Long nights and cooler days make winter the perfect season to get lost in a good book, so we’ve gathered a selection of standout new releases and family-friendly favourites to keep readers of all ages turning pages.
Great Tales of Aotearoa
By Tom Clarke
Bateman Books, $39.99
History comes alive in this engaging collection of stories that reveal the characters, challenges and remarkable events that helped shape New Zealand. Drawing on more than 40 years of research and storytelling, retired journalist Tom Clarke has assembled a fascinating mix of pioneering achievements, dramatic disasters and lesser-known historical gems. Rich in detail yet highly accessible, it’s the kind of book that’s easy to dip in and out of, with each tale offering a fresh perspective on Aotearoa’s colourful past.
Matariki,
by Kitty Brown and Kirsten Parkinson
Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Filled with warmth, colour and cultural insight, Matariki offers an engaging introduction to the traditions and meanings behind the Māori New Year. Drawing on their own whānau experiences, Kitty Brown and Kirsten Parkinson have created an inviting resource that encourages reflection, connection and celebration. The beautiful illustrations and bilingual storytelling make this a timely and rewarding read for families looking to embrace the spirit of Matariki.
The Golf Bucket List: The Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Courses and Scenic Greens,
by Jeff Lesson
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Part inspiration, part keepsake, The Golf Bucket List is a beautifully presented companion for golfers with their sights set beyond the local fairways. Bound in an elegant golf-green, leather-look cover, it feels more like a treasured travel journal than a guidebook, encouraging readers to dream, plan and record rounds at some of the world’s most iconic courses. Author Jeff Lesson has created a thoughtful blend of course insights, bucket-list inspiration and personal reflection, making this an ideal gift for golfers with global ambitions.
Eat Like a Sardinian; Live to 100,
by Francesco Mattana
Allen & Unwin, $49.99
For anyone who loves discovering a destination through its food, Eat Like a Sardinian is a delightful journey to one of the world’s famed Blue Zones. Chef Francesco Mattana shares 90 authentic recipes inspired by the island’s traditions, along with the philosophy of eating well, living simply and gathering around the table with loved ones. Warm, inviting and packed with achievable dishes, it’s a delicious fusion of part cookbook, part celebration of a remarkable way of life.
Is This It?
By Nikki Taylor
Nationwide Books, $39.95
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Is this it?”, you’re not alone. New Zealand coach Nikki Taylor tackles the questions many of us quietly wrestle with in midlife, offering practical guidance on everything from identity and relationships to career changes and personal growth. Honest, encouraging and highly relatable, this is a thoughtful roadmap for turning uncertainty into opportunity and creating a future that feels authentically your own.
For the youngsters | 5 of the best new titles
Somewhere You Can Dream,
by Janeen Brian, illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
Storm,
by Claire Saxby, illustrated by
Jess Racklyeft
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
Lost In
The Wild:
A Dog’s Tale
by Mario Artho, illustrated
by Sharon C Fergusson
Goat Island Publishing, $25
That Bird Can Draw!
by Ged Adamson
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
Search
& Find Alphabet of Alphabets, and a Number of Numbers
by AJ Wood, Mike Jolley, illustrated
by Allan Sanders
Allen & Unwin, $29.99
