Feilding “New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town” (14 times winner) is a rural town with a population of approximately 14,000, situated on the west bank of the Oroua River 20kms north of Palmerston North and 155kms north of Wellington.

Farmers Market
Locally grown and/or value added produce is available at the authentic Farmers Market, held each Friday in Manchester Square, in the heart of Feilding. Phone 323 3318.

Farmstays/Homestays
A pleasant alternative to our quality hotel and motel accommodation, the Manawatu district offers a variety of farmstay/homestay properties. These provide opportunities to meet the ‘locals’ and experience the real rural NZ. Enjoy sharing warm hospitality, genuine home cooked meals, stroll through beautiful gardens, heritage homesteads or join in farm activities. Phone 323 3318.

Feilding Saleyard Tour
Weekly tour of the Feilding Livestock Centre, one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. A local farmer will be your guide. $5 per person, bookings in advance at the Feilding and District Information Centre, phone 323 3318.

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

The main shopping area radiates from Manchester Square. New buildings contrast with carefully preserved heritage styles and the broad thoroughfare of Kimbolton Rd emphasises the dignified charm of this rural service town.
Other diverse industries, many related to agriculture, have been established in and around the town.
Horticultural industries such as plant nurseries take advantage of favourable soil and climate conditions.

SPORT, RECREATION & LEISURE

The Manawatu region is home to a wide variety of parks and gardens, from the unique to world renowned. Roses, herbs, dahlias, woodland, rhododendrons, something to satisfy even the most experienced garden connoisseur.
Manfeild, one of the largest sport and leisure parks, boasts the internationally recognised Manfeild Autocourse, the I A & P Show-grounds and Kowhai Park. It also plays host to other events including the annual Central Districts Field Days, Manawatu Fireworks Spectacular and a Garden Festival.
Kowhai Park offers gardens, a camellia walk, aviaries, barbecue and play areas, native trees, a lake and stream next to its sports fields.
Other parks in Feilding and communities throughout the district cater for all major sports, athletics, cycling and pony club activities.
Amenities such as the Makino Aquatic Centre, mini golf, skateboard park, tennis, bowling and squash clubs and playing fields give ample opportunity for outdoor enjoyment. The Feilding Golf Club maintains a tournament standard course alongside the Oroua River. An international kart racing circuit is located in Shirriffs Rd Longburn.
Parks and sports grounds within the Mana¬watu district:

Apiti
Apiti Domain Main Rd, Apiti Scenic Reserve Main Rd.
Awahuri
Old Settlers Memorial Mt Stewart.
Beaconsfield
Beaconsfield Domain, old school building.
Bunnythorpe
Bunnythorpe Domain Dixon Line; Bunnythorpe Recreational Ground Raymond St.
Cheltenham
Almadale, Almadale Rd.
Feilding
James Palmer playground North St; Johnston Park Drake St; Kitchener Park Kawakawa Rd; Kowhai Park South St; Makino Park Manchester and Church Sts; skateboard park, South St; Timona Park, Simon, Campbell and Poole Sts.
Halcombe
Halcombe Recreation Ground, Rangitikei River access Kakariki.
Himatangi
Himatangi Domain, Koputara Rd.
Kimbolton
Bartletts Ford, Terrace Rd; Kimbolton Domain Main St; Kimbolton Reserve Forest Rd; London’s Ford, Branch Rd.
Mt Biggs
Native reserve Mt Biggs end of Sandon Rd; Wilderness Park next to school Mt Stewart/Halcombe Rd.
Oroua Downs
Pukepuke Lagoon Wildlife Reserve (DOC).
Pohangina
Pohangina School Reserve; Raumai Bridge; Totara Scenic Reserve/YMCA Camp Rangi Woods.
Rangiwahia
Dress Circle Scenic Reserve Lagoon Rd; Kai Kaiwaka Scenic Reserve Cemetery Rd; McKinnon Scenic Reserve main highway near village; Pemberton’s historic corner Ohingaiti turn off SH 1; Pemberton Memorial Scenic Reserve main highway;
Rangiwahia Domain main highway; Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve Richmond Rd; Ruahine State Forest Ranfrew Rd.
Rewa
Putai Ngahere Domain (Vinegar Hill) main road.
Sanson
Mt Lees Reserve Ngaio Rd.
Tangimoana
Scotts Ferry Reserve (boat ramp) Scotts Ferry Rd; Recreation Reserve Kuku St; Harry Ellison Reserve Nuku St.

MAKINO AQUATIC CENTRE

The swimming complex in Manchester St comprises 50m outdoor (Dec to Mar) and 25m indoor (open 12 months) heated pools. An excellent recreational facility for all ages. Phone 323 5312.

ADVENTURE

Adrenalin enthusiasts haven’t been left out! You can jet through the impressive Manawatu Gorge dodging rocks, throw yourself off bridges and out of aeroplanes, ascend walls and rocks and descend into caves . . . spotlighting, kayaking, overnight horse treks, 4WD . . . the possibilities go on!

Clydesdale Wagon Adventures
A relaxing way to enjoy the natural environment of the Manawatu. A couple of hours, overnight or multi day trek to the coast! Serious or social – they can even come to you! Phone 0-6-376 6157.

Kyrewood Equestrian Centre
Horse riding, lessons. Great facilities and horses to suit all abilities. Oroua Rd phone 355 9148.

Timeless Horse Treks
Horse treks from one hour to one week! Options include river flats, bush tracks, hill country farms and spectacular views from the top of the Tararua Ranges.. Phone 0-6-376 6157.

TIME OUT

Educational ‘recreation’ opportunities abound in the city and around the region, from the Science Centre and Manawatu Museum to working pioneer museums and wildlife parks.
The Manawatu region is also well endowed with craftspeople, with many locally made unique and special gifts waiting to be discovered!
If relaxation means taking time for yourself, try a spot of fishing. The range of sports fishing in the Manawatu and Rangitikei River catchments is remarkable. These extensive catchments provide a vast amount of accessible fishing water, angling variety, attractive scenery, peace and quiet.
If chasing a ball rather than that elusive fish is your idea of unwinding, the region boasts a number of excellent golf courses.

GARDENS

Cross Hills Rhododendron Gardens, Kimbolton
NZ’s largest collection of flowering rhododendrons. Seven hectares, over 2,000 varieties of rhodo¬dendrons and azaleas flowering in spring. Café open at peak flowering times (October to November), gardens September to May. Admission charge. Phone 328 5797.

Fe2 Gallery and Gardens
938 Kellows Rd Himatangi, just off SH 1. Three acres of gardens with peacocks and guinea fowl wandering. Hand feed the flock of coloured sheep, McDuff the highland steer and fish from the bridge across the small lake. Wander the gardens which has a variety of roses, magnolias, rhododenrons, camellias, lilacs and a host of unusual plants and meet the “long drops” occupants. A perfect picnic spot on the formal lawn. Open August to April 9am - 7pm. Admission fee, under 14 years free.

Kimbolton Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens
A unique display of rhododendrons in picturesque surroundings. A great place for picnics or to enjoy the kiosk for morning and afternoon teas and light lunches. Open mid October to mid December or by arrangement. Admission charge. Phone 328 5707.

Pioneer Nurseries, Colyton
Shelter, forestry, deciduous and fuel wood trees, native plants, garden trees and flowering shrubs can be viewed and purchased. Open daily except Sundays. Phone 328 7803.

Pukemarama
Historical garden designed in the 19th century in formal English style, set in coastal Manawatu. Rosina Rd off SH 1 (between Sanson and Himatangi) phone 324 8446.

Robyn’s Nest
A delightful half acre garden with roses, flowering shrubs, annuals and perennials, several water features, novelty statues, ornaments, an orchid house and sales table. Toilet available on request (not suitable for a wheelchair). Wide paths. 11A Fitzroy St Feilding, open October 1 to May 1, 10am to dusk by arrangement. Gold coin donation. Phone 323 7672 or fax 323 7678.

Songbird Gardens
Just over 3 hectares of mystical, magical gardens full of surprises. Stunning views and birdsong in the Pohangina Valley. A garden for all seasons with ponds, natives, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, conifers, camellias. Self contained cottage with open fire. Pohangina Valley East Rd, Ashhurst. Open daily from 1pm. Admission charge $4. Phone 329 4704.

The Fragrant Garden
Extensive collection of herbs and perennials, many rare and unusual. Large native collection. Also a bed and breakfast. Port St East (off Pharazyn Rd) Feilding, open 7 days, phone 323 4233.

The Herb Farm
A unique attraction of display gardens celebrating the fascinating world of herbs. Products manufactured on the property for sale. Grove Rd Ashhurst, phone 326 8633.

Woodland Grange
Four acres of woodland type garden with pond. Large variety of mature trees, rhododendrons, camellias, roses, hydrangeas, daffodils and bluebells in spring. Self contained boutique homestay cottage. Garden chapel for small functions/weddings. 13 Grammer St Kimbolton, open by arrangement. Admission $4. Phone 328 9667 or fax 328 9614.

HERITAGE COLLECTIONS

Apiti Museum
Main Rd Apiti, visitors welcome by arrangement. Phone 328 4806.

Colyton Clock Museum
Chimers Farm Colyton Rd. Over 2000 clocks, watches and timepieces collected from all over the world. Open weekends 10am - 4pm, other times by arrangement. Phone 328 7078.

Feilding and District Steam Rail Museum
Restored and partly restored engines and carriages, a working turntable and gantry. Special steam train trips around the Manawatu. Open Saturday 9am - 3pm, other times by arrangement. Feilding Railway Yard cnr Gladstone and Haybittle Sts phone 323 5493.

Homeprint Feilding
Working letterpress printing museum, handmade book collection, art gallery. Open daily by appointment, Sandilands St Feilding phone 323 8046.

Luttrells White Pine Gardens, Wildlife Park, Pioneer Museum
View NZ’s working past and varied wildlife, native bush, gardens. Open 10am - 4pm weekends, week days by appointment. Admission charge. Pohangina Valley West Rd, Ashhurst phone 329 4837.

Ruapuna Park and Colonial Museum
Junction of Te Parapara Rd, Rangiwahia. Private collection of working stationary engines and early farming equipment. Colonial cottage gardens. Visitors welcome by arrangement, phone 328 2855.

Steam Traction Society (Maewa)
Maewa Rd opposite Feilding Cemetery. Largest collection of steam traction engines in the southern hemisphere. Open by appointment, phone Andrew Voss 355 9176.

Tannery
Oroua Downs Tannery 2kms north of the Himatangi Junction on SH 1. Visitors and tours welcome by arrangement. Phone 329 9652.

The Coach House Museum
40 Bowen St Feilding. View the transport history of early Manawatu. Many carriages and vehicles have been restored while others are in various states of restoration. Outstanding wall displays relate the stories of our early settlers and their efforts to establish Feilding and Manawatu. The Feilding Stagecoach is available for hire. Open Saturday and Sunday 1.30 - 3.30pm, other times by arrangement. Admission fee.

The Gables Classic Car Museum
Early century homestead set amidst established gardens, a classic car museum (includes Daimler and Rolls Royce). Open by appointment, Green Rd Awahuri phone 323 7081.

CRAFTS

Country Fayre
Historical photographs, arts and crafts, Devonshire teas. Old Pohangina council building. Open 1.30 - 4.30pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays or by appointment. Phone 329 4863.

Feilding Art Centre
Feilding and District Art Society 35 Kimbolton Rd. Local artwork and paintings, jewellery and pottery, weaving, woodturning and much more. Exhibitions change regularly. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm. Phone 323 2323.

Folk Art Manawatu
Hand painted gifts, all folk art requirements, experienced tutor, classes. Studio open daily, best to phone first. Taonui Rd Feilding phone 323 5319.

Kairanga Craft Cottage
Spinning and weaving. Ashford spinning wheels and accessories, handcraft yarns, handspun/handknitted garments, breeding stock. Visitors welcome, groups by arrangement. Kairanga Bunnythorpe Rd South phone 329 0827.

Little Wool Co
Manufacturer of knitting yarn and specialty knitwear using homegrown merino and mohair fibres. Farm shop open by appointment only. Waituna West phone 328 6868.

Mageo Woodcraft
Specialising in pyrography (poker work), NZ souvenirs. Bryce St Apiti phone 328 4820.

Parklee Country Craft Retreat
Accommodation available for small groups. Large guest craft room. Hand dyed fabric and silk ribbon for sale. Day visitors welcome, bookings essential. Kimbolton phone 328 5881.

Rainbow Outdoor Furniture
Manufacturer of quality wooden garden outdoor furniture. Open 7 days. 51 Dundas Rd Sanson phone 329 3279.

Weekend Craft
Manufacturer of quality chunky wooden outdoor furniture. Open 7 days 9am - 4pm. 1601 SH 3 Awahuri phone 323 1209.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Getting back to nature is easy with the choice of tramps, bush walks and nature trails on offer in the Manawatu – the hard part is deciding which one first!
Explore the Pohangina Valley, just a slice of the outdoor activities available in the region.
Call into the Feilding and District Information Centre for a copy of a booklet.