The book celebrates New Zealanders’ passion for, and commitment to, wildlife conservation. It is organised by location, starting at Cape Reinga and finishing on Ulva Island, focusing on the country’s ten most important protected areas. All kinds of sanctuaries are looked at—scientific reserves, scenic reserves and national parks. All the places chosen by the author are accessible to the general public.

The writing focuses on anecdotes, personal reactions, and descriptions of the people, landscape and animals interwoven with the history of the area, rather than solely scientific information. Sanctuary showcases our unique birds, fish, reptiles, and plants.