Featherston Booktown

The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival returns for its eleventh year of diverse literary events over the weekend of 8-10 May 2026.

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

We're thrilled to welcome Aotearoa superstar author @CathChidgey back to Featherston for two events this May, including a special writers workshop:

Book your tickets here: https://t.co/C0f6ox729L

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Big ideas and bold conversations are back at the Karukatea Festival this year. Join us for thought-provoking conversations tackling some of Aotearoa’s most pressing issues:

Book your tickets here: https://t.co/C0f6ox729L

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival is back from 8 - 10 May 2026 with an exciting and inspiring programme of big names, big ideas, and big conversations.

Full programme & tickets here: https://t.co/C0f6ox729L

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Have an early Xmas present - our latest Podcast episode, Bookten Gala Night: Ten Out of Ten is out now!

Watch it on YouTube: https://t.co/dGmLH6XyVR
Audio only Podcast on Buzzsprout: https://t.co/ZFczCQ0sNJ

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

All of us at Featherston Booktown are still absorbing the sad news that literary icon Maurice Gee has passed away. He was a superlative and much loved writer for both adults and young people.
We extend our sympathies to his family.
Moe mai rā, Maurice.

[Phil Quin @philquin]

Very much enjoyed moderating a discussion on men's mental health at @BooktownNZ on Sunday with panelists (L-R) @paddygowernz @goaheadfarms @mattheathnz & John Connell (via Zoom).

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

We’re beyond thrilled to share that #FeatherstonBooktown has been featured in #NationalGeographic as one of the best book towns in the world!
📖 Full article here https://t.co/smw968FSPz
Don’t forget to join us from 9-11 May 2025 for the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival!

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Last chance to join Friends of Featherston Booktown and feature your (business) name/ logo on the 2025 Children's Book Vouchers. Support tamariki & spark a love of reading 📖 Sign up by tomorrow (Wed 9 April) https://t.co/yZCvjvAdzz Let’s make a difference! #FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Join us for thought-provoking discussions at the Karukatea Festival! Explore tikanga Māori & law, decolonisation, Rogernomics' legacy, and making Parliament more humane. Let’s tackle Aotearoa’s pressing issues together. 🎟️ Book now: https://t.co/iRiWPmh9Ci

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

🪵 Excited to host #LarsMytting, author of #NorwegianWood, at this year's Karukatea Festival! Inspired by his wood stacking craft, we're curious about your stacks. Here's Niall from Bannockburn showing off. Join Lars & John Campbell: https://t.co/6v6gOHXg0T #FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

@JohnJCampbell hit the nail on the head with his comments about #Featherstonbooktown !

[John Campbell @JohnJCampbell]

Featherston Booktown is a joy of a weekend... I've been going for years, and it's a delight. Unexpected, at first, but maybe that says more about the narrowness of expectations? Utterly dedicated local support, and such pride in it, always a genuinely great programme, it's magic.

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

@JohnJCampbell That’s a wonderful shout, John, thank you- you rock! Mx

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

💥 It’s here! The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2025 Programme has launched! 💥
Join us 9–11 May for an epic line-up of authors, poets & performers.
Early bird tickets are live for Friends & subscribers. General sales start Mon 9am! 📖
Plan now: https://t.co/Mbxipw7ZiK

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

🌟 Proud moment! Our own Mary Biggs shares Featherston Booktown's inspiring journey & community impact in the latest Shepherdess Magazine 📖Grab your copy to read her story!📸 Sara Tansy #FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

🍺 NEW podcast: NZ's long love affair with beer! Author Greg Ryan chats with Denise Garland on rogues, inventors & how Kiwi beer tastes evolved—from @SpeightsBrewery to craft brews like @Parrotdog. Watch: https://t.co/Qda9tf03rZ or listen via Buzzsprout.

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Our Young Readers Programme isn't just about reading - it's about representation.
We're bringing diverse writers who reflect our community's rich tapestry - Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQIA+ & emerging talents - to inspire our young people.
Because every story matters. Every voice counts

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Explore the Featherston #FerretBookshop, a treasure trove of unique literary finds! This second-hand haven invites you to discover books with stories that transcend time. Visit them at 40 Fitzherbert St, Fri-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm for your next great read! #FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

Discover The Martinborough Bookshop: a century-old building housing a literary haven. Owner Brenda curates a delightful collection in this bright, welcoming space. Visit 7 days a week at 6 Kitchener St for unhurried browsing and expert recommendations. #FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

🎧 NEW: The Dilemma of a Bibliophile. Booksellers Ruth Shaw & Tony Eyre discuss the passion/ obsession of book collecting with David Hedley. Where has it taken them & where to put all the books?

📺 https://t.co/9yCXxTVDJp
🎙 https://t.co/d2Tij1a1pv

#FeatherstonBooktown

[Featherston Booktown @BooktownNZ]

“Turn right at the vintage bookshop..” The #BookloversTrail app is your co-pilot for #Wairarapa’s indie bookstores.
🚀Download & explore:
Android ➡️ https://t.co/dBO86vZv6Y
iOS ➡️ https://t.co/yfFp5WR0Py
Perfect for: Weekend explorers, history buffs, coffee + book pairings ☕📚