Karstified landscapes are among the most bizarre on our planet -- both above and below ground. This book takes you on a visual journey across sublime karst scenery and into the subterranean wilderness of New Zealand caves. Accompanied by popular scientific texts, stunning images lead you from the sculptured limestone pavements of the alpine marble karst to the grassland and jungle karst of the foothills, onwards into the twilight zone and deeper into the caves. It explores the diversity of peculiar features and creatures of the underground, ventures back into the light of cave ruins, and concludes with karst-related Māori rock art. Learn about the life cycle of the endemic glowworm and the critically endangered Nelson cave spider. Explore the majesty of cave minerals forming speleothems of all types. Discover the many roles water plays in shaping karst and understand the vulnerability of these geotopes and biotopes. New Zealand Karst reveals how you can appreciate karst as a phenomenon where geological, biological, and archaeological beauty all come together in harmony.
Max Wisshak is a German geoscientist in the field of marine research and has published dozens of scientific articles and book contributions on this subject matter. He is also a passionate speleologist, cave photographer, writer, and publisher, who runs his own publishing label ‘speleo-photo editions’. New Zealand Karst (2020) is his second coffee-table book on the subjects of karst and caves, following Inside Mother Earth (2008). Stefanie Wisshak – his wife and co-author of New Zealand Karst – is a geographer working as free-lance designer, writer, and text editor.
“. . . outstandingly impressive, a gorgeous volume of images. . . it is not only the location that counts, but the sheer enjoyment of sitting quietly and feeling peace that exudes from ‘being there’, a vicarious pleasure transmitted by the images. . . ” -- Chris Howes, Descent Magazine
“. . . stunning landscape images, that really capture the ecological diversity of New Zealand and how these landscapes influence the structure of the resulting caves that form. . . Max has a reputation for being one of the best cave photographers in the world, and this book shows how he has earned that reputation. . . These glow-worm images are quite spectacular, and with his scientific approach, Max does a good job of illustrating how these fluorescent maggots are doing their ‘glow’ magic. . . the images either make you gasp or long to be on rope. . . ” -- Hazel Barton, NSS News
“. . . all of the photographs are first-class. . . The double page spread photos are incredible and mark a new stage in photo reproduction in books. . . Certainly one of the cave books you should have. . . ” -- Ross Ellis, Journal of the Sydney Speleological Society
“. . . Here, the mastery of Max's photography is demonstrated. . . The entire concept of the book is based on a simple form, upgraded with an excellent design, a good selection of typography and, last but not least, artfully placed photographs that round up the whole of each chapter. The final touch to the overall impression is given by superb print with a beautiful reproduction of colours. . . ” -- Peter Gedei, Acta Carsologica
“Karst landscapes, among the most bizarre on our planet, are featured in this spectacular book focusing on New Zealand karst. Breathtaking photographs, illuminating illustrations, and accessible scientific text engage the reader in learning about this multi-faceted world. From alpine, grassland, and jungle to two-million-year-old caves, with creatures like glowworms and features like Māori rock art, this book is a wonder.” -- Next Generation Indie Book Awards Judge
