WHY GO? Because, fabulous time-suckers though they are, it’s not all about the festival, or even the bookshops. Located at the base of the Remutaka hills, Featherston is the gateway to the Wairarapa, with a long and notable military history – there was a huge army training camp here in World War I, which in World War 2 was used as a prisoner of war camp for captured Japanese, 122 of whom were shot in an “incident” in 1943. You can find out more about this, and the camps, at the Heritage Museum, and should take a look too at the Anzac memorial in the main street, with its distinctive cupola.
BROOK SABIN
The fast-growing town of Cromwell has mountains, a stunning lake, vineyards, cherry picking and loads of adventure activities. It s just missing the crowds.
Many of New Zealand’s small towns shine brightest when the summer sun does, not least because you can take a dip or eat al fresco without making yourself sick. With some of the best weather of the season still ahead of us, all going well, events calendars are in full-swing, promising entertainment ranging from music, busking and food and wine festivals to a Viking-style soirée. Here is our pick of small towns to try to make it to before the weather turns, and they look – to some eyes at least – kind of dark and depressing. There’s a lot about food and wine, but ‘tis (still) the season after all. That’s what we’re telling ourselves anyway.