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‘I wrote this book, about Auckland’s Mount Eden, for adults but it turns out that teens really love it.

And it’s been favourably compared with The Whalerider.’

The Tapu Garden of Eden is the story of an old man and his garden which occupies some now valuable real estate on the slopes of Maungawhau (Mount Eden) in Auckland. That a property developer is scheming to buy the land to build apartments is accidentally discovered by the old man's young neighbour and friend, Hone Wihongi, a student at the local high school. Over the years the old man's kindness has won him many friends among the local Maori and so Hone works with them, and against the wishes of the local borough council, to protect the old man and his garden. He is unknowingly helped in his project by a mysterious boy, unknown to others and unseen by anyone, who secretly visits the old man. The clash of cultures is resolved and the old man's garden - protected by tapu - is saved. But not as a garden.

Teens love this book. It's funny, mysterious, sad, exciting. Even struggling readers want to keep reading. That's why it's so popular with teachers and parents.

The Tapu Garden of Eden

$34.50

Also available internationally from Amazon and Kindle

A typical reader review

This is a totally magic book and you deal with the Maori themes with respect and aroha. It reads like an ancient fable and has that timeless sense about it... It works for adults and for older children...

It is truly wonderful in its structure of language and in the good messages it has written within the story. It is a brilliant story for boys (girls too) and has the Tangata Whenua strand which links us all to this beautiful country. ...(it) is full of beauty and goodness…

More readers’ reviews

I find the story enchanting and to me it has the same whimsical appeal as Witi Ihimaera’s 'The Whalerider' which I published so many years ago.
David Heap, Publisher

The Tapu Garden of Eden is a simple but compelling story with mystical, magical qualities drawn from a Maori cultural perspective. Fast paced, yet timeless, its storyline joins generations, cultures and worlds. In a spine-tingling, enriching story of community and love -- of people, pets and the natural world -- Robert Bolton's uplifting tale leaves the reader feeling better for having read it.
Graeme Beals

It is truly wonderful in its structure of language and in the good messages it has written within the story. It is a brilliant story for boys (girls too) and has the Tangata Whenua strand which links us all to this beautiful country. ...(it) is full of beauty and goodness...
Chrissie Jones-Major
Head of Department, Special Education
Glenfield College

A touching story, complex but not complicated. A great read for New Zealand teenagers.

Z. R. Southcombe

This is a totally magic book and you deal with the Maori themes with respect and aroha. It reads like an ancient fable and has that timeless sense about it... It works for adults and for older children...
Cathie Dunsford, Dunsford Publishing Consultants

Typical student reviews, these from Tokoroa High School

To me this novel can be read over and over again without complaint due to its great storyline, sense of humour and how close it relates to real life. Thank you for creating such a beautiful, heart-felt novel.
Gabrielle, Y9

I loved the cliffhangers, twists, and the suspense kept me wanting more. I was sad and upset when Brian, the loyal dog, died. I felt like crying.
Manisha Saini, Y9

And it also was a very cultural book. That's what I liked most.
Moengaroa, Y9

It was a great book. It made me feel very emotional, like feeling sad and happy at the same time.
Callum, Y9