History of and Guide to the Wanganui River

Published in 1921, this volume was authored by Thomas William Downes, a noted ethnographer and long-time resident of the Wanganui region in New Zealand. It was produced during a period when European settlers were increasingly documenting the history and lore of the North Island’s major waterways to preserve a record of both colonial development and the traditional Māori heritage of the river valley.

The book serves as both a historical chronicle and a navigational guide for the Wanganui River, which was historically known as the 'Rhine of New Zealand' due to its scenic significance. Downes utilized his deep local knowledge to synthesize historical accounts, geographic descriptions, and Māori oral traditions, aiming to provide a comprehensive resource for travelers and researchers. The work is regarded by historians today as a valuable primary source for understanding the mid-19th-century interactions between the indigenous Iwi and the colonial settlers.