The King Country; or, Explorations in New Zealand
A Narrative of 600 Miles of Travel Through Maoriland.
"The King Country; or, Explorations in New Zealand" by J. H. Kerry-Nicholls is a narrative travelogue written in the late 19th century. The text chronicles the author’s extensive journey through the King Country, a region of New Zealand predominantly governed by the Maori people and largely unexplored by Europeans. The narrative likely delves into not only the physical and geographical aspects of the territory but also the rich cultural interactions between the Maori and European settlers, highlighting significant historical events. The opening of the book introduces the King Country, outlining its vast and varied landscapes, rich history, and the political climate concerning the Maori tribes and Europeans. The author shares his motivations for undertaking this journey, mentioning his credentials from Sir George Grey, Governor of New Zealand, aiming to explore land that had been closed off to outsiders due to native hostility. He describes meeting King Tawhiao and the complexities of negotiating through a territory marked by cultural resistance and a yearning for autonomy from colonial influence. The detailed descriptions of geographical features and the conditions of the native peoples set the stage for an engaging exploration of a forbidden land that straddles the edges of civilization and tradition.