13–15 November 2026
Explore and celebrate Featherston's history and heritage across more than 30 events, including tours, talks, performances, family activities, fine dining, movie screenings and unique local experiences.
13–15 November 2026
Explore and celebrate Featherston's history and heritage across more than 30 events, including tours, talks, performances, family activities, fine dining, movie screenings and unique local experiences.
Full programme, times & ticketsA selection of events
Full programme, event times and ticketing are available via Eventfinda.
Saturday & Sunday, 10am–2pm, or by appointment.
Adults: $5
Children and school students: free
72 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston, Wairarapa 5710, New Zealand
About the Museum
Featherston Heritage Museum is housed in the re-sited Waiorongomai School, dating from around 1916. The Museum holds information and memorabilia relating to the WWI Featherston Military Training Camp, the WWII Japanese Prisoner of War Camp, Featherston and its surrounding districts.
Featherston is unique: no other location in New Zealand was home to two major military camps, each playing an important role in New Zealand history.
Visitors can also see a working 1932 Ford Model A fire engine and memorabilia from the Featherston Volunteer Fire Brigade. Nearby, Paul Dibble's sculpture Featherston Stand | He Tino Mamao commemorates the WWI military camp.
More about the museumChor-Farmer · Goodwill Tour 2026
Saturday 10 October 2026
From Tokyo's University of Agriculture, Chor Farmer is on its 23rd Goodwill Tour of Australia and New Zealand. Songs and Smiles 2026 is an afternoon of choral music featuring songs from Japan, Germany and around the world, with a piano solo programme by Miss Masako Yuyama. All proceeds are kindly donated to Featherston Heritage Museum.
Find tickets on Eventfinda Discover the Chor-Farmer story
All proceeds donated to the museum
From the Archive
First World War
Wilfred Jackson was born at Makikihi, South Canterbury, on 27 July 1891, and was educated at Hunter School. After leaving school he completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter in Waimate, and went on t
Post-war to present
A memorial and peace garden now stand near the camp site — a place of reflection and a symbol of the friendship that grew between Featherston and Japan.
WWI 1914–1918
During the First World War, a vast training camp rose on the edge of Featherston, reshaping the town and the lives of thousands of soldiers.
Camp & Remembrance
Explore the history of Featherston Military Camp, the WWII prisoner-of-war camp, the events of 25 February 1943, and the reconciliation that followed.
Read the narrativeSearch the Records
Search our growing ledger of service personnel and prisoner-of-war records by surname, first name or service number.
Search recordsDonate | Koha
Visit & Contact
Normal opening hours
Saturday & Sunday, 10am–2pm, or by appointment.Admission
Adults: $5 · Children and school students: free
