Backyard bookworm summer

There’s something about reading in summer that makes stories feel brighter and time feel a little softer – like the season is giving us permission to slow down. 

Whether you’re poolside, beachside, bach-side, or just soaking up the sun on the deck, we've put together everything you need for a great summer of reading – book recommendations, easy DIY outdoor reading nooks, and a few waterproof and windproof tricks to keep your pages safe from the splash zone this summer. 

Reading guide and recommendations 

Here are a few page-perfect categories (with some Kiwi favourites tucked in) to help you build your summer stack. 


Fast, fun reads for sunny days 
Perfect for lazy afternoons and those “just one more chapter” evenings. 

• Beach Read by Emily Henry
• The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins-Reid 

Aotearoa storytelling 
Ideal if you’re looking for books that feel close to home or open a new window. 

• Potiki by Patricia Grace 
• Kāwai: For Such a Time As This by Monty Soutar 
• Kurangaituku by Whiti Hereaka 
• The Bookseller At The End Of The World by Ruth Shaw 

Addictive page-turners 
For readers who want a book that hooks you fast and won’t let go... 

• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie 
• The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins-Reid 
• A Beautiful Family by Jennifer Trevelyan 
• The Bookshop Detectives: Dead Girl Gone by Gareth and Louise Ward  

Cookbooks for Summer 
Summer reading can be delicious too, especially when the book comes with recipes you can eat! 

• Kai Feast by Crystall Lowe 
• Dish: Summer by Sarah Tuck 
• Easy Weeknight Meals by Nadia Lim 

Whānau friendly 
Perfect for sharing around the deck, reading aloud at the bach, or keeping tamariki happily occupied between swims. 

• The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith 
• A Kiwi Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison 
• Whenua: Māori Pūrākau of Aotearoa by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White 

DIY outdoor reading nooks

You don’t need a full backyard makeover to create a cosy summer reading spot. A few simple touches can turn any corner into a mini reading retreat (that you’ll actually use). 

The tree-shade picnic nest 

You’ll need: a large blanket, plenty of pillows, and a chilly bin or sturdy basket. 

• Find the best naturally shaded spot (big tree = ideal). 
• Lay down a large blanket and pile on the pillows – you can be generous. 
• Use a chilly bin/basket as your side table for snacks, sunglasses, and the inevitable second drink. 
• Keep your book stack close so you can settle in without jumping up constantly. 
  
  

The swinging set-up 

You’ll need: a hammock or hanging chair, a wooden crate, pegs/clips, a small cushion, a towel/scarf, and fairy lights (optional). 

• Hang your hammock somewhere breezy but sheltered. 
• Pop a cushion behind your lower back (you’ll thank us later). 
• A crate or stool works as a book-and-drink perch. 
• If it’s bright, clip a towel or scarf above you for extra shade. 
• For evening reading, add solar lanterns or fairy lights to soften the space (optional). 
  
  

The “poolside practical” corner 

You’ll need: quick-dry cushions or a towel, a zip lock bag or waterproof pouch, a small side table or crate (optional: a small rolling trolley/cart). 

• Choose quick-dry cushions (or simply throw a towel over whatever you’ve got) to keep your seat comfy and splash-proof. 
• Slip your physical books, non-waterproof e-readers, or your phone into a zip-lock bag or waterproof pouch between reads to protect them from pool splashes. 
• Set up a small table or crate just out of splash range for your drink, snacks, and current read. 
• If you have one, a small trolley is a great way to store books safely – you can roll it away from the splash zone and shift it with the sun to keep pages shaded and protected. 
  
  

And if you like reading later into the night, an outdoor gas heater or gas fireplace can help keep your nook cosy once the sun dips – perfect for those long summer chapters. 

Waterproof and windproof reading hacks 

Summer reading is blissful… until a wave, a cannonball, or a rogue breeze gets involved. Here are a few easy ways to protect your pages without killing the vibe. 

• Pack a zip lock bag. Pop your book inside between chapters to protect it from splashes and damp towels. 
• Keep tech in a waterproof pouch. Many e-readers are water-resistant, but a waterproof pouch adds extra peace of mind. 
• Try an audiobook. Ideal for floating, walking, or cooking dinner while still soaking up a good story. 
• Beat the breeze with a clip. A small, weighted clip or even a couple of pegs can stop pages from flipping on their own. 
• Choose flexible paperbacks. They’re lighter to hold, easier in the wind, and far less dramatic than hardbacks on gusty days (hardbacks are wind magnets). 
• Shade is your best friend. It cuts glare, keeps pages from fading, and helps you read longer without roasting. 
• Use sunscreen! Reading makes time disappear – a sneaky top-up saves you from the “oops, I’ve been here two hours” burn. 
  
  

Summer reading doesn’t really need a big plan or a perfect setup. Sometimes it’s just a chair, a breeze, and a few quiet chapters that make the day feel better. However you’re spending summer – by the pool, on the deck, or at the bach with the whānau – we hope this guide helps you create a reading spot you’ll actually use. And if your best chapters happen after sunset, a gentle gas heater or outdoor fire can keep the evening cosy while you read on.  

Happy reading!