Discover Featherston: locomotive history and Booktown

Featherston brings together railway history, literature and outdoor activity. A Fell locomotive museum, a year-round literary organisation, memorial sites and a challenging climb offer different reasons to discover the town.

Railway heritage and local remembrance

The Fell Locomotive Museum preserves H199 “Mont Cenis”, the only surviving Fell locomotive in the world. At the museum, you can also explore the history of the Rimutaka Incline. A remarkable surviving locomotive and the history of the mountain railway offer two perspectives on railway history. The museum is a short walk from Featherston Railway Station, providing a practical point of reference when planning your stay in town.

The Featherston District War Memorial offers a different perspective. It is an important place of quiet remembrance for the Featherston community; since its unveiling in 1927, it has been the focus of the town’s Anzac Day commemorations. River stones from the Tauherenīkau River were used in its construction. This detail about the material adds a specific architectural aspect to its memorial function.

The ANZAC Club is also part of Featherston’s history: during the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic, the building was used as a hospital. Together with the memorial, this story offers another perspective on the town. The two examples differ both in their historical role and their function: one is centred on community remembrance, while the other served as a hospital for a limited time.

Book culture and outdoor activity

Featherston Booktown is a year-round organisation dedicated to promoting literature. Featherston has eight bookshops that are open all year; the number may change over time. Its literary identity combines an organisation active throughout the year with bookshops open year-round, providing a distinct cultural focus alongside the museum and memorial sites.

At Featherston Domain, a strenuous climb rewards you with views of the town and Wairarapa Moana. This active pursuit differs from exploring railway and local history: here, the focus is on exercise and the views. As track conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The Tauwharenīkau Trail starts at Clifford Park in Featherston and ends at Woodside Railway Station in Greytown. It can be walked in either direction. The two endpoints help you plan your hike; also check route conditions before setting out. This trail can be understood by its direction and course without confusing it with the climb at Featherston Domain.

More perspectives in the South Wairarapa District

The wider South Wairarapa District offers additional, distinct nature and activity experiences. The 18-kilometre Remutaka Rail Trail is easy to walk and can be used for walking, running or mountain biking. Restored railway bridges and historic tunnels give the trail its own historical character.

Wairarapa Moana is a 10,000-hectare wetland and open-water ecosystem in the South Wairarapa District. It provides habitat for native fish, birds and unique native plants. You can go kayaking in the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands. This offers both an ecological perspective and a specific on-the-water activity.

Another regional option is Cape Palliser, where visitors can climb the 253 steps to the lighthouse; the Cape is home to the North Island’s largest fur seal colony. The examples from the South Wairarapa District range from a long, easy-to-walk trail to wetlands and a climb to a lighthouse.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ponatahi, Bidwells Cutting, Clareville, Otaki, Paraparaumu Beach, Whareama, Dyerville, Plimmerton.

For the wider travel overview: Wellington.