Things To Do
in Feilding

Feilding sits in the heart of the Manawatū plain, a friendly farming town two hours north of Wellington and just a short drive from Palmerston North. It blends rural charm with a growing arts scene, a walkable town center, and green spaces along the Oroua River. The town hosts markets, craft shops, and heritage architecture that reflect its farming heritage.

Outdoor adventures and easy day trips to the surrounding countryside are within reach for a relaxed, authentic New Zealand experience.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Arrive in Feilding and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center to get acquainted with the local shops and cafes. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at one of the quaint cafes to fuel your day.

afternoon
:

Visit the Feilding Farmers' Market, a vibrant hub featuring fresh produce, local crafts, and artisanal goods. Engage with local vendors and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs. Spend some time at the Feilding Art Gallery to appreciate the local art scene.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant, experiencing the rich flavors of New Zealand cuisine. After dinner, take an evening stroll through the town's beautiful parks. Wind down with a warm drink at your accommodation, reflecting on your first day.

day 2
Exploring the Manawatu Region
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the nearby Manawatu Gorge. Enjoy hiking along well-marked trails that showcase stunning natural landscapes. Keep an eye out for the diverse flora and fauna native to this region.

afternoon
:

Picnic lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the gorge where you can fully appreciate the breathtaking views. After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, soaking in the tranquility of nature. Visit the nearby town of Ashhurst for a quaint shopping experience.

evening
:

Return to Feilding and have a relaxed dinner at a cozy bistro. After dinner, participate in a local event or enjoy some live music if available. Reflect on the day’s adventures while sipping a drink at a local pub.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee$3-5
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🛒Weekly groceries for one$60-120
🚕Taxi start fare$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact town with a friendly vibe and walkable center
  • Close to Palmerston North for culture and transport links
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger NZ cities
  • Need a car for day trips to surrounding countryside
  • "Kia ora" - Hello / Thank you
  • "Tēnā koe" - Hello (to one person, formal)
  • "Kei te pēhea koe?" - How are you?
  • "Aroha mai" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Haere rā" - Goodbye (to someone leaving)
  • "Ngā mihi" - Thanks

Places to Visit in Feilding

Visit one of these nice places.

Regent Street and Feilding’s historic buildings

Classic early-20th-century storefronts and brick facades provide timeless urban photography.

Oroua Riverbank and parklands

Water reflections, greenery, and farmland views along the river make for relaxed outdoor shots.

Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon

Industrial lines and track vantage points offer dynamic motorsport photography during events.

Culinary Guide

Food in Feilding

Feilding offers fresh, farm-to-table experiences with a focus on seasonal produce, sheep and dairy products, and artisanal goods.

Feilding Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Lamb Roast with kumara

A classic Kiwi dish featuring tender lamb with roasted root vegetables, often found on menus at local eateries.

Must-Try!

Feilding Cheese Board

A selection of local cheeses from nearby farms, best enjoyed with crusty bread and seasonal fruit.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Feilding Farmers Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and street food from local producers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Feilding has a temperate climate with warm summers (roughly 20–25°C) and cool winters (often near 0–10°C). Rain is spread throughout the year, with a tendency for wetter periods in late winter and spring.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly hello with a nod or handshake is common; modest, polite conversation is appreciated.

Queueing

Polite queuing and personal space are valued in shops and transit.

Driving etiquette

Give-way rules are followed; stay on the left and signal when turning.

Safety Guide

Safety

Feilding is generally safe; stay aware of rural road conditions, especially in winter; keep emergency numbers handy (111 in NZ). For health concerns, local GPs and a regional hospital in Palmerston North are accessible within a short drive.

Tipping in Feilding

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand; it is appreciated for exceptional service but not required.

Payment Methods

Most places accept EFTPOS cards and contactless payments; cash is accepted in most venues.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long, warm days ideal for markets, outdoor dining, and river walks, with occasional showers.

Autumn

Crisp air and golden farmland colors; great for scenic drives and harvest festivals.

Winter

Cool temperatures with the possibility of frosty mornings; indoor venues and cozy cafes are popular.

Spring

Mild weather, blossoming trees, and fresh markets as produce comes into season.

Nightlife Guide

Feilding at Night

Feilding’s nightlife is low-key, with local pubs, casual bars, and occasional live music events. Most venues close earlier than in big cities, but the social scene remains warm and welcoming.

Hiking in Feilding

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Wharite Summit Track

A popular day hike about 40-60 minutes from Feilding offering expansive views across the plains.

Oroua River Walk

Gentle river trail near Feilding with farmland scenery.

Manawatū Gorge viewpoints

Scenic drives and lookout points nearby with hiking options.

Airports

How to reach Feilding by plane.

Palmerston North Airport (PMR)

Nearest well-served airport with flights to major NZ destinations; about 25-40 minutes from Feilding by road.

Wellington International Airport (WLG)

Main international gateway located about 1.5-2 hours from Feilding by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Feilding is compact and walkable in the town center; most sights, cafes, and markets are within a short radius, though longer trips require a car.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

European/Pākehā

The largest demographic group with a strong farming heritage.

Māori

Active Māori community with cultural events in the region.

Asian and other ethnicities

Growing diversity contributing to local culture and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Rugby union

A central sport in NZ; local clubs and schools actively participate.

Netball

Popular winter sport with community leagues.

Golf

Feilding Golf Club offers an 18-hole course set in rural surroundings.

Motorsport at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon

Regular track days and events draw visitors and motorsport enthusiasts.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Feilding is light; the town is car-centric with good signage and easy downtown parking; regional bus services connect Feilding to surrounding towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Feilding.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and markets; communicate dietary needs to staff; many dishes can be adjusted to be dairy-free or egg-free.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local GP clinics and a hospital in Feilding exist; for major emergencies or specialist care, Palmerston North Hospital is the regional hub 25-40 minutes away by car.

Discover New Zealand

Read more in our New Zealand 2025 Travel Guide.

New Zealand Travel Guide