Straying from the Flock: Travels in New Zealand | 
 enlarge | Author: Alexander Elder
Publisher: Wiley
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $8.35
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Rating:  40 reviews
Sales Rank: 81522
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.9
ISBN: 0471718637
Dewey Decimal Number: 919.3044
EAN: 9780471718635
ASIN: 0471718637
Publication Date: April 25, 2005
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Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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Product Description
An illuminating road trip through the history, life, and attractions of one of the most beautiful countries in the southern hemisphere
The beauty and grandeur of New Zealand has captured the imagination of movie-goers over the past couple of years, and the country is a dream destination for many around the world. Straying from the Flock is an intimate and personal account of one passionate traveler's visit to this incredible country, its mountains and beaches, fjords, rainforests, vineyards, and hidden eateries. Each of the fifty chapters describes one day in his travels-fishing, flying, cattle herding, befriending locals at every turn. Filled with colorful stories and memorable personalities, the book not only describes the trip of a lifetime, but captures a life-altering experience for its writer. From mountains and rainforests to cities and beaches, Straying from the Flock is both a moving memoir and personal travel guide to this amazing country.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 35 more reviews...
 Complain, complain, complain! January 7, 2009
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was only able to finish this book because it was so bad that it became hilarious. Elder spends more time describing the cleavage of women and complaining about everything than he does describing New Zealand. He "tells" rather than "shows," which makes for one boring read. Do we really care about how many times he uses his cell phone, checks his e-mail, drinks a glass of wine, drives fast, or can afford to fly business class? He just comes across as a self-absorbed, extremely impatient man with no tact.
Sadly, there are few travelogues for New Zealand, and even fewer that are actually worth reading. The little bit of history and culture that Elder includes in his book can be found elsewhere. I suggest "A Traveller's History of New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands" by John H. Chambers. It's very interesting and informative.
 Interesting tale October 6, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had expected more out of this book than I got. I suppose it was a bit off putting to be reading about a wealthy guy's travel when I couldn't afford most of what he did. I did appreciate some insights about places even though I'd have to visit them on a lower budget.
 A Magic Journey June 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I wish my armchair grew wings and flew me to New Zealand, with the book's author as an engaging, enchanting guide! I followed his journey across that country and was transported into landscapes and homes he so vividly described.
 Just so-so June 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm off to NZ in a few weeks and was excited by the other reviews of this book. It sounded like a magical tour through a magical land. And while the stories were somewhat compelling, I found myself constantly waiting for something deeper, more profound, more passionate. The descriptions and especially the emotions in the writing were very superficial. Eventually I got tired of reading about all the wine and food and put the book down. Each day is it's own 2-4 page chapter which leaves the book with an unsettled feeling. Yes, I appreciated getting to know a little about a lot of things. But all in all, I thought the book was flat.
Kindle your Wanderlust! May 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful travel narrative: entertaining, informative, fun. As I eagerly turned pages, I felt I was taking a "virtual trip" to NZ (both North and South islands), and one that provided me a sense of familiarity when I made an actual trip there in March 2008. Dr. Elder shares his quirky observations about the people, "straying from the flock" alternative lodgings like homestays and farmstays, the country's history, the local food and wine, and some key destinations on both islands. His highlights of places to see -- like Auckland, Queenstown, Rotorua -- and activities unique to each guided me in planning my own itinerary. The only aspect of the book that proved somewhat "dated" was the reported cost of everything. Clearly, when Dr. Elder made his trip, the exchange rate was much more favorable to the US$ than it is has become in the last year or so. (For example, when he paid NZ$100 for something, it cost him less than US$50. That would translate into about US$80 in today's market.)
In summary, for anyone contemplating a trip to NZ, or just curious about this faraway land, I recommend this book as an essential part of your research and planning.
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