The Boy from Gorge River

From New Zealand's Remotest Family to the World Beyond

On the West Coast of the South Island, past deep fjords, glassy lakes, forested valleys and snow-capped mountains, lies the Long family cabin. It was here that Chris Long spent the first 17 years of his life, two days' hike from the nearest road.

In this heartfelt and captivating account, Chris describes childhood with nature on his doorstep – helping his father catch crayfish and his mother grow vegetables, dreaming of helicopter visits, playing with toys crafted from driftwood and jade and learning to survive in the wild. It was a simple yet blissful upbringing that equipped Chris with the skills and resilience to seek new limits in the world beyond. Since leaving Gorge River, he has travelled to over 60 countries and six continents from the Arctic to the Antarctic, encountering endangered wildlife, untouched environments and people – like himself – from the remotest corners of the earth.

©2022 Christan Long.Chris Long asserts his moral right to be identified as the author of this Work. First published in English by HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand Limited in (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing