet on. Scotsmen are coming on a road trip to New Zealand, armed with kilts (sometimes worn commando) and a camper van, as well as Sam Heughan’s extreme need for constant adrenaline and Graham McTavish’s desire for peace and lattes.
The dynamic Scottish actor duo whose adventures in Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other gave me quite a few pleasant hours of listening — well, they are back, exploring New Zealand where Graham now lives, narrating their daredevil adventures in the loveliest Scottish accent with Sam’s excitement and Graham’s silky baritone.
The audiobook is the way to go with this one, because those accents (!) and overall impression of just hanging out with these two, listening to them banter with friendly jabs at each other and hilarious interruptions, with Sam’s daredevil streak and Graham’s measured Epicureanism. They clearly are dear friends who try really hard to make us think they can ever be adversaries. And they are having the time of their lives, surely.
The adventures are hilarious. Zip lining, bungee-jumping, zorbs, kayaking, milking cows, shark cage diving, insane go-karting, and even surviving COVID quarantine— all those are so much fun seen through dual viewpoints of Sam and Graham.
Alternating with the adventures there are stories about New Zealand history which includes a disturbing number of massacres. The history is bloody, but fascinating to read nevertheless. The adventures and the massacre stories do clash a bit, but Graham’s narration ties it all together - another plus for the audio. And the sometimes immature jokes made the horrors of history a bit less depressing — a feat that that is, although not always appropriate, welcome in the books I choose for relaxing entertainment.
3.5 - 4 stars, rounding up for all the smiles and laughs I had when listening to it.
——————
Also posted on my blog.
“Oh great, so this is how it all ends? I’ve survived being thrown off a cliff, driven at breakneck speed by a moron and oh, yes, sleeping next to you each night in that crusty camper van; even the questionable handbrake has survived to see another day but this? This! This is how I’m going to die…? McTavish muttered to himself as the shark-diving boat powered out into the blue yonder, in search for some hungry fish.”
The dynamic Scottish actor duo whose adventures in Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other gave me quite a few pleasant hours of listening — well, they are back, exploring New Zealand where Graham now lives, narrating their daredevil adventures in the loveliest Scottish accent with Sam’s excitement and Graham’s silky baritone.
The audiobook is the way to go with this one, because those accents (!) and overall impression of just hanging out with these two, listening to them banter with friendly jabs at each other and hilarious interruptions, with Sam’s daredevil streak and Graham’s measured Epicureanism. They clearly are dear friends who try really hard to make us think they can ever be adversaries. And they are having the time of their lives, surely.
SAM :
‘A country filled with hobbits and flightless birds, the best rugby players in the world and the home of one very grumpy Scottish actor. I imagined a landscape uncannily similar to the Scottish Highlands, equal in beauty but more heightened in drama and pristine wilderness, basically MUCH bigger than Bonnie Scotland. […] But the truth is, my friends, the true appeal of the New Zealand archipelago, its two main land masses stretching 268,000 km^2 (103,000 square miles) is … IT’S ADRENALINE COUNTRY!
[…] WELCOME to the land of Zorbs, zip lines and bungee jumping … these are MY people!’
GRAHAM :
‘You forgot to take your medication again, didn’t you? ’
The adventures are hilarious. Zip lining, bungee-jumping, zorbs, kayaking, milking cows, shark cage diving, insane go-karting, and even surviving COVID quarantine— all those are so much fun seen through dual viewpoints of Sam and Graham.
Alternating with the adventures there are stories about New Zealand history which includes a disturbing number of massacres. The history is bloody, but fascinating to read nevertheless. The adventures and the massacre stories do clash a bit, but Graham’s narration ties it all together - another plus for the audio. And the sometimes immature jokes made the horrors of history a bit less depressing — a feat that that is, although not always appropriate, welcome in the books I choose for relaxing entertainment.
3.5 - 4 stars, rounding up for all the smiles and laughs I had when listening to it.
——————
Also posted on my blog.
January 30, 2024
Man jau grāmatas par Jaunzēlandi patīk. Par šiem diviem vīriem pirms grāmatas lasīšanas nezināju neko. Noskatījos šovu un izlasīju grāmatu. Tāds kā kopīgu piedzīvojumu apraksts no divu galveno varoņu redzespunkta. No mana viedokļa viņu savstarpējā "raksturu rīvēšanās" vairāk izskatījās pēc iestudējuma, bet no tāda ir viņu loma.
Man personīgi galvenais pienesums no šīs grāmatas bija, nelielie Jaunzēlandes vēstures gabaliņi, kurus autors bija uzskatījis par vajadzīgu izstāstīt. Kā arī iespēja, vismaz lasot, atkal pabūt Jaunzēlandē.
Man personīgi galvenais pienesums no šīs grāmatas bija, nelielie Jaunzēlandes vēstures gabaliņi, kurus autors bija uzskatījis par vajadzīgu izstāstīt. Kā arī iespēja, vismaz lasot, atkal pabūt Jaunzēlandē.
December 19, 2023
“Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other” returns, but this time Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish take their drunken debauchery and risk-taking adventures to New Zealand, in “Clanlands in New Zealand: Kiwis, Kilts, and an Adventure Down Under”.
I am a rather large fan of the Outlander franchise (the books and the television show), and I read the first “Clanlands” when it came out a few years ago. The format of the first one was intriguing, with both authors narrating their version of the same events, adding their own little bits of personality and a large amount of humour. “Clanlands: New Zealand” presented exactly the same, and I was overjoyed.
McTavish owns a home Down Under, but even he is a novice when it comes to the risk-taking adventures that Heughan initiates. I had no idea New Zealand was full of so many death-defying oppourtunities, and I’m glad these two experienced these adventures for me, as it was much funnier to live vicariously. The men do everything from rolling down hills in gigantic tubes, go-karting (of sorts) through a mountain range and even swinging on a giant swing with a vast emptiness below you- nothing they experience is for the faint-of-heart, but it sure was fun to read about! McTavish, as a history buff, details a lot of New Zealand history that I knew nothing of, which was not only entertaining but also very informative.
As with the previous novel, Heughan and McTavish reveal a little bit about their individual lifestyles and personal backgrounds, both personally and professionally. I loved hearing about the two as individuals, and how they bonded through their work on Outlander. McTavish and Heughan are presented as actual people, beyond their celebrity status.
The first “Clanlands” is a hilarious read, and I strongly recommend it in order to acclimate yourself to the format of the Down Under version. But the stories are indeed very distinctive, so one can be read separate from the other (although, for pure enjoyment’s sake, I don’t recommend it). For fans of “Outlander”, this story is a given, although it will also suit any world traveling, whiskey-drinking, daredevil (or those who want to be). “Clanlands: New Zealand” is the perfect travel memoir, providing the ideal level of escapism, and narrated by two hilarious Scottish actors, it really can be enjoyed by everyone.
I am a rather large fan of the Outlander franchise (the books and the television show), and I read the first “Clanlands” when it came out a few years ago. The format of the first one was intriguing, with both authors narrating their version of the same events, adding their own little bits of personality and a large amount of humour. “Clanlands: New Zealand” presented exactly the same, and I was overjoyed.
McTavish owns a home Down Under, but even he is a novice when it comes to the risk-taking adventures that Heughan initiates. I had no idea New Zealand was full of so many death-defying oppourtunities, and I’m glad these two experienced these adventures for me, as it was much funnier to live vicariously. The men do everything from rolling down hills in gigantic tubes, go-karting (of sorts) through a mountain range and even swinging on a giant swing with a vast emptiness below you- nothing they experience is for the faint-of-heart, but it sure was fun to read about! McTavish, as a history buff, details a lot of New Zealand history that I knew nothing of, which was not only entertaining but also very informative.
As with the previous novel, Heughan and McTavish reveal a little bit about their individual lifestyles and personal backgrounds, both personally and professionally. I loved hearing about the two as individuals, and how they bonded through their work on Outlander. McTavish and Heughan are presented as actual people, beyond their celebrity status.
The first “Clanlands” is a hilarious read, and I strongly recommend it in order to acclimate yourself to the format of the Down Under version. But the stories are indeed very distinctive, so one can be read separate from the other (although, for pure enjoyment’s sake, I don’t recommend it). For fans of “Outlander”, this story is a given, although it will also suit any world traveling, whiskey-drinking, daredevil (or those who want to be). “Clanlands: New Zealand” is the perfect travel memoir, providing the ideal level of escapism, and narrated by two hilarious Scottish actors, it really can be enjoyed by everyone.
December 8, 2023
Sam and Graham are off on another adventure, this time in New Zealand! For someone who has never been there, it was both entertaining and educational to follow their adventures. However, the book seemed written as an add-on to the TV show, which took something away from the reading experience. Their banter is still on and still funny (most of the time). I sympathized a lot with Graham and all the adrenaline-inducing activities he was forced to endure. But I wanted a bit more travel-related content. Nevertheless, the book made me laugh out loud more than once, for which it gets an extra star. I'm sure Outlander fans will enjoy it quite a bit.
December 14, 2023
A great read full of giggles and laughs, very entertaining and the history is bloody, once again I'm going to ask Graham why do you let him do such things to you???📚
January 5, 2024
3 Stars
My husband and I have really enjoyed the Men In Kilts show with Sam and Graham - we laugh and laugh with all of their crazy adventures. They have traveled to Scotland and New Zealand - two of our dream vacation spots - so we loved seeing their travels along the way in the show format.
I also personally really enjoyed the Scotland Clanlands books and always have a good time listening to the audiobooks as Sam and Graham are again, hilarious to listen to just as they are to watch. I think the audiobooks are the only way to read these Clanlands books. However, this book for their New Zealand journey was not my favorite. It does a pretty good job celebrating New Zealand but honestly, most of this is Sam and Graham fussing back and forth that I found tiring. I would have liked more travel-related content personally. Instead of reading this, you might just check out the show and enjoy the laughs along the way. I also didn't care for some of the language in this book (several F words).
My husband and I have really enjoyed the Men In Kilts show with Sam and Graham - we laugh and laugh with all of their crazy adventures. They have traveled to Scotland and New Zealand - two of our dream vacation spots - so we loved seeing their travels along the way in the show format.
I also personally really enjoyed the Scotland Clanlands books and always have a good time listening to the audiobooks as Sam and Graham are again, hilarious to listen to just as they are to watch. I think the audiobooks are the only way to read these Clanlands books. However, this book for their New Zealand journey was not my favorite. It does a pretty good job celebrating New Zealand but honestly, most of this is Sam and Graham fussing back and forth that I found tiring. I would have liked more travel-related content personally. Instead of reading this, you might just check out the show and enjoy the laughs along the way. I also didn't care for some of the language in this book (several F words).
November 17, 2023
This was I Think even more fun than the first book! The banter between Sam & Graham whilst there's this really magical friendship underneath, is just utterly amazing haha.
Their adventures in New Zealand were really awesome and aside from the fun stuff that's present, these books come with a healthy dose of interesting information as well which I really love. I loved reading more about Scotland in book 1 and now more about New Zealand; it's history and the natives, food, nature, and so much more.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the printed copy which was really fantastic and an amazing addition I think on top of reading it. Sam & Graham did such an amazing job narrating their book and take the experience of reading and listening to a whole new level. Enjoyed every single second of it. And now I want to re-read book 1 while listening to the audio as well haha. Highly recommend!
Their adventures in New Zealand were really awesome and aside from the fun stuff that's present, these books come with a healthy dose of interesting information as well which I really love. I loved reading more about Scotland in book 1 and now more about New Zealand; it's history and the natives, food, nature, and so much more.
I listened to the audiobook while reading the printed copy which was really fantastic and an amazing addition I think on top of reading it. Sam & Graham did such an amazing job narrating their book and take the experience of reading and listening to a whole new level. Enjoyed every single second of it. And now I want to re-read book 1 while listening to the audio as well haha. Highly recommend!
March 8, 2025
The follow up to Clanlands takes Sam and Graham on adventures around New Zealand. As before, the TV series was merely the visual highlights of the tour. The book is much, much more as it goes into the history and culture of New Zealand.
The two authors have an amazing comradery and chemistry together. This is very apparent in the audio book and really lifts this up to another level. As Graham points out towards the end "this is really two books, two accounts of the same events as seen by Sam and Graham". For me, the differences in their opinions is what really makes this book.
The two authors have an amazing comradery and chemistry together. This is very apparent in the audio book and really lifts this up to another level. As Graham points out towards the end "this is really two books, two accounts of the same events as seen by Sam and Graham". For me, the differences in their opinions is what really makes this book.
April 16, 2024
To say it in Rory Gilmore’s words, I have a yen for travelling, yet New Zealand hadn’t made it from the general “want to see” to the “must sees in the next years” list yet - until I read this book. I’ve since been looking at pictures, destinations, and activities every day, and wished I could be an actor, that has the opportunity to do a trip like the two of them, with a crew keeping you safe (and bringing you lattes, even from 80km away).
Sam’s and Graham’s writing styles are so different, that - even without their names on top - you could tell easily who’s written each paragraph. Sam’s style makes me envision an excited teenager while Graham’s dry wit - and their added comments - have made me laugh out loud several times. In fact, this was the first book which has EVER made me laugh out loud uncountable times, which made it clear that I could never give it less than 5 stars.
As Peter Jackson says in the beginning, their respect for the culture and history of the country is very apparent and the history classes by Mr McTavish have opened eyes about NZ’s background. I was lucky enough to have met Graham when he did a meet up for this book, and his talk at the Comic-Con here in Edinburgh, and I’d go to any of his presentations in a heart beat. Despite their fame, they both seem like truly genuine, kind, and passionate people and it’s been a blast following their journey through this country, so much so, that I can’t wait to read their other books as well.
Sam’s and Graham’s writing styles are so different, that - even without their names on top - you could tell easily who’s written each paragraph. Sam’s style makes me envision an excited teenager while Graham’s dry wit - and their added comments - have made me laugh out loud several times. In fact, this was the first book which has EVER made me laugh out loud uncountable times, which made it clear that I could never give it less than 5 stars.
As Peter Jackson says in the beginning, their respect for the culture and history of the country is very apparent and the history classes by Mr McTavish have opened eyes about NZ’s background. I was lucky enough to have met Graham when he did a meet up for this book, and his talk at the Comic-Con here in Edinburgh, and I’d go to any of his presentations in a heart beat. Despite their fame, they both seem like truly genuine, kind, and passionate people and it’s been a blast following their journey through this country, so much so, that I can’t wait to read their other books as well.
December 16, 2023
I had great hopes for this book. I come from a very Scottish part of New Zealand: born in Southland, brought up in Drummond and Invercargill, went to Otago University in Dunedin, surrounded by Scottish place names and culture. So, I was looking for some real insight to the Scottish immigration to NZ – especially Otago and Southland – the changes, influences etc, etc.
There were a (very) few interesting factoids – my rating of 2 stars is for that alone, the sole redeeming feature of this Audio book.
I didn’t finish it at 41% - it was just too appalling. Really tiresome frenemy banter from the two authors. Every time they tried a New Zealand accent – it was Australian (or something completely unidentifiable). Overdramatic narration that just sounded ridiculous. And very little about the Scots in NZ. It took 7 chapters before they made it to Dunedin – next chapter, they’d left for Milford Sound.
So, just an excuse for a holiday in NZ, with a book (maybe TV) deal attached. Almost everyone has done it better.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, and will be avoiding anything else by this pair.
There were a (very) few interesting factoids – my rating of 2 stars is for that alone, the sole redeeming feature of this Audio book.
I didn’t finish it at 41% - it was just too appalling. Really tiresome frenemy banter from the two authors. Every time they tried a New Zealand accent – it was Australian (or something completely unidentifiable). Overdramatic narration that just sounded ridiculous. And very little about the Scots in NZ. It took 7 chapters before they made it to Dunedin – next chapter, they’d left for Milford Sound.
So, just an excuse for a holiday in NZ, with a book (maybe TV) deal attached. Almost everyone has done it better.
I would not recommend this book to anyone, and will be avoiding anything else by this pair.
December 22, 2024
I love any of the books by Sam and Graham. Especially in audio format. This one does not disappoint!!
January 23, 2024
I really wanted to like this. I liked the first Clanlands so much and enjoyed Men in Kilts but this whole story was problematic. A very Eurocentric take on New Zealand, excuses for colonialism, almost cruel description of their guides, and a disjointed journey made this a disappointment for me. There were some redeeming passages which was the only reason why I finished this book.
February 1, 2024
I listened to the audiobook which was very entertaining to hear Sam & Graham's banter. They have the most amazing adventures! I would love to visit New Zealand for sure especially after listening to their book.
This book is a great addition to the TV show, and it also has a great deal of New Zealand and world history and culture. I very much recommend giving this book a read or listen!
This book is a great addition to the TV show, and it also has a great deal of New Zealand and world history and culture. I very much recommend giving this book a read or listen!
June 10, 2025
I really enjoyed the history and geography parts narrated by Graham, as well as the general presentation of New Zealand and its culture.
The banter between the characters started to be repetitive as the book progressed, but the anecdotes and travelogue still result in an engaging experience.
The banter between the characters started to be repetitive as the book progressed, but the anecdotes and travelogue still result in an engaging experience.
June 21, 2025
a fantastic and hilarious read that has made me want to visit New Zealand
November 7, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clanlands in New Zealand Kiwis, Kilts and an Adventure Down Under
By Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
The boys are back with a new book. I of course bought the audio version. The banter between Sam and Graham is superb as usual!
They are back out on the road in New Zealand this time instead of Scotland. Graham went to New Zealand to film The Hobbit movies and loved it so much, he never left. Sam has the ability to get Graham to do things he’s scared of which makes for some laugh out loud moments.
But I learned so much about New Zealand. They are so descriptive. It feels like you’re there exploring with them. Definitely a 5 star review!
Clanlands in New Zealand Kiwis, Kilts and an Adventure Down Under
By Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
The boys are back with a new book. I of course bought the audio version. The banter between Sam and Graham is superb as usual!
They are back out on the road in New Zealand this time instead of Scotland. Graham went to New Zealand to film The Hobbit movies and loved it so much, he never left. Sam has the ability to get Graham to do things he’s scared of which makes for some laugh out loud moments.
But I learned so much about New Zealand. They are so descriptive. It feels like you’re there exploring with them. Definitely a 5 star review!
March 7, 2025
Always enjoy going on adventurous with these two. Taking in the scenery and the history of the places they travel through. The antics are always fun and the banter more so. I hope the series continues, both on screen and on paper.
November 19, 2023
Me and my husband thoroughly enjoyed this book together. We listened to the audiobook during our evening drives dropping our daughter off at the Nutcracker practices and even a trip to visit another daughter and grandbabies. We love Men in Kilts and Outlander! These two are favorites!
October 24, 2024
Much fun! Possibly even slightly more fun than the first book.
August 9, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Both are very good at conveying their experiences, McTavish especially so.
To the eXtreme
‘Whisky?’ I shot up again, my head not even acknowledging the second bump against Graham’s bunk. ‘Whisky cures everything.’
In terms of judging what they got up to in New Zealand - yeah, all good. Honestly, it is not a big drawcard for me reading what tourist traps New Zealand has to offer. Enough of it was similar to my own experiences that there was nothing revelationary. I would just say that as with any country you can pick your own pace and you certainly aren’t obliged to do any river rockslides (New Zealand’s shocking drowning rates would have me recommending you don’t).
McTavish does a better than reasonable job of adding in asides of local history, showing good insight as to the context of the times (albeit I worry about using that as a crutch too often to dodge assigning blame). Do you get the real New Zealand from the book? Absolutely not, other than fragments such as that Rotorua really does smell. The marketing point of their adventures is to push things to “extremes”, though the ziplining seems a bit passe – Canada has a beat based on my own goes at it, Accordingly very little of the book reflects day-to-day life in New Zealand (other than the drinking).
Also There is absolutely no way Taihape hit 40 degrees Celsius in the shade though, that’s just another Scottish thistle wilting in the mild heat.
Frenemies or Radical Honesty
There’s no doubt he knew his stuff, but he was as dry as an oatcake, like a black hole of tedium, sucking all enthusiasm from the atmosphere, leaving Sam and I reaching for the nearest weapons to mercifully club each other to death.
McTavish and Heughan’s relationship, or at least the version portrayed in the book, is one of constantly exchanging barbs. I am sure there is some artistic licence in picking the most memorable conversations but it does portray an antagonistic dynamic between them.
To be fair, two guys talking shit to each other constantly is pretty plausible, and the dynamics of age/relative appetites for risk defang any potential competitive elements. It is still interesting to see that editorial choice. I do not have a problem with it but I would probably be exhausted about it. The tone flows over to descriptions of some of their guides, particularly in Dunedin where I would go as far to say it comes off as harsh. It leaves me wondering – are their descriptions accurate, or do McTavish and Heughan occasionally rub people the wrong way then fail to get the best out of those others, perhaps losing something from the experience?
I am not going to dock the book for that – their style may not be mine (40-something Heughan being out to all hours drinking in Wellington is eyebrow raising to me) but it is interesting perspective to human interactions. In their defence, they showed an impressive level of engagement with the Tā moko portion.
Sometimes their abrasiveness is an outright positive. Heughan hates his time in COVID enforced quarantine and is willing to write things about his experience that more politic celebrities might not have. While personally I thought “suck it up” to those doing it at the time, I know my view is not the only one, probably not even the majority one. Reading someone write the equivalent of “That was a bit shit” about even your closest held truths can make you think differently. There are other times where I suspect they were hostages to their filming schedule (they liked Oamaru’s steampunk and blue penguins a whole lot less than I do), and that’s fine, good even. I don’t need celebrities wheeling out their accolades over the dullest parts imaginable. Since McTavish chose to live here, I do not take it too personally.
My main observation about these tiny penugins was that they were clearly not blessed with a lot of brain power.
Five stars because it’s a semi-alcoholic blast through some tourist hotspots that doesn’t come off as overly fawning.
And it was substantially reduced in price.
To the eXtreme
‘Whisky?’ I shot up again, my head not even acknowledging the second bump against Graham’s bunk. ‘Whisky cures everything.’
In terms of judging what they got up to in New Zealand - yeah, all good. Honestly, it is not a big drawcard for me reading what tourist traps New Zealand has to offer. Enough of it was similar to my own experiences that there was nothing revelationary. I would just say that as with any country you can pick your own pace and you certainly aren’t obliged to do any river rockslides (New Zealand’s shocking drowning rates would have me recommending you don’t).
McTavish does a better than reasonable job of adding in asides of local history, showing good insight as to the context of the times (albeit I worry about using that as a crutch too often to dodge assigning blame). Do you get the real New Zealand from the book? Absolutely not, other than fragments such as that Rotorua really does smell. The marketing point of their adventures is to push things to “extremes”, though the ziplining seems a bit passe – Canada has a beat based on my own goes at it, Accordingly very little of the book reflects day-to-day life in New Zealand (other than the drinking).
Also There is absolutely no way Taihape hit 40 degrees Celsius in the shade though, that’s just another Scottish thistle wilting in the mild heat.
Frenemies or Radical Honesty
There’s no doubt he knew his stuff, but he was as dry as an oatcake, like a black hole of tedium, sucking all enthusiasm from the atmosphere, leaving Sam and I reaching for the nearest weapons to mercifully club each other to death.
McTavish and Heughan’s relationship, or at least the version portrayed in the book, is one of constantly exchanging barbs. I am sure there is some artistic licence in picking the most memorable conversations but it does portray an antagonistic dynamic between them.
To be fair, two guys talking shit to each other constantly is pretty plausible, and the dynamics of age/relative appetites for risk defang any potential competitive elements. It is still interesting to see that editorial choice. I do not have a problem with it but I would probably be exhausted about it. The tone flows over to descriptions of some of their guides, particularly in Dunedin where I would go as far to say it comes off as harsh. It leaves me wondering – are their descriptions accurate, or do McTavish and Heughan occasionally rub people the wrong way then fail to get the best out of those others, perhaps losing something from the experience?
I am not going to dock the book for that – their style may not be mine (40-something Heughan being out to all hours drinking in Wellington is eyebrow raising to me) but it is interesting perspective to human interactions. In their defence, they showed an impressive level of engagement with the Tā moko portion.
Sometimes their abrasiveness is an outright positive. Heughan hates his time in COVID enforced quarantine and is willing to write things about his experience that more politic celebrities might not have. While personally I thought “suck it up” to those doing it at the time, I know my view is not the only one, probably not even the majority one. Reading someone write the equivalent of “That was a bit shit” about even your closest held truths can make you think differently. There are other times where I suspect they were hostages to their filming schedule (they liked Oamaru’s steampunk and blue penguins a whole lot less than I do), and that’s fine, good even. I don’t need celebrities wheeling out their accolades over the dullest parts imaginable. Since McTavish chose to live here, I do not take it too personally.
My main observation about these tiny penugins was that they were clearly not blessed with a lot of brain power.
Five stars because it’s a semi-alcoholic blast through some tourist hotspots that doesn’t come off as overly fawning.
And it was substantially reduced in price.
November 15, 2023
I LOVE Sam and Graham partnered together. On screen and on the page. This is their third travel/adventure/historical/cultural dive together, and also their third book. I have listened and followed along with the hard copies. All three captured me immediately with their voice and passion (literally and literar-ily). They are quite the pair- hilarious, clever, thoughtful, and in NEW ZEALAND! New Zealand is without a doubt my favorite place I have ever visited. My ultimate life goal is to live there. Therefore, I was ecstatic when I learned Sam and Graham were bringing their wit, banter, and adventure there. It was especially fun to listen to them describe places I have been. And their descriptions are so exact that I can picture being there again. Graham, who has made his home in New Zealand, describes perfectly the feeling one has the first time he or she visits NZ and it is SPOT ON!
If you have the hard copy of the book I still believe you MUST have the audiobook. Read the way it is meant to be experienced. Duel narration (I imagine them sitting next to each other having heated/sarcastic/affectionate conversations- whether they were actually sitting next to each other or not).
This also combines two of my favorite page to screen adaptations (Outlander and LOTR/The Hobbit). A fantastic listening experience all around!
If you have the hard copy of the book I still believe you MUST have the audiobook. Read the way it is meant to be experienced. Duel narration (I imagine them sitting next to each other having heated/sarcastic/affectionate conversations- whether they were actually sitting next to each other or not).
This also combines two of my favorite page to screen adaptations (Outlander and LOTR/The Hobbit). A fantastic listening experience all around!
January 18, 2024
I’m 50/50 with this book. I enjoyed the first one and even the almanac but something about this book was just not there, I listened to this as an audiobook as I like to listen to Sam and Graham. But I feel like this could of just stayed as a TV show? They describe their adventures in New Zealand which was enjoyable but the “history” aspects was just wars within the country just as it was in the first Clanlands but I’d like to learn a bit more history of New Zealand rather than just the violence. The audiobook also seemed like a podcast vibe which I don’t mind but if your reading the book I don’t know how the sentences would read. Graham really pulled this book together for me, I love Sam but he’s really stuck on being Jamie Fraser (who I love) but it’s getting a bit much especially after his stand alone book from Clanlands.
December 27, 2023
An unexpected read for myself, but, after really enjoying the TV show and the free book was going at my work I just had to get stuck into this!
Much like the TV show, this book is SO funny! The chemistry between the two lads is infectious and not only that, with the help of their ghostwriter/editor Charlotte Reather it’s an incredibly well-written book!
I came back from New Zealand in August after probably the best trip of my life ever and I’ve been pinning after the country like a dog but this book has filled that little NZ love I was missing and even taught me a thing or two about the country.
Much like the TV show, this book is SO funny! The chemistry between the two lads is infectious and not only that, with the help of their ghostwriter/editor Charlotte Reather it’s an incredibly well-written book!
I came back from New Zealand in August after probably the best trip of my life ever and I’ve been pinning after the country like a dog but this book has filled that little NZ love I was missing and even taught me a thing or two about the country.
January 9, 2024
The audiobook is great, just like the first Clanlands. Graham McTavish obviously loves his adopted country. New Zealand's history is fascinating, and I have always wanted to visit; now, much more so. The banter between Sam and Graham is sometimes hilarious and often heartwarming.
Just a minor caveat for anyone who has not yet listened to the audiobook: the foreword by Sir Peter Jackson is missing 😢. Since I also own the hardcover, I enjoyed reading it. You can tell he and Graham are good friends. I assume the foreword is missing in audio because Sir Peter was unable to record it for whatever reason...
Just a minor caveat for anyone who has not yet listened to the audiobook: the foreword by Sir Peter Jackson is missing 😢. Since I also own the hardcover, I enjoyed reading it. You can tell he and Graham are good friends. I assume the foreword is missing in audio because Sir Peter was unable to record it for whatever reason...
November 14, 2023
Sam & Graham have done it again, wrapping history, friendship, and adventure into one book! For my fellow LOTR nerds, the references are numerous; since Graham was in the Hobbit and this new adventure takes place in New Zealand! This is just an added bonus!☺️ This was my first Clanlands audiobook, which I highly recommend, because they each read their own sections and the humor and actual love & respect they have for each other shines through even more than reading it in a physical book (I have their previous two books in hardback.)
January 9, 2024
Always an adventure with Sam and Graham. Now I need to go to New Zealand!
January 21, 2025
Enjoyed the show better. Book seems a bit forced regarding the 'wity banter '.
August 3, 2025
Den andre reiseboken jeg leser fra disse to. Deler er veldig fornøyelig andre dørgende kjedelig. Men som en reisebok er den helt ok.
June 27, 2025
This book is utterly charming. Sam and Graham are hilarious together, and of course you get more from the book than from the delightful "Men in Kilts" series. With this book, I've read the entire Clanlands series, and couldn't have been better entertained. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2023
Having recently returned from New Zealand myself, I was very excited to see the release of this book and downloaded it through Spotify right away. Unfortunately the forward from Peter Jackson was not included. However, the book was full of laugh out loud moments and a mix of history with their own adventures, and made me feel like I too was on a road trip with some friends.
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