The Road to Chatto Creek

by Matt Chisholm

Hilarious tales and hard-won wisdom about leaving the rat race for a new life in the country.

Matt Chisholm's number one bestselling book, Imposter, saw Matt and his family leaving Auckland to buy some land in Chatto Creek, Otago, with big dreams to build their own house and farm cattle and sheep.

Fast forward a few years and it's been a huge shift for Matt, his wife Ellen and their three kids – lots of highs and a few lows, too. Matt writes candidly and with his unique humour about the joys of being part of a farming community, new friendships, the realities of farm life and his work as an Ambassador for Rural Support Trust, where he gives talks on mental health to farmers around New Zealand

Beautifully photographed by Lottie Hedley, The Road to Chatto Creek is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a great yarn or has ever had a hankering for leaving the rat race for rural life.

Genres: Nonfiction

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated memoir about leaving the rat race for life in the country - living the dream! - well almost. Despite living in the most beautiful spot on the planet, there's a new home to build, the animals that never behave as they're supposed to, kid-wrangling, working from home, working away from home, the debt, and the constant nagging anxiety.... This is former TV presenter, Matt Chisholm's life now - and would he do it differently? I doubt it - he's loving his life. 'The Road to Chatto Creek' gives you a fair indication of what life is like for our hard-working farmers - a great read.

[Jessie Noone · Rating 5 out of 5]

After going to one of Matt’s rural support talks a few years ago I was always keen to read this book and hear more about his life at Chatto Creek.
Was a very enjoyable, honest and raw take on farming and life in a small community. Lots of humour and laughs throughout Matt shows that you don’t always get it right but you just keep on trying!

[Chloe Tuckey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book would be amazing for people wanting to farm!
It’s everything farming! But just not for me!

[Melissa Heyrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional story. Matt shares his journey with brave vulnerability, humility, honesty & humor.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a TV reporter who left the rat race and moved to Central Otago to farm sheep and cows. Stunning photos of his farm, family and the local area. His story is inspiring and funny. It's a quick read!