The Complete Driver's Atlas of New Zealand product reviews

Most of the year I am stuck in the office, but there are times that I have to do a lot of driving for work. Since I don't think I could find my way to the corner store without the use of local landmarks, any drive that takes me into new territory is quite scary for me, and without my laptop and a copy of TUMONZ loaded up and running I can get pretty seriously lost! Thankfully, I have finally found something that can save me when the battery runs dry on the laptop.
After reading up on how good it was, I went out and bought myself a copy and I am so glad I did. On a recent trip north, I hit Waiouru and because of rotten weather over the Desert Road, I decided to take the National park route. Nwever having driven it before I was quite worried as to how long it would take me to get through, since the laptop was buried in the boot under all the boxes of stock. Silly place to pack it, I know, but hey, it was too late to change that.
Bring on the Driver's Atlas. With every road I needed, plus a lot of extra information, the trip turned from a scary detour into unknown lands, into a relaxing drive with stops for appreciating some of the amazing local scenery that the Central Plateau has to offer.
Awesome book, well worth it for any driver or tourist.

I have been known to pack a bag and jump in the car, and 'go bush' at times... there are times when the pressures of urban life just need to be released into the wild... I have a favourite spot on the shores of Lake Taupo, but since having a read of this, I have found a number of other nice spots I might just have to visit one day.

And the best bit is that, thanks to this book, I know enough about the surrounding areas to know where to run for cover if the weather closes in, where I can go to top up the larder, how far each spot is from my home base, what routes to take, alternatives in case of hazardous roading conditions, so much more than any AA map would have given me.

Having also done some time with the ambulance corp in Waiouru, I was really pleased to see accurate, helpful information on how to help the injured if you come upon an accident, or happen to be in one and remain mobile and coherent... though if you have been in an accident, I strongly advise you to do nothing more than sit your butt on the nearest chunk of safe ground, and wait. Shock can be just as much of a killer.

The section on signs and road-code are vital for any overseas visitors to take in and memorise... it really will help your time in our fair land to be the most pleasant and stress-free as possible. And let's face it, there are more than a few drivers on our roads today that could use the refresher course.

overall, this has to be the most important book any motorist could want or need. For those who are visiting, it has it all, and for residents of our fine land, it will help you avoid those unseemly stops asking for directions, only to find the right road clearly labelled just a half-k down the road. This is satellite navigation... without the satellite.