Featherston – known also by its Māori name, Paetūmōkai – is Aotearoa New Zealand’s Booktown. This historic town is located just an hour’s drive north of the country’s capital, Wellington.

Since 2015, this welcoming and vibrant rural town has reimagined itself through its thriving network of bookshops, authors, and the nationally acclaimed Karukatea Festival, which takes place annually over the second weekend in May. Year-round, visitors, locals and the town’s eight booksellers gather to celebrate reading, writing, and storytelling – surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. A proud mix of tradition, innovation, and world class food, wine, literary and outdoor experiences makes Featherston a destination for booklovers from all walks of life.  

Featherston boasts a remarkable cluster of bookshops, each with its own character: rare and second-hand specialists, new books, children’s books, military history and local authors. Bookshops sit alongside artisan coffee roasters, record stores, art galleries, and craft businesses, giving the village a creative and eclectic buzz. The Booklover’s Trail Te Ara Kai Pukapuka app links Featherston to a wider book route across the lower North Island, ensuring a new discovery every visit. 

Savour fabulous fare at the historic Royal Hotel or treat yourself to a delicious cream tea at the Dickensian Bookshop and Tea Rooms, then wander across the road to sample artisan cheeses at C’est Cheese. Featherston’s eight bookshops are well worth a long browse.

During Featherston Booktown’s main event, the Karukatea Festival – held the second weekend in May each year – the town welcomes over 10,000 booklovers annually, with additional seasonal events and author talks hosted in bookshops and community venues throughout the year. 

Paetūmōkai Featherston is your gateway to the Wairarapa region’s many delights. Tour world-renowned vineyards and artisan food producers. Walk or cycle the scenic Remutaka Rail Trail – or spot native birds at the tranquil Lake Wairarapa, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest wetlands.  

Discover the remarkable Featherston Army Camp site, where thousands of World War I soldiers trained before their historic march over the Remutaka Ranges to Wellington Harbour and service in Europe.  

Nearby, explore the creative towns of Martinborough and Greytown, with their vibrant local markets, lush olive groves, extensive vineyards and riverside picnic spots. Nature, history, and local flavours are all just minutes from town.  

Featherston has more bookshops per capita than any other Aotearoa New Zealand town – and possibly more vintage typewriters and printing presses too!

Featherston is shaped by storytellers – both Māori and European settlers, providing a home and inspiration to writers past and present, including acclaimed children’s author Joy Cowley – who is Featherston Booktown’s Patron – and a range of award-winning writers. Featherston Booktown’s partnership with local Māori iwi (tribe) enables mana whenua (local Māori) to tell their stories. Literary legends come from near and far to share stories, including international writers and book experts. Through its annual Young Readers Programme, Featherston Booktown sparks the next generation’s love of reading, writing and books.  

From Aotearoa New Zealand’s capital Wellington, which has an international airport, it’s an hour by train or car to Paetūmōkai Featherston. It’s the southern gateway to the Wairarapa, with regular rail connections to the wider region, and the Remutaka Rail Trail is perfect for cycling and walking. More tourism info here.

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