With Axe and Rope in the New Zealand Alps

"With Axe and Rope in the New Zealand Alps" by George Edward Mannering is a captivating recount of five seasons spent exploring and climbing in New Zealand's Alps, written as a late 19th-century travelogue. The author, a seasoned climber, aims to showcase the stunning alpine landscape and guide future climbers through these majestic mountains while sharing his exciting personal encounters in the Southern Alps, including the towering Aorangi or Mount Cook. He emphasizes the geographical makeup of the area, the challenges of navigating the terrain, the overwhelming beauty of the landscape, and the excitement found in the area's expansive glaciers. The early expeditions set the stage, promising a story filled with both alpine successes and learning experiences.