This historical account of Banks Peninsula--a unique volcanic landform jutting eastwards into the Pacific Ocean from the otherwise unsurprising Canterbury Plains--relates the remarkable history of a true environmental Mecca. Once densely forested, the land was stripped of nearly all of its trees and much of its original wildlife by two great waves of human colonization--Polynesian and European--and this book traces how these actions have affected the area today, presenting a concise summary of the current landscape, vegetation, and wildlife. Stunning photographs and charming drawings pair with figures, tables, and full checklists of species to provide valuable information on the region's flora, fauna, geology, and ecology, making this an essential resource for locals and visitors alike.