Your guide to book fairs and literary events in Pōneke Wellington
Kia ora, fellow book lovers! May is shaping up to be a great month for book fairs in Pōneke Wellington, and this guide is here to help you discover what’s on, support local events, and maybe even find your next great read.
From book fairs to literary festivals to author talks in Wellington’s libraries (and often, its brilliant independent bookstores too), these gatherings are a chance to slow down, hear fresh voices, and spend time with stories.
This is a quiet little project called WellyBooks, created to share local literary life and offer a gentle nudge to make more time for stories. Learn more about it here.
If you're hosting a book fair or event, we’d love to feature it. Get in touch here, and we’ll add it to the listings.
Capital Crimes: Karori Mystery in the Library
An evening of criminally good conversation awaits at Karori Library, where some of Aotearoa’s top crime writers will share how they craft gripping stories, memorable characters, and suspenseful twists. From courtroom dramas to political satire and true-crime tales, this free panel offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds behind the mayhem.
Giant Charity Bookfest
The Giant Charity Bookfest is an annual event featuring over 100,000 books, magazines, games, puzzles, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records. Proceeds support various community projects.
Karukatea Festival
The Karukatea Festival, held annually in May, is the flagship event of Featherston Booktown, a year-round literature development organisation. This vibrant festival celebrates the written word, bringing together book lovers, authors, and the local community for a weekend of literary events, workshops, and readings.
Blue Dragon Book Fair
The Blue Dragon Book Fair is an annual event held at the Ngaio Town Hall in Wellington, New Zealand.
Kāpiti Pakeke Lions Club Book Fair
The Kāpiti Pakeke Lions Club is hosting a book fair to raise funds for local community projects.
Mystery in the Library: Nefarious Newtown
Love mystery, suspense, and thrillers? Don’t miss this free panel discussion hosted by the Ngaio Marsh Awards and Wellington City Libraries. Join Helen Vivienne Fletcher as she hosts Jennifer Lane, Carl Shuker, and Jennifer Palgrave, who will share their secrets to crafting gripping stories and unforgettable characters. It’s the perfect evening for any crime fiction fan!
Books are calling... but which one’s for you?
Before you hit the book fair, try our Reading Quiz to discover the kind of escape you're really craving.
