Coasters

Al Brown explores the connection Kiwis have with their coasts. As he travels our stunning and varied coastline he visits iconic landmarks, meets colourful characters and hears rich tales from past and present. Each chapter covers a different stretch of coast - Red Rocks to Pencarrow (Wellington), Hot Water Beach to Whitianga (Coromandel), Cape Brett to Rocky Point (Bay of Islands), Mokau to New Plymouth (Taranaki), Westport to Punakaiki, Doubtful Sound and Fiordland and Birdlings Flat to Lyttelton (Christchurch). These are chosen to represent the wide array of coastal locations within in New Zealand, as well as for their combination of superb scenery and captivating stories. As well as the stretches of coastline and the great Kiwi characters who live there, the book looks at the different influences on the coast - how it was formed, how it was settled, the weather that has shaped it, the wildlife and fisheries that influence it and recreation and daily life it offers to those that live along it. It also includes one very simple recipe from Al from each area. Groper, snapper, turbot, scallops - the dishes vary with each section of coast - beautiful fresh fare treated with the respect this precious resource deserves. Think Hunger for the Wild - an excellent, heartland book that's informative and enjoyable.