Discover Nature in Aotearoa
New Zealand

Through my books about nature …

… thousands of children, teens and their families are inspired to explore and discover the natural world around them. My books are a starting point for curious kids and their families. Find more tips for young nature heroes here. And more nature inspiration in my blog.

  • Cover of Mia and Leo Go Wild

    Mia & Leo Go Wild

    Join a family’s first tramping adventure. Illustrated by Gavin Mouldey and created with the support of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

  • Cover of New Zealand Nature Heroes

    New Zealand Nature Heroes

    Inspiration & activities for young conservationists

  • Cover of Animals of Aotearoa

    Animals of Aotearoa

    Explore and discover New Zealand’s wildlife. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of At the Beach

    At the Beach

    Explore and discover the New Zealand seashore. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of In the Garden

    In the Garden

    Explore and discover the New Zealand backyard. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of In the Bush

    In the Bush

    Explore and discover New Zealand’s native forests. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of Under the Ocean

    Under the Ocean

    Explore and discover New Zealand’s sea life. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of Up the River

    Up the River

    Explore and discover New Zealand’s rivers, lakes and wetlands. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of From Moa to Dinosaurs

    From Moa to Dinosaurs

    Explore and discover ancient New Zealand. Illustrated by Ned Barraud.

  • Cover of Whose Beak is This?

    Whose Beak is This?

    Illustrated by Fraser Williamson. Out of print, however some stock is still available in bookstores. Borrow it from your local library.

  • Cover of Whose Home is This?

    Whose Home is This?

    Illustrated by Fraser Williamson. Out of print, however some stock is still available in bookstores. Borrow it from your local library.

  • Cover of Whose Feet are These?

    Whose Feet are These?

    Illustrated by Fraser Williamson. Out of print, but still in your local library.

Workshops & Schools

  • Book a school visit through Writers in Schools.

  • Contact me for Library or Bookshop events.

  • See ideas for Parents and Educators.

  • Subscribe to my newsletter for ideas and inspiration.

Photo of Gillian Candler running workshop with students at Pataka Museum
Gillian Candler reading to children at Crofton Downs School
Ruma Takahē (yr5/6) really enjoyed Gillian’s visit. She hooked us all in with her stories about what inspires her writing. We especially enjoyed hearing about her encounters with little blue penguins and the details about how to spot their tracks. Great to have a local author come and make the writing process real for kids and for them to imagine their potential futures as writers or in other related careers.
— Rachel Hall, teacher Paremata School 
Photo of signage about Penguins at Pukerua Bay Beach
Excerpt of Nature Hunt list

Resources for Young Nature Heroes

  • Discover ways to take action and be a Nature Hero.

  • Download free PDF nature activities.

  • Learn more about Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Get tips for Parents and Educators.

Explore and Discover Nature

Follow along with me as I explore and discover nature in Aotearoa New Zealand

  • My blog includes stories about taking action for nature, nature activities for kids and intriguing facts about our unique wildlife

  • I share what I see when I’m out and about in nature on Instagram @DiscoverNatureNZ

  • Some of my most interesting observations I upload to iNaturalist to learn more about them and to share with scientists

  • Subscribe to my occasional newsletter for updates including book news.