Featherston is the first of many charming small towns in the South Wairarapa District. It is 60 minutes from Wellington City and a mere 35 minutes from Lane Street Studios in Upper Hutt.
State Highway 2 passes through the township connecting Featherston with Greytown and Masterton. Martinborough and Palliser Bay are accessible via the State Highway 53 turn-off. The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands are nearby, co-governed by
mana whenua
, councils, and local groups.
Featherston has many 19th century buildings including hotels, cottages, and stores. Many of these have been restored to uphold the heritage and character of the town. There are several vintage book stores and it is New Zealand’s only recognised booktown.
It has a rich rail and war history highlighted by the Fell Locomotive Museum and Camp Sculpture. The town served as New Zealand’s largest military training camp in the early 1900s.