During the gold rush many people were attracted to New Zealand and this group of islands still has no shortage of charms: today's tourist will encounter a range of scenery not to be found in all the countries of Europe combined. There are volcanoes and glaciers, mountain lakes and rugged fjords, spouting geysers and crater landscapes, desert and rainforest. There are many peoples and many cultures: the Maoris, British and various other groups of immigrants have bestowed on this country its special cultural characteristics. A journey to New Zealand, with all its vitality and abundant contrasts, is an unforgettable experience. The colour photographs of Axel M. Mosler vividly record the scenic variety and cultural tensions of New Zealand, while the introductory essay by Hildesuse Gaertner reflects her own enthusiasm and sensitivity towards New Zealand. Included in the anthology section of this volume are reports by the European discoverers and stories by New Zealand most famous modern writers. In the travel section, Hildesuse Gaertner supplies a wealth of ideas for a journey through one of the most fascinating countries of the world.