New Zealand fiction reading guide

The people, places, language and history of our country as reflected by Kiwi authors.

Fiction by New Zealand writers can reveal something of our national character - our obsessions, language, traditions, and ways of thinking. Find familiar settings, or hidden corners, characters you recognise or those that challenge, and more, in the fiction of Aotearoa.

New Zealand fiction reading lists

Staff List

New Zealand fiction - eBooks & eAudiobooks

A collection of great New Zealand fiction accessible from home, or anywhere. Available from Libby, Wheelers, Borrowbox, and OverDrive.

Staff List

New Zealand Contemporary Fiction

If you enjoy stories with recognisable people, settings, and experiences why not try some contemporary Kiwi fiction?

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eBooks

Staff List

New Zealand Fantasy

An eclectic mix of New Zealand's best fantasy fiction. Filled with epic otherworldly tales, packed with adventure and magical beings!

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Staff List

New Zealand Horror

The best and scariest New Zealand fiction, with its own undeniable Kiwi flavour.

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eBooks

Staff List

Kaituhi Māori

Titles written by Māori New Zealanders and representing different cultural experiences and perspectives.

Staff List

New Zealand Graphic Novels

Otherworldly tales, characters from Māori mythology, memoir and anthology - selected titles from talented kiwi artists and writers.

Comics & Graphic Novels

Staff List

New Zealand Fiction by women

An eclectic mix of books by women exploring themes of family life, relationships, culture clash and belonging from a unique Kiwi perspective

Staff List

New Zealand Fiction - Award Winners

Novels by New Zealand authors which have been lauded with awards and critical acclaim, making their way into the New Zealand literary canon.

Staff List

Short Stories - Aotearoa/New Zealand

Short stories written by a range of Kiwi authors, including classics from literary greats through to modern takes from fresh talent.

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eBooks

Staff List

New Zealand Historical Fiction

These titles all offer a glimpse into New Zealand's past and how it might have been to live, love and survive in those times.

Staff List

New Zealand Science Fiction

A selection of titles celebrating Sci-fi born from the minds of talented New Zealand authors.

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eBooks

Staff List

New Zealand crime fiction

Blood-soaked, intricately plotted stories, detectives, seedy urban settings, and often dark humour - explore the darker side of Kiwi fiction

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Featured: New Zealand fiction

Wheelers eBooks

A free eBook service of fiction and non–fiction titles. The collection focuses on New Zealand titles.

NZ Booklovers Awards

2025 winners: best adult fiction book, best lifestyle book, best young adult fiction, junior fiction, and children's picture books.

Darksky

by 1954- Marie Connolly

fionajay said:

A well thought-out debut featuring Nellie Prayle, a Clinical Psychologist at UC, brought in to help solve the murder of the newly appointed Director of…

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson

by Wendy Parkins

fionajay said:

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson examines the shocking impact of sustained spousal abuse - physical, mental, emotional, conveyed through letters and diary…

Wheelers eBooks

A free eBook service of fiction and non–fiction titles. The collection focuses on New Zealand titles.

NZ Booklovers Awards

2025 winners: best adult fiction book, best lifestyle book, best young adult fiction, junior fiction, and children's picture books.

Darksky

by 1954- Marie Connolly

fionajay said:

A well thought-out debut featuring Nellie Prayle, a Clinical Psychologist at UC, brought in to help solve the murder of the newly appointed Director of…

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson

by Wendy Parkins

fionajay said:

The Defiance of Frances Dickinson examines the shocking impact of sustained spousal abuse - physical, mental, emotional, conveyed through letters and diary…