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Nathan Gray - First Pass Under Heaven

The Great Wall of China is the largest man-made structure ever built, stretching for over 4,000 kilometres from central Asia, across the Gobi Desert, through the remote, cold mountains of northern China to end on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Nathan Hoturoa Gray, a young New Zealand lawyer, wanted to be one of the first Westerners in history to walk and document the entire length of the Great Wall...

First Pass Under Heaven, Nathan's account of his epic journey, has sold over 20,000 copies and was Penguin's top travel book from 2006-2009. A photographic and audio-visual supplement is also available on DVD if you want to fully experience what it is like to trek the length of the Great Wall, and gain further insight into China's profound history and dramatic economic rise.

Read CV (PDF)

Read the opening chapter now

If you would like a preview download the opening chapter here (PDF).

The Great Wall DVD

A fantastic accompaniment to First Pass Under Heaven, the audio-visual supplement brings the spectacular desert and mountain vistas to life, showing some epic scenes that create a real sense of being there every step along the way. This motivational DVD is already out there, inspiring and educating schools and businesses throughout the world. You can preview (1.5 Mb.) the DVD or you can purchase it (using Paypal) online. For every ten books purchased by a school, a free DVD educational resource package will be enclosed. Please contact the author direct for bulk orders at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com.

How to purchase the book?

Online Order in New Zealand
The book is also available in stores nationwide and is a New Zealand best seller. If you want a personally signed copy - email Nathan at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com

All international readers can order the book on Amazon by clicking on the link to the relevant country below:

Australia (Dymocks) - also in Angus and Roberts and Borders
South Africa (Kalahari)
USA (Amazon)
Canada (Amazon)
France (Amazon)
Germany (Amazon)
United Kingdom (Amazon)
Austria (Amazon)
Japan (Amazon)
Taiwan (www.books.com.tw)
Netherlands (www.nnbh.com)
Estonia (www.raamat.ee)
Italy (www.internetbookshop.it)
Amazon China

Named in the Top 11 Alternative Travelogues of all time: A Recent International Review of the Book is perusable here.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

Nathan's second book: THE AGE OF FIRE has received worldwide critical acclaim. Click here to read the opening chapter and secure yourself a copy.

For an article on the book in Hollywood's P3 Update Magazine: click here.

For the latest promotion in Lucire Magazine: click here.

For the latest television interview on Brunch by April Ieremia and Josh Kronfeld: click here.

For the latest article from New York journalist Patricia Sexton: click here.

The e-book version of THE AGE OF FIRE is available here.

Other Publications - Brazil and the FIFA World Cup

The FIFA Football World Cup is the most followed sporting event on the planet. Over 46% of the population tunes into the tournament via television, radio or online; the competition worth over $2.4 billion in television broadcast rights alone. Brazil, 5 times world champions and fiercely proud soccer nation have finally got their second chance to showcase their country to the rest of the world. Currently in the top ten economies, how has Brazil developed since their first World Cup hosted in 1950? Will the significant class divides lead to a volatile contest replete with protests and disharmony as present in their hosting of the Football Confederates Cup in 2013? Or will the country come together to host an unforgettable tournament knowing that the world has their scrutinizing eyes on them in the build up to the Rio Olympics in 2016?

For the coloured photo version of the book click here.

For the latest interview about the journey to Brazil on National Radio: click here.

The online photo e-book for all computers is available here.

For the (cheaper) black and white print version click here.

For readers wanting the Amazon kindle version click here.

Nathan's 4th Book: The End of Adolescence has just been released!

Don't hesitate to read the blurb and secure yourself a copy showcasing 20 of his best global articles alongside some spectacular colour photos.

The End of Adolescence. (Black and White Photo Version)

The cheaper black and white photo - version is also available.

Motivational Speeches

Nathan has made over 500 speeches throughout New Zealand, Australia, UK, Europe, South-east Asia, South Africa, USA and China including two recent talks for Pechakucha International. For corporate and educational institutions interested in motivational talks please contact Nathan Gray directly for an introductory package: nathanspictorials@yahoo.com.

Global Marketing Guide

Want to find out how to publish and globally market your own book then purchase: my Marketing Guide for Writers online. Nathan is also available to edit and market new books wanting to get good coverage in New Zealand and international markets.

Translation, serial and movie option rights

For translation, serial and the optioning of movie rights for all my books please get in touch with the author direct at nathanspictorials@yahoo.com .

Movie Roles

Nathan has recently starred in the latest documentary on New Zealand shot and filmed for Princess Cruise Lines. Check out this link to watch the 30 min visual feast of spectacular natural vistas. He also features in the hilarious 2 minute Wellington Hop On Hop Off Promotional Video.

Nathan played a small role as Adrian Brodies body double in Peter Jackson's King Kong and has now also played one of the 'Swearwolves' in Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement's global hit 'What We Do In The Shadows.' Check out a short preview here as the Vampire Mockumentary takes the world by storm...

Recent Photo Galleries

Nathan has traveled throughout the world exploring the social intricacies of 80 countries. Below are some of his more recent photographic galleries: Please feel free to peruse the websites below and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about specific film locations...

Nathan's Historic Trek along the length of the Great Wall of China Photos.

For all shots covering the USA Presidential Elections, Switzerland, New Zealand and Hawaii Study Abroad Programs lecturing for Michigan State University and wildlife viewing in South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda in 2016. Also the Brazilian Football World Cup 2014, including Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Myanmar, Italy, the Balkans in 2013 and Costa Rica and Colombia 2012:

For shots of New Zealand's famous Routeburn Trail 2012:

For more shots of Queenstown and the Routeburn Trail 2012:

For shots of New Zealand's West Coast and Glaciers 2011: click here.

For South Island shots including Nelson, Picton, Westport and Abel Tasman 2011:

For South Island shots including Haast Pass, Queenstown and the Greenstone Trail 2011:

For South Island shots including the West Coast around Punakaiki 2011:

For Stewart Island and shots of the Catlins 2011:

For photos of a recent journey through Ko Phi Phi; Thailand 2011:

For photos of Krabi, Railay and Ao Nang; Thailand 2011:

For photos of Shenzhen and Yangshuo, China 2011:

For photos of Macau, Yangshuo and Guilin 2011:

For shots of Malaysia 2011 - Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Kapas and the Pehrentian Islands.

For shots of Penang and the majestic island of Langkawi in Malayasia 2011.

For New Zealand Photos including Milford, the Kepler Trail and Wellington 2010: click here.

For shots from the FIFA Soccer World Cup in South Africa 2010: click here.

For shots of the Sharks Rugby Team, the Drakensberg, and Cape Point 2010: click here.

For shots of Cape Town, Colourful Wild Flowers and Table Mountain 2010: click here.

For images taken from Hong Kong, Philippines and South China in 2009 see: recent travels.

For top New Zealand North Island scenery and the Seal Coast Safari 2009 click on: recent travels.

For shots of the Beijing Olympics and the China Solar Eclipse 2008: click here.

For shots from Tapuae e Uenuku, Australia, the UK and Europe 2007-8: click here

For shots of the Dragon's Teeth Hike - Kahurangi National Park 2006: click here.

For all Photos from 2000 - 2005 including hunting the Midnight Sun in Norway and Alaska, and seeking Ancient Secrets in India and the Middle East. Please Click on Here: