Traditionally it has been necessary to combine many different sources of information when looking at trips in the Canterbury area. In Canterbury Foothills and Forests, Pat Barrett has brought together all this information into one standard form in one book.

The extent of the guidebook is from Mt Peel and the Rangitata in the South to Mt Grey in the North, and as far west as the eastern parts of Arthurs Pass. The extensive range of trips described covers from short walks to long weekend trips, right across the full range of difficulty(excluding mountaineering). Full route descriptions are provided and these give more than adequate information for following the route. Access information, where relevant, is also provided as well, which is something sometimes missing in other guidebooks of this nature.

There is also plenty of historical, botanical and geological information given, and this only adds interest to the trips. A novel feature of the book is also the personal anecdotes that are scattered throughout and provide glimpses into the author's own tramping experiences.

One major feature of this guidebook is the use of full colour maps and photographs throughout the book, something that has been lacking in other guidebooks. The author's own photography is used and is of an excellent standard, and really takes advantage of the full colour. Another useful feature is the topographic maps that accompany most of the trips in the book. These are handy for seeing exactly where the route goes for more effective planning of trips and following the descriptions in the book, however they are more of a complement rather than a substitute for real maps due to their small scale.

Canterbury Foothills and Forests provides good, well-organised information in a form that is interesting and easy to read. It is a perfect companion for sitting around in a group of friends planning that next excursion into what is a very close and accessible area for tramping.