SKIPPERS & THE SHOTOVER RIVER, QUEENSTOWN
Gerald Cunningham
Bateman
Skippers is the latest local area guide book by Central Otago writer, photographer and historian Gerald Cunningham.
While acknowledging Queenstown and the Shotover River as New Zealand's ''playground'' and touching on the high-profile adventure-tourism activities in the area, Cunningham predominantly explores its rich history, landmarks and stunning scenery.
He profiles the people and forces which have shaped the area through the years, providing information about the formation of the Shotover Gorge to snippets about Chinaman Choie (Charles) Sew Hoy, who began the gold-dredging boom that made Otago the wealthiest province in the late 19th century, early businessman, farmer and gold-mining equipment transporter French Canadian Julien Bourdeau, British World War 1 nursing heroine Edith Cavell, memorialised in the bridge that spans the Shotover River at Arthurs Point, to Ngai Tahu, which now owns Shotover Jet.
Dozens of glossy photographs, several maps and a list of relevant websites complete the package.
This is a simple, user-friendly and informative guide, which would be equally useful for readers wanting a brief insight of the Shotover's rich history, or a perfect handbook for visitors keen to explore the area's attractions.
Helen Speirs is ODT books editor.
