This 2008 Travel Guide is the second edition of the book, focussing on the needs of the organic and eco-conscious travellers, and containing information on organic food outlets, eco-accommodation options and environmental tourism offers all over New Zealand.

The guide has about 600 listings including organic food cafes, restaurants, shops; Farmers’ Markets; wellness retreats; and nature-based activities and adventures.

Compiled, edited and published by the wife-husband team of Leonie Johnsen and Dr Tony Ward, this edition is bigger and better than the first one in many respects.

Leonie is a professional photographer and graphic artist, and has worked for Organic NZ magazine, as production manager; while Dr Tony Ward has a PhD in Architecture, and has specialised in community design for 40 years.

Both of them are pleased with the new edition. Dr Tony Ward sounded quite thrilled with the response to the book from the community. “This edition has a lot more than just listings – a whole new section on the Treaty of Waitangi, Maori glossary and Marae protocols. It’s much more than a guide book. Besides offering information on affordable eco-tourism options, this book provokes thought for discussion,” he told Rural Living.

A very well written and compiled book, it makes a good read, especially for someone keen to learn more about the eco-travelling philosophy.

The book is easy to read and browse for information, with some incredibly beautiful photographs of the NZ landscape, outlets and products on offer. These are the main highlights of the book that can lure the reader into embracing cultural and eco-tourism.