Survive Aotearoa

A book for young explorers aged 14 and over. 

Survive Aotearoa is a page-turning collection of 16 true stories, spanning the Hokianga in the Far North to Antarctica. These unexpected misadventures took place along our coastlines, in our forests, on our mountains and deep under the ground. Each celebrates the courage, compassion and teamwork that can lead to survival and helps us learn more about the grit and determination that define New Zealand outdoorsmen and women.

This books is a sequel to our award-winning title Explore! Aotearoa.

The author, Bronwen Wall’s dynamic narrative has made these wonderful New Zealand adventurers approachable and exciting. Bronwen is a regular contributor to the Ministry of Educations’ Junior Journal, School Journal and the Connected series. She has also edited and written several adventure books, including Harry Watson: the Mile Eater and the Tararua Adventure Guide.

The award-winning illustrator, Kimberly Andrews, has researched and painted stunning watercolours of the adventures, helping capture the excitement, and sometimes desperation, of their adventures. Kimberly’s picture book illustrations have been widely acclaimed, winning multiple awards. She also writes and illustrates her own children’s books – most recently Moose the Pilot and Goose the Artist.

Evocative illustrations, maps, photographs and paintings add a rich visual layer to the stories. Survive Aotearoa is engaging for all readers.

‘It was the most remarkable event I’ve ever been part of.’ – Sir Edmund Hillary

‘Team survived by eating penguins’ – N.Z. Press Association

‘We are three skeletons, just alive.’ – Alphonse Barrington

‘I was high as a kite the day we found him.’ – Constable Cunningham

‘Never, ever had I yearned for sleep so much.’ – Penny Hazard

‘She was a bossy old cow … I knew she wouldn’t enjoy me hanging onto her, but I wasn’t letting go.’ – Kim Riley

‘I had to face my greatest fear, and my greatest fear was dying.’ – Rob Hewitt