it's a little brick, obviously intended to be compact.  A bit expensive, though the $21.46 NZD postage obviously contributes.  

The book's from 2004 and no indication of revisions since, so some items may be out of date.  The "sick little maps" are cleverly designed and the whole thing looks like a good guide to beaches.  

The book's comment about having a 4X4 seems well taken.  Christchurch had more of them than I'd seen in a long time, especially functional, not stylish ones.  The high cost of gas seemed to put limits on big pickups.  Saw lots of snorkels.  

Looks like a good resource for beach lovers.  The online FindaBeach.co.NZ is helpful but limited.  Australia has Andrew Short's fabulous books describing nearly every beach in the country from a lifeguard/geology/surfing perspective.  

New Zealand surf and fishing books (1 of 1).jpg  (189 KB)

Here's a page spread.  Enough to get a general idea of what's up.  

NZ surf guide Piha (1 of 1).jpg  (201 KB)