When artist Thérèse Quinlivan moved from the UK to New Zealand in 2006, she thought she would spend her new life sitting on a beach, painting. Instead, she and husband John live in an historic Featherston cottage where Thérèse creates needle felt pictures out of wool, silk and other natural elements. By Katherine Robinson. Photos by Lucia Zanmonti.

Romantic magnolia must rank high on the list of everyone’s favourite flowering trees. Steve and Louisa Portman of Clareville Nursery and Garden Centre share their know-how on growing this most elegant of trees.

For Ceara Lile, a beautiful, hand-crafted garment cannot be rushed. Ceara is the creative force and skilled pair of hands behind Perpetua Studio on Featherston’s Fitzherbert Street - where she sells her own range of eco-friendly women’s fashions, accessories and homewares. By Erin Kavanagh-Hall. Photos by Esther Bunning.

There’s nothing like a cup of tea and a warm slice of fruit and nut loaf on a rainy winter day. Will Geisler reinvents an old favourite. Photo by Lucia Zanmonti.

Once a manufacturer of paua shell jewellery, aimed at the overseas tourist market, Covid restrictions led to Dimensionz making a swift and successful change.. By Simon Burt.

Bookings are open for the summer season! Get your crew together for a classic walking track that combines spectacular scenery, a few hard yards, and some extremely moreish food. Photo by Mike Heydon, Jet Photography.

An energy-boosting classic, published in our Autumn 2021 edition, with thanks to Tora Coastal Walk Recipes – a Second Helping. Photo by Mike Heydon, Jet Photography.

Visitors to Eketāhuna, the first significant settlement on State Highway 2 north of Masterton, are greeted by a large white kiwi. Born a natural brown, the concrete bird was re-painted to honour three rare white kiwis bred at nearby Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre. Pūkaha, located in a special remnant of an ancient podocarp forest, is the biggest visitor magnet in Eketāhuna's orbit, and kiwis are Pūkaha's main attraction. Eketāhuna, therefore, is as kiwi as it gets. By Simon Burt. Photos by Sarah Watkins.

On a gorgeous sunny Martinborough day, the village bustles with visitors and it seems half of them have already discovered the newest eating place in town – Crouching Tiger. By Sue McLeary. Photos by Lucia Zanmonti.

Who doesn’t long for time out in a tranquil setting? Walt Dickson has found a haven in the foothills of the Tararuas.

For ten years, armed battles have raged in a paddock on the outskirts of Carterton. But, as Simon Burt discovers, it’s all just good clean fun. Photo by Pete Monk.

Griff loves to grow vegetables in his “lovely bit of paradise”. Called Rebel Gardens, it’s hidden away between Martinborough and Greytown, his two main markets. By Sue McLeary. Photos by Lucia Zanmonti.

Boasting 11 independent bookshops and the country’s only Booktown, the Wairarapa may just be New Zealand’s #1 region for readers. We sent our booksellers the same set of questions – they responded so enthusiastically, it’s easy to see why sharing the love of reading is alive and well in the Wairarapa. Here’s a sampling of the curious and clever minds behind our bookstores. By Millie Blackwell.

It’s harvest time, and the tang of fresh apples is in the air at TeePee Cidery on the outskirts of Carterton. Dr Trevor FitzJohn and wife Frances grow cider apples and Perry pears to create a premium sparkling cider that’s akin to champagne. By Katherine Robinson. Photos by Lucia Zanmonti.

New Zealand's best-selling Poet Laureate, Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM, is heading for Featherston. The acclaimed writer will take part in Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 6 – 9 May.
By Simon Burt

New Zealand’s largest art show is back in 2021, presenting for sale thousands of works including Wairarapa photographers and artists. The three-day event is held over Queen’s Birthday weekend (4 - 6 June) at Wellington’s TSB Arena.