NZ West Coast

A look at the West Coast rain-forest, it's origins, ecology, and man's interaction with it. Beautiful colour photographs.

Hodder and Stoughton, Auckland, 1987. Softback. 92 pages. SECONDHAND

A vivid and detailed account of probabably the most remarkable journey of exploration ever made in New Zealand. Thomas Brunner travelled from the infant settlement of Nelson down the Buller river and south along the west coast as far as the glaciers. The return journey was north to the Grey river and Cape Foulwind and back along the Buller. This is his journal. 

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1952. Hardback with dust jacket. 110 pages. SECONDHAND.

In 1846 Brunner and his Maori guides set off from Nelson and travelled down the Buller river and from its mouth down the coast to South Westland, an epic of early NZ exploration and travel. This is the first biography of Brunner and includes his own account of the great journey.

Nikau Press, Nelson, 2006. Hardback, no dust jacket as issued. 288 pages. NEW

Using his own journals this book tells the remarkable story of Charles Douglas who pioneered the exploration of the rivers and mountains of South Westland.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1969. Hardback with dust-jacket. 331 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

The story of a pioneering folk hero. A colourful tale of adventure, discovery and survival in the most remote areas of the Southern Alps. Life of William James O'Leary 1865-1947. First published in 1996, this is the third edition.

Exisle Publishing Ltd., Auckland, 2012. Softback. 182 pages. SECONDHAND

Gerhard Mueller surveyed the West Coast during the gold rush and his letters to his wife in Invercargill written between 1865 and 1866 provide a glimpse into the isolation of the West Coast and the chaos of frontier society.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1958. Hardback with dust-jacket. 238 pages. SECONDHAND

Gerhard Mueller surveyed the West Coast during the gold rush and his letters to his wife in Invercargill written between 1865 and 1866 provide a glimpse into the isolation of the West Coast and the chaos of frontier society. First published in 1958, this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2012. Softback. 237 pages. NEW

Origionally published in 1914 this is a new and expanded edition of the Diggers' Story, a collection of pioneer stories of the goldfields. Many previously unseen images have been included. A very interesting book.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2014. Softback. 191 pages. NEW

The most comprehensive history of the European occupation of the Buller district yet written from original material collected by the author who lived in the area all her life. First published in 1957, this is a facisimle reprint with a new index.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1999. Softback. 216 pages, with index. NEW

The Westport Golf Club opened in 1906 and this records the social history, membership and trophy winners. The club has been resident on various locations.

Concord Press Ltd., Christchurch, 2005. Softback. 132 pages. SECONDHAND

The book recalls the days when Hokitika was 'the most rising place on earth', enjoying unchallenged supremacy as the goldfields emporium, the sixth town in the Colony, and New Zealand's busiest port.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1964. Softback with folds. 48 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of the Borough Council of the goldfields town of Hokitika, the individuals who served on it and the facilities provided by it for the townspeople. Illustrated.

West Coast Historical Museum, Hokitika, 1989. Softback. 108 pages. SECONDHAND

Rare publication to celebrate the opening of the East and West Coast Railway, and the Diamond Jubilee of Westland Province. Varied historical information, hundreds of period advertisements. THIS copy has some damage and repair to the cover, and the staples are rusted, but otherwise a good copy.

Simpson and Williams, Christchurch, 1924. Softback. 208 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the original Hokitika State School, the period as 'Victoria' School, and finally the Hokitika District High School. Illustrated.

Guardian Print, 1953. Softback. 76 pages. SECONDHAND

Autobiography of a Hokitika notable. Henry served with 2NZEF in the middle east, and later in politics in Hokitika. His memoirs include local historical anecdotes as well as his experiences during the war. Second impression. THIS COPY has presentation inscription from the author.

Silver Fox and Associates, Christchurch, 2001. Softback. 362 pages. 

An interesting illustrated history of Hokitika and district written to coincide with the British and Inter-Colonial Exhibition held there in 1923. This copy with a repaired dust jacket.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1923. Hardback with no dust jacket. 187 pages. SECONDHAND

A facinating saga of the most rigorous and adventurous of the New Zealand gold fields. Touches briefly on the tragedies which stalked the early explorers and continues with stories of courage, panic, success, resource, failure, unbelievable privation and sacrifice, equal to the gold rushes anywhere.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1959. Hardback with dust jacket. 223 pages. SECONDHAND

A well illustrated history of the great days of the Westland gold rushes, the people and the gold fields that developed from the Lyell in the north to Okarito in the south. First published in 1959, this is a facimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 223 pages. NEW

A true and authentic account of the great Kumara gold rush on the field in the Teramakau valley, proclaimed in 1863. The history of the rush from the earliest days to the end of the dredging era. Well illustrated.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1977. Softback. 73 pages. SECONDHAND

The author travelled throughout the region in the 1920s and 1930s collecting stories from those still living who remembered the great days of the gold rushes. She also writes of the construction of the Otira tunnel.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1960. Hardback with dust jacket. 208 pages. SECONDHAND

Written in the form of a traveller's guide to the goldfields of the wild west coast and an examination of the bonanza of its glorious golden days, murder, mayhem and natural disasters.

A.H. and A.W. Reed Ltd., Wellington, 1975. Softback. 88 pages. SECONDHAND

Records in a lively style the life, colour and atmosphere prevailing in the early days of settlement and is filled with authentic anectdotes of the struggling and adventurous population of the gold rush days. First edition. Scarce. THIS COPY WITH NO DUST JACKET

Whicombe and Tombs, Christchurch, 1939. Hardback with no dust jacket. 258 pages. SECONDHAND

Records in a lively style the life, colour and atmosphere prevailing in the early days of settlement and is filled with authentic anectdotes of the struggling and adventurous population of the gold rush days. Fascimile reprint.

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1976. Hardback with dust jacket. 258 pages. SECONDHAND

Reminiscences of Westland from its settlement by gold-seekers and traders. These tales origionally appeared in the columns of the Grey River Argus. First published in book form in 1906, this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2010. Softback. 225 pages. NEW

A collection of good stories and hilarious anecdotes concerning the nature of West Coasters.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1959. Hardback with dust jacket. 158 pages. SECONDHAND

Packed with anectdotes 17 years of life on the goldfields of Victoria, New Soth Wales and mostly the West Coast of New Zealand in the 1860s. First edition. THIS COPY has the text-block detaching from the boards, and the lower joint is partially split.

Edwards, Dunlop & Co., Melbourne, 1888. Cloth boards. 179 pages. SECONDHAND

Packed with anectdotes 17 years of life on the goldfields of Victoria, New Soth Wales and mostly the west coast of New Zealand in the 1860s. First published in 1888 this is the facsimile reprint.

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1971. Hardback with dust jacket. 179 pages. SECONDHAND

An illustrated history of the 'coast' from its earliset Maori inhabitants, the exciting days of the gold rushes, timber milling and coal mining to the modern era of tourism and dairy booms.

Cornwall Publications, Christchurch, 2012. Softback. 75 pages. SECONDHAND

A study of the history of the Irish on the coast who were initally attracted by the gold but many of whom stayed on to form a community with a distinctive character.

Otago University Press, Dunedin, 2007. Softback. 203 pages. NEW

A 1993 record of the development of Greymouth and district and some of the activities and achievements of its citizens, councils and community organisations. Published for the 125th Jubilee of the Grey District.

Greymouth Evening Star Co. Ltd., 1993. Softback. 160 pages. SECONDHAND

Memories of Rewanui Settlement, the Liverpool Coal Mines and the Rewanui Incline. Gives information on the railway, the mining industry and the community. Two maps at rear.

The Rewanui Preservation Society, Greymouth, 2000. Softback. 156 pages. SECONDHAND

A record of the Marist Brothers in Greymouth. 100 years of schooling and the contribution of students and former students to the community.

Marist Brothers Centennial Celebrations Committee, 1992. Softback. 140 pages. SECONDHAND

A collection of memories and stories of life in Greymouth between 1939 and 1965. Many photographs, excellent local history. THIS COPY has a minor watermark at foot of pages near the rear.

The Greymouth Evening Star, 1990. Card covers. 59 pages. SECONDHAND

Limestone geological formations and landscapes near Punakaiki on the West Coast captured in photographs. Text explains the Karst formations of the Paparoa Ranges.

Craig Potton, Nelson, 1987. Hardback with dust jacket. 118 pages. SECONDHAND

A good local history of the district and its people on the northern side of the Grey River, Westland, from the earliest days by an author who was born there.

J. Minehan, Christchurch, 1986. Hardback with dust jacket. 98 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

A good modern general history of the Buller District and of its colonisation by Europeans. Covers the gold rush era and its later phases as well as coal and coal mining. A chapter is devoted to each of the larger settlement and there are numerous interesting illustrations. 

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2004. Softback. 224 pages. NEW

Describes the history of gold mining at Nelson Creek in Westland, the origins and fate of a once bustling gold rush town. Illustrated. First published in 1976 this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2009. Softback. 99 pages, illustrated. NEW

Short history of gold prospecting in the Nelson Creek area of Westland. Places about Nelson Creek, the Water Races, Chinese miners, dredges, schools and churches, farms and sawmills. With photographs and a map. This is a limited edition, number 135 of 500 copies. Signed by Peaches.

Self Published, 1976. Softback. 100 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of the communities of Rotomanu, Inchbonnie and Poerua in the Rotomanu valley of central Westland. A story of pioneers mining, timber milling and farming.

Peter Stewart, Levin, 1986. Hardback with dust jacket. 184 pages. SECONDHAND

A detailed history and survey of  gold mining in the Reefton area. Resource Information Report 15.

Energy and Resources Division, Ministry of Commerce, Wellington, 1993. Softback. 59 pages. SECONDHAND

A very comprehensive and detailed description of the hard rock mines in the Wesr Coast districts of Marlborough, Nelson and Westland, including maps and plans, written by an Inspector of Mines. First published in 1928, this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 143 pages. NEW

Karamea District Centennial publication including the Karamea School Centennial. A wealth of information on settlement and industry in the district.

Buller Printing Company, (1975). Softback. 96 pages. SECONDHAND

Karamea District Centennial publication including the Karamea School Centennial. A wealth of information on settlement and industry in the district. First published in 1975.

Buller Printing Company, 1996. Softback. 96 pages. SECONDHAND

The illustrated centennial memorial of the history of the Borough of Westport from its founding in the wake of the first gold rushes. First published in 1973 this is a facimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2000. Softback, A4 size. 80 pages. NEW

Famous for its dozens of hotels and its casino girls Charleston was New Zealand's classic gold mining town. Springing from nowhere in 1866, it rapidly grew into the bustling prosperous centre of the West Coast gold boom and just as swiftly collapsed when the gold was gone. First publisherd in 1941 this is a fascimile reprint.

Capper Press, Christchurch, 1980. Hardback with dust jacket. 231 pages. SECONDHAND

Famous for its dozens of hotels, one for every 150 people, and its Casino girls, Charleston was New Zealand's classis gold mining town. Springing from nowhere in 1866 it rapidly grew into a busy and prosperous centre and just as swiftly collapsed when the gold was gone. First published in 1941, this is a fascimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2007. Softback. 250 pages. NEW

Even by the standards of West Coast gold rush towns, the rise and fall of Brighton was rapid. In late 1866 its beachfront site had businesses catering for 5000 gold seekers, including more than 50 hotels; less than three years later most buildings stood empty or were torn down. This is the story of Brighton.

Friends of Fox River and Bridge Inc., Runanga, 2010. Softback. 144 pages. SECONDHAND

A story of a pioneering enterprise and a history of the area, it's timber mills and coal mines, tramways and associated engineering and todays tracks that mark this important industrial heritage.

NZ Railway ans Locomotive Society Inc., Wellington, 2012. Softback. 187 pages. NEW

Taken from the illustrated diary of William Smart, who began prospecting on the West Coast in 1862, before the 'rush'. Gives a good first hand account of life for Maori and Pakeha prospectors at the time.

Canterbury University Press, Christchurch, 2016. Softback. 157 pages. NEW

The story of two generations of a pioneer family that was involved in the West Coast gold rush. Firstly the life of Henry Spencer, the gold seeker and then the life of Annie Spencer on a gold claim in the Matakitaki valley. Illustrated. THIS COPY signed by the author.

Battyprint NZ Ltd., Christchurch, 1979. Hardback with dust jacket. 193 pages. SECONDHAND

The history of the west coast gold rushes in the experience of one town, Ross, the most productive alluvial gold field in the country, unequalled in investment and technological development. Well illustrated text written by a goldfields scholar born in the town. A west coast classic.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1970. Hardback with dust jacket. 104 pages. SECONDHAND

An interesting collection of six essays all written by ex coasters deal with key episodes in the political life of Westland, militancy was the common factor. Illustrated.

Whitcoulls Ltd., Christchurch, 1975. Hardback with dust jacket. 174 pages. SECONDHAND

In March 1868 a priest and a newspaper editor led a mock funeral into Hokitika cemetery to commemorate Fenian agitators hanged in Britain. This action provoked a strong reaction from the authorities and from loyalist miners. This is that history now part of west coast legend and romance.

Grantham House, Wellington. 1990. Softback. 178 pages. SECONDHAND.

A very well researched, informative and well illustrated history of policing the South Island West Coast. The first two officers were sent there to Hokitika, from Christchurch in 1864, and this book recounts the history of the West Coast force to 1990. THIS copy has a worn dust jacket.

New Zealand Police, Greymouth, 1990. Hardback with dust jacket. 204 pages. SECONDHAND

For twelve days in 1941 the countryside round the small West Coast settlement of Koiterangi, near Hokitika was terrorised by 40 year old local farmer Stanley Graham who murdered seven men. This is a well researched factual account of one of the country's worst ever crimes. Fully illustrated. First edition.

Whitcoulls Publishers, Christchurch, 1979. Hardback with dust jacket. 224 pages. SECONDHAND

Despite its drawbacks of isolation, inclement weather and barrenness, the author doubts if any other New Zealand town of like size had even a fraction of the varied interests which the hill had to offer. Here in a little world apart, was an existance geared to the winning of coal. The author lived at Denniston for twenty years and these memories have inspired recent successful fiction. First edition, this copy signed by the author.

J.W. Baty Ltd., Christchurch, 1971. Hardback with dust jacket. 168 pages. SECONDHAND

Despite its drawbacks of isolation, inclement weather and barrenness, the author doubts if any other New Zealand town of like size had even a fraction of the varied interests which the hill had to offer. Here in a little world apart, was an existance geared to the winning of coal. The author lived at Denniston for twenty years and these memories have inspired recent successful fiction. First published in 1971, this is a facsmile reprint with an index for the first time.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2004. Softback. 168 pages, with index. NEW

A complete illustrated history of the remarkable technical achievement of winning coal from such an inhospitable landsape. Profusely illustrated with maps and photographs.

NZ Railway and Locomotive Society Inc., Wellington, 2008. Softback. 96 pages. NEW

The Mount Rochfort Railway and the Denniston Incline. The coal mine and associated rail line, incorporating the Westport-Waimangaroa railway, Conns Creek branch line and the Denniston Incline. Well illustrated with photographs.

The New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society Inc., Wellington, 1981. Softback. 74 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of quartz mines and mining in the West Coast township of Waiuta by a longtime resident. A story of drinking, gambling, fighting, loving above ground and swearing and sweating below. First edition.

Privately Printed, Christchurch, 1962. Softback. 158 pages. SECONDHAND

Chronicles the early years of mining in Buller from the earliest days in the 1860s to the end of the nineteenth century when coal from the Buller was the basis of virtually all New Zealand's industrial and transport systems. Illustrated.

Norman Crawshaw, Westport, 1999. Softback. 116 pages. SECONDHAND

A comprehensive and well illustrated history of the mining and industrial activity of this famous West Coast area.

Bright Print, Greymouth, 2004. Softback. 194 pages, illustrations.  SECONDHAND

This Jubilee publication includes notable Runanga sporting personalities, Runanga School, Co-Operative society, establishment of the settlement and politics in Westland.

Runanga Borough Council, 1986. Softback, 112 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of how the Kokatahi Band of Westland began. Includes membership list of and repertoire of tunes.  Also chapters on the herons of Okarito and the Savage Club. THIS COPY signed on title page by the author.

Nelson, Frank Graham, 2001. Softback, illustrated, 196 pages. SECONDHAND

A complete account of the life of the whitebaiters on the Cascade River. Includes the characters, the equipment and technology, and the netting and processing of the whitebait. Photos in the text.

Whitcoulls Ltd., Christchurch, 1979. Hardback with dust jacket. 126 pages. SECONDHAND

A concise regional history of the Haast from the remote early days of exploration and prospecting to the road builders and the engineering triumph of the road through the Haast Pass.

A.H. and A. W. Reed, Wellington, 1966. Hardback with dust jacket. 116 pages. SECONDHAND

The illustrated history of the unsuccessful attempt to found a Vogel inspired 'special Settlement' in remote South Westland from 1875 onwards. A story of courage, hope and pathos. First edition.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1976. Hardback with dust jacket. 198 pages. SECONDHAND

History of the wholly unsuccessful attempt by the New Zealand Government to plant a settlement in remote Jacksons Bay, South Westland. A tale of endeavour, misery, hardship, suffering and ultimate ruin, a tribute to pioneer settlers. First published in 1976 this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1997. Softback. 198 pages. NEW

Tells the story of a remote area of South Westland and the settlement of Okuru. The Buchanan family struggle for survival after their move to Okuru in 1931.

Myra Fulton, Takaka, 2004. Softback. 320 pages. SECONDHAND

A lively and personal narrative of pioneering settlement in remote South Westland, just north of Milford Sound. The author's father took his family to settle at Martins Bay in 1874 and she succeeds in conveying the reality of pioneering. Here is a story of hardship and endurance quite outside modern experience. The first printing. THIS COPY has a repaired tear to the back cover of the dust jacket.

Southland Historical Committee/ ODT, Dunedin, 1947. Hardback with dust jacket. 116 pages. SECONDHAND

A lively and personal narrative of pioneering settlement in remote South Westland, just north of Milford Sound. The author's father took his family to settle at Martins Bay in 1874 and she succeeds in conveying the reality of pioneering. Here is a story of hardship and endurance quite outside modern experience. First published in 1947. Dust jacket is rubbed and has tears and chips.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1952. Hardback with dust jacket. 129 pages. SECONDHAND

Introduces the Maori and European history of the Haast district in South Westland, and shares the life stories of nine people who grew up there in the first half of the twentieth century. Illustrated.

University of Otago Press, Dunedin, 2001. Softback. 152 pages. SECONDHAND

Poems by The Bard of Inangahua, with biographical introduction by his son. Born in Kilmarnock in 1851 he arrived in New Zealand after the death of his wife in 1875. With portrait frontis. THIS COPY has 'Authors Autograph Hugh Smith' to free end paper, and the errata slip.

Coulls Somerville Wilkie Ltd., Dunedin, 1923. Hardback with no dust jacket. 187 pages. SECONDHAND

Memoir written by a West Coaster who recounts his life including many tramping and mountaineering trips.

Denis Knight, Greymouth, 2011. Softback. 121 pages. SECONDHAND

Self published memoirs of a man born in Hokitika in 1927. In 1956 he contracted polio, not that he has let this stop him leading a full and interesting life. He has written quite a yarn of his life before and after falling ill. THIS COPY  signed presentation copy from the author.

Alan Kearns, (1993). Comb bound softback. 103 pages. SECONDHAND