Mature Flaneur in New Zealand: Slow Travels in the Land of the Kiwi

by Tim Ward

A humorous, meandering journey through the many wonders of New Zealand in ninety days. Flâneur is French for 'one who wanders,' and in this sequel to Mature Flâneur: Slow Travels through Portugal, France, Italy and Norway, author Tim Ward and Teresa (his intrepid spouse), travel the length and breadth of New Zealand in an electric vehicle, exploring wilderness and wildlife, mountains and beaches, architecture and culture, geological and biological oddities, and the challenging dynamic of the nation's two peoples.

264 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Marsha Scarbrough · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Zealand seems like a magical dream. It must be a land of misty fiords, mysterious ancient forests, glistening glaciers, and tattooed indigenous warriors. I'll probably never go there because it's so far and so expensive, but now I don't have to because Tim Ward slow traveled his way through the Land of the Kiwi and wrote a book telling us all about it. We get the vicarious thrills of visiting glaciers, rainforests, penguin habitats, and a steampunk amusement park. This entertaining mix of inspiring scenery, nefarious history, and resilient indigenous culture makes for rewarding reading.
Highly recommended for all armchair travelers.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to review. So far I think the book is interesting. I like that it presents the history of the indigenous peoples of NZ throughout the author's explorations of the country. I had hoped the book would be a little more entertaining like a Bill Bryson narrative, but I've found it not quite as entertaining as I'd hoped. I have put the book down for now, but I think if I were to plan a trip to NZ I would pick it up again to research locations I should visit and brush up on some of the history of the country.