Our Top Books & resources for learning about New Zealand
- iamalexandra
- Feb 17, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 28, 2024
Here are some of our favourite resources for finding out about Australia – books, podcasts, TV programmes, documentaries, puzzles, games and internet research links.
information books about New Zealand
A Kiwi Year: Twelve months in the life of New Zealand’s kids Tania McCartney
A year in the life of a group of New Zealand children – showing everyday modern life, celebrations and past traditions.
Kia Ora New Zealand Sohan Chunduru
A story of two children that go on a trip to New Zealand and discover the customs and culture through historical landmarks, foods, and festivals.
Rata and the Waka: A Tale from New Zealand by Jephson Gibbs
A retelling of a well-known, traditional story with some information pages about New Zealand and Maori culture.
Volcanoes
Franklyn M Branley
Full of scientific volcano but very accessible – not specifically New Zealand focused but definitely recommend this series.
fictional books about New Zealand
Manu The Kiwi of Kindness Rosie Chenault
A sweet story about kindness that takes place in New Zealand.
Inky the Octopus Erin Guendelsberger
Published in partnership with the National Aquarium of New Zealand, this tells the real-life story of an octopus that escaped to freedom in the New Zealand ocean!
Falling into Rarohenga Steph Matuku
Something for the older ones, this includes a touch of magic and lots of info on the Māori Underworld.
We didn't read this so can't personally vouch for it but I've heard good things!
General information Books
The Natural History Book The Ultimate Visual Guide to Everything on Earth
One of the best reference books on our shelves – we love it for looking up obscure animals! Good reference for any New Zealand animals.
Atlas of Adventures A collection of natural wonders, exciting experiences and fun festivities from the four corners of the globe.
This has a very visual double-page spread on doing the Haka and Waitangi national holiday.
MAPS
We love this book for it’s fun illustrations and it’s a great way to start a topic – introducing things we might like to find out more about.
TV & movies about NEw Zealand
• If you're in the UK, the BBC's New Zealand, Earth's Mythical Islands
• Disney's musical film Moana features Maui and some Maori folklore but is based on a fictional Polynesian island – lots of fun for younger ones
• Whale Rider is a film set in the Maori community – great film but better for 10+
• Put New Zealand into the search bar of the RealWild YouTube channel for lots of animal documentaries
• Put New Zealand into the search bar of the Brave Wilderness YouTube channel for lots of animal documentaries
• Travel Kids video on New Zealand
• The Wild Kratts shows have episodes on New Zealand animals
Please note we are not responsible for the content of these videos. You may want to watch them first to ensure they are suitable for your family.
New Zealand research links
• Museum of New Zealand: Plants and Animals Maori artefacts New Zealand art
• New Zealand Ministry of Education Maori stories
• If you're in the UK, BBC Bitesize White Island volcano erruption Takahē birds
• Information on New Zealand from National Geographic Kids
• Information on New Zealand from Britannica
• Kiddle child-safe search engine facts and photos
More New Zealand resources
If you’d like to find out about Australia with some hands-on activities, check out our Exploring New Zealand topic guide – craft a Koru, carve a Tekoteko, measure a Kauri tree, make a mini geyser and lots more!
