Under The Microscope

NEW ZEALAND'S SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS, by Tom O'Connor; Reed, 1999; 104 pp; $29.95

Reviewed by Vicki Hyde

Until this century, few visitors to the subantarctic islands were willing ones, but increasing interest in eco-tourism and an eagerness for remote places has seen greater appreciation for these isolated points of rock far to the south of New Zealand. Even with eco-expeditions, few of us will have the privilege of visiting the Auckland Islands or the Snares.

This revised edition of a 1991 handbook produced by the Department of Conservation will, therefore, be a welcome addition to the armchair traveler's bookcase. Though one might be tempted to describe these small islands as "desolate", the well-chosen photos and clear text demonstrate that such is not the case. Cold, wet and windy may well be suitable descriptions of the weather, but that doesn't seem to bother the diverse plant and animal life, strange, in some cases, to mainland eyes.

Whether you're staying home or planning your own visit, New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands would make a great introduction to one of the last places on earth.

Vicki Hyde is the editor of New Zealand Science Monthly.