Queenstown Writers Festival

17/04/2026

Looking for some quality conversation and ideas this wet weekend in Queenstown? Pop along to Chenin Madden's book launch!

You Are Your Purpose Book launch and Wellbeing Connections event. A small and intimate evening for anyone interested in Wellbeing & Connection:)

14/03/2026

Kiwis in Climate are in town as part of a book launch across 10 cities in Aotearoa. Catalyst Trust Queenstown will host the Queenstown event. Tickets available here:

Kiwis in Climate | Catalyst Kōrero - 20 March

27/02/2026

🫴 Save the date

10/02/2026

In need of some robust and intellectual discussion about international human rights that might even contain some optimism? Register👇to join Catalyst Trust Queenstown and the former CEO of Human Rights Watch global.

The Godfather of human rights, battling abusive governments | Catalyst Kōrero - 23 February

28/01/2026

Congratulations to all writers who made it to the Ockham 2026 longlist, especially our very own Peta Carey. Good luck!

This year's 10 Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction longlistees are announced! Check out their acclaimed books in your local bookstore or library.

18/01/2026

Young writers alert. Here's an opportunity to do your part to contribute to an equitable, sustainable and compassionate world - and win some great prize money.

Two years on from Rod's death, young writers are invited to describe what we must do now to ensure future generations live well in Aotearoa NZ.

04/12/2025

Ruth Shaw is a southern gem and a fabulous story teller. Here's an opportunity to catch up with her in Queenstown.

Join us for an evening of storytelling with beloved New Zealand author Ruth Shaw, as she shares tales from her latest book "Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World". This new release continues the journey begun in her international bestseller, "The Bookseller at the End of the World", offering more charming, brave, and funny tales from Ruth’s extraordinary life.

Thursday 11th December, 5:30-6:30pm
Queenstown Library

BYO copy of your favourite book by Ruth – she will be available for signing after the event!

Limited seats, please go to our What's On page to register and reserve your spot: https://qldclibraries.govt.nz/whats-on/2025/december/an-evening-with-ruth-shaw/

02/12/2025

Congratulations to Laurence - a festival favourite in Queenstown!

Dunedin writer Laurence Fearnley was a student when she first experienced poetry as "a living, breathing form". It happened when she saw one of New...

01/12/2025

We have a winner! Katie Rochelle is the winner of the 2025 Queenstown Writers Festival almighty book stack. She was one of hundreds of festival fans who filled out our survey. Thank you to all of you. We are blushing at your kind comments and loving your fantastic ideas for 2026. See you there.

28/11/2025

Book launch alert! See you at the library for this fabulous event.

We're excited to welcome Victoria and Emilie Bruce to Wānaka and Queenstown Libraries to celebrate their new book "Emilie Walks Te Araroa"

Join us to hear about their incredible adventure walking the length of Aotearoa, what inspired the book, and the stories behind the journey.

Wānaka Library: Thursday 27 November, 5.30pm
Queenstown Library: Friday 28 November, 5.00pm

Booking is essential for these events via our website:
https://qldclibraries.govt.nz/whats-on?tag=author+talk