New Zealand: A Painted Country is a journey through a unique portfolio of landscapes depicting the favourite places of some of New Zealand's most popular contemporary artists. The highly diverse paintings display not only the wide spectrum of styles and techniques used by these artists, but also the way in which they capture and interpret that essence of a particular landscape - be it the light, mood, colours, contours, textures, or some other element - which attracts them to it. Beginning amid the grandeur of the Southern Alps and finishing in the deeply spiritual region of Northland, the journey takes in almost every region of New Zealand, reflecting the ever-changing character of the land. A homage to the favourite places of some of our most popular artists, this book is also a tribute to the painted country itself, New Zealand.

One Christmas eve Old MacDonald's farm, hushed and quiet as all are asleep, receives a visitor driving a sleigh. Oh no! On his way to deliver his gifts to kids in Kaitaia, Santa's crashed his sleigh? With knock, knock here and a knock, knock there, Santa wakens Old MacDonald for some much needed assistance. When a replacement sleigh has been made, Santa sets off into the starry sky - accompanied by a gobbling flying mate! A fantastical weaving together of two favourite kids' tales: Old MacDonald and Santa Claus.

This latest addition to New Holland's 'Top Spots' range takes the reader on a tour through more than 50 of the beauty spots and cultural must-sees of New Zealand's historic and photogenic north, including but not limited to:

beautiful bays and beaches, from tiny secluded coves to the monumental Ninety Mile Beach or pretty Baylys Beach;

magnificent headlands and peninsulas, including Cape Reinga, Aupouri, Tawharanui;

historic sites, including Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri;

cultural attractions, from the Hundertwasser toilets at Kawakawa to the Matakohe Kauri Museum;

natural phenomena, from the marine reserve at Goat Island to Waipoua Forest (home of the giant kauri Tane Mahuta).


'Top Spots' titles are a great source of inspiration for family outings and make the perfect gift for visitors from farther afield.