New Zealand’s mountain biking landscapes, from sweeping high-country ridges to technical singletrack, have found their showcase in ‘Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in New Zealand’.

The book brings together photography and essays that celebrate the growth of mountain biking, edited by Wānaka filmmaker and producer Nick Stevenson. 

It highlights the trails, riders, and stories that define the sport, offering readers a visual journey through New Zealand’s terrain.

Nick, who will go into more detail about the book at a launch event and fundraiser at b.social tonight (Thursday November 6), told the Wānaka App Eden has been a labour of love.

“The book has taken me two years to produce, working with some of the most talented photographers and athletes in New Zealand,” he said.

Published by Thames & Hudson, Eden has already earned international acclaim, winning the Mountain Image award at this year’s Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival.

This area forms an important part of New Zealand’s mountain biking scene, and features prominently in the book.

“It features Central Otago heavily throughout both the imagery, stories and personalities involved,” Nick said.

Wānaka filmmaker and producer Nick Stevenson spent two years producing Eden. PHOTO: Graeme Murray

Work by local photographers Callum Wood, Miles Holden, and Stefan Haworth is included, alongside professional riders who call Central Otago home.

“I hope that the book will encourage both domestic and international mountain bike tourists to visit and ride in the region,” Nick said.

Tonight’s launch will feature a slideshow and a Q&A with Nick and some of the photographers and athletes featured in Eden. 

The event also gives back, with $10 from every copy sold supporting local trail-building efforts through Bike Wānaka.

RSVP to the launch of ‘Eden: A Portrait of Mountain Biking in New Zealand’, taking place at b.social from 7pm-9pm, here.

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