Head just one hour north of Wellington and you reach the Wairarapa region which is rapidly becoming one of my favourite places to visit. Not only are there multiple independent bookshops spread across the region’s five main towns, but you can do anything from walking to wine tasting and seal spotting in a relatively confined area.
Read MoreParnell is distinctly ecclesiastical in tone if you start out at the top of the hill near The Holy Trinity Cathedral, but I would coax you to the bottom of the hill past the bricked paths of Parnell village and the Chocolate Boutique where apparently Bill Clinton once stopped for in for a Hot Chocolate with Chelsea. (His thank you letter from the White House is framed on the wall.) As you pass the boutiques and cafes, just as the road threatens to turn you’ll spot Lamplight Books on the right-hand side of the road. The entrance is tucked away in the enclosed courtyard in the centre of the building and when you walk in, you walk into a space made of warmth, light and a love for books.
Read MoreOne for new books and two for old…….Head over the Harbour Bridge, avoiding rush hour, and make your way to the Northern suburb of Milford. Set on the beach with views over to Rangitoto, Milford is a lovely spot to escape the central city
Read MoreRaglan is a small town on the west coast of New Zealand, about 45 minutes drive from Hamilton and 2 hours south of Auckland. Known locally for its fantastic coffee, surf and laid-back vibe, Raglan is also the perfect place to combine the beach and book shopping.
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