Summer adventure books for kids and adults

Whether you’re reading all day at the beach, resting at the campsite or staying home, these books are sure to take you on a journey. 

Take your pick of tales set in the great outdoors – from hiking, fishing and boating to off-grid living and survival stories. 

Our librarians have put together two collections of outdoor fiction for both kids and adults, meaning there’s something for every type of summer reader.

Remember to request your chosen titles ahead of time to ensure a season of great reading.

Outdoor adventure reads for adults

From quiet riverside moments to epic journeys into the wilderness, these outdoor fiction picks will fuel your summer adventures.

A River Runs Through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean

A classic of the American West, this collection captures Maclean’s lifelong love of fishing, forests and the people who inhabit them. His storytelling is gentle and reflective, revealing the beauty found in nature and art. These short stories are ideal for dipping into between your own summer adventures. 

Borrowing formats: Book and eAudiobook.

Light Over Liskeard by Louis de Bernières

Q longs for a simpler, safer life. Dodging an imminent tech crisis in the cities, he retreats to a ruined farmhouse in Cornwall to build an off-grid haven. As society begins to unravel, he discovers a wild landscape full of eccentric locals and unexpected encounters: a park ranger, a holy man waiting for the second coming, an Arthurian knight on horseback, and an amorous ghost of an Edwardian woman. Life on the moors changes him in surprising ways, blending humour, folklore and survival. 

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook, large print and audio CD.

The Narrowboat Summer by Anne Youngson

A charming novel of second chances, about three women, one dog, and the narrowboat that brings them together. When Eve and Sally agree to help move Anastasia’s narrowboat through England’s canals, a gentle journey becomes a life-changing adventure. 

As they glide through the countryside, the eccentricities and challenges of narrowboat life draw them inexorably together. At summer's end, all three women must decide whether to return to the lives they left behind or forge a new path forward. Warm, candid and uplifting, it’s a perfect summer read. 

Borrowing formats: Book and large print.

Small Game by Blair Braverman

Mara joins a survival reality show, expecting rugged challenges and a big payday. But when something goes wrong behind the scenes, the contestants find themselves facing real danger with no cameras in sight. Tense, atmospheric and sharp-edged, this is survival fiction with bite. 

Borrowing formats: Book and eBook.

Sea Wife by Amity Gaige

Juliet is failing to juggle motherhood and her stalled-out dissertation on confessional poetry when her husband, Michael, informs her that he wants to leave his job and buy a sailboat. The family sets sail from Panama, hoping the ocean will heal strained relationships and stalled dreams. Told through Juliet’s reflections and Michael’s captain’s log, the story unravels a journey that becomes both freeing and devastating. A gripping portrait of marriage, survival and the pull of the sea. 

Borrowing formats: Book and large print.

Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff

Tired of seeing his best friend Dale Breadwin abused by his alcoholic father, Fischer Branson takes action. A gunshot rings out, and Bread and Fish flee into the Wisconsin wilderness, pursued by adults desperate to save the boys from the terrors of Ironsford Gorge. Their river journey becomes a test of courage, friendship and resilience. The wild landscape challenges everyone involved, revealing both danger and unexpected beauty. 

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook, large print and audio CD.

Lost and Lassoed by Layla Sage

Teddy's used to being a leader, but now she feels like she's getting left behind. Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn't know what's harder: taking care of his family's 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. 

Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can't manage everything on his own. He needs help. His sister's best friend, the woman he can't stand, is not who he had in mind. Warm, romantic and outdoorsy, this story blends small-town charm with slow-burn tension. 

Borrowing formats: Book.

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly

When Alexei sets out on the Pacific Crest Trail, he expects blisters and solitude – not Ben, the charismatic hiker he keeps running into. Their bond grows with every mile, leading to a tender romance shaped by big questions about identity and the future. A deep and heartfelt LGBTQ+ trail adventure. 

Borrowing formats: Book.

Find more summer adventures for adults: See the full library list

Outdoor adventures for kids

From magical islands to deep wilderness tracks, these outdoor stories for kids spark imagination, courage and a love of nature.

Ride North by Maria de Jong

Folly runs away with her pony, Tooth, determined to reach Cape Reinga with her mother’s ashes. Through tourist towns and wilderness, across beaches, roads and forest tracks, Folly and Tooth find both adventure and hardship. But then a spur-of-the-moment choice sets danger on their tail. Girl and horse must fight to survive together – to the very end of the road. This New Zealand story blends courage, grief and the powerful bond between girl and horse. 

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook, eAudiobook and MP3.

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

Fred, Con, Lila, and Max are on their way back to England when the plane they're on crashes in the Amazon jungle and the pilot dies upon landing. For days they survive alone, until Fred finds a map that leads them to a ruined city, and to a secret. A gripping tale of bravery, teamwork and discovery. 

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook and eAudiobook.

Night Tribe by Peter Butler

Twelve-year-old Toby and his sister Millie, fourteen, search for help after their mum is injured on the Heaphy Track. Lost and hungry, they stumble into a strange cave where a mysterious woman leads them deeper underground. What begins as a family tramping trip becomes a dangerous journey into a hidden world. 

Borrowing formats: Book.

How to Sail to Somewhere by Ashleigh Barton

Bea’s favourite uncle disappears just before their planned voyage to the mysterious island of Somewhere. Following clues he left behind, Bea and a new friend uncover secrets that could reshape their futures. A warm, magical mystery full of summer atmosphere. 

Borrowing formats: Book.

Spark Hunter by Sonya Wilson

When Nissa abandons her school camp to track down the mysterious lights, she finds herself lost in a dangerous wonderland. But she's not the only one in danger – the bush and the creatures are under threat too; and she wants to help. What can a school kid do where adults have failed, and can she find her way back? In Fiordland, the lost usually stay lost. Blending history, te reo Māori and adventure, this is an epic Kiwi adventure-fantasy story of survival and courage. 

Borrowing formats: Book and eBook.

Horse Boy by Tanya Landman

Separated from his clan, Oak must survive alone with only a young horse for company. As drought, danger and unfamiliar creatures close in, he discovers strength he never knew he had. A gripping prehistoric adventure about belonging and bravery. 

Borrowing formats: Book and eBook.

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

Washed up on an island in the Pacific, Michael struggles to survive on his own. With no food and no water, he curls up to die. When he wakes, there is a plate beside him of fish, of fruit, and a bowl of fresh water. He is not alone... 

This spellbinding adventure story is from the author of the internationally acclaimed War Horse. It was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and won the FCB Award.

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook and eAudiobook.

The Seaside Sleepover by Jacqueline Wilson

Daisy longs for a proper holiday at the seaside. Daisy's sister, Lily, wants to come too, but she uses a wheelchair which can make trips to the seaside tricky. Especially with all that sand! Then Daisy starts looking after her neighbour’s dog, Scruff. Determined to give him (and herself) a perfect summer, she sets out to make their dream trip happen. Will Daisy, Lily and Scruff get their ice cream-filled dream holiday and maybe even have a Seaside Sleepover?

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook and eAudiobook.

Wildlands by Brogen Murphy

Twenty-five years into the future, no humans are allowed in the Wildlands a vast area in Britain where wolves, lynx and bison roam free. The only exception is a high-speed train line between London and Glasgow that crosses right through the heart of the project. When their train stops unexpectedly, sisters Astrid and Indie are left behind in Britain’s rewilded wilderness. With predators and uncertainty all around, they must rely on their wits and each other to survive.

Borrowing formats: Book.

Saltwater Boy by Bradley Christmas

When Dad goes to jail, Matthew and his mum move to the coast. Mum – an artist – thinks she can renovate and sell her late father's old place to get them back on their feet. Matthew strikes up a friendship with Old Bill, an Indigenous man who becomes a father figure to him, and teaches him how to find and eat pippis, fish (and to make a few dollars from it). But when Dad gets out on parole and moves back in with the family, his anger fractures the newfound peace and everything is once again at stake. 

This coming-of-age story explores complex family relationships, hope, and nature’s healing power. Best suited for older children and teens. 

Borrowing formats: Book, eBook and eAudiobook.

Adventure awaits! Find more stories in the full library list for kids.

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