The First Manawatu District Airfield

An historic monument of Manawatu's early history, the first Manawatu District Airfield was established just south of Cheltenham on the eastern side of the road and the first plane landed here on 18th August 1920. A plaque set in a concrete pillar on the roadside marks the site.

Ernest Short, owner of the property, called Parorangi, was keenly interested in both motor vehicles and aviation.  The first plane to land here came to Feilding after visiting the Feilding Racecourse the day before.  The pilot, Captain Richard Russell, took passengers paying five guineas for flights.

From that time aircraft flying cross country landed here.  In 1928 local members of the newly formed Manawatu Aero Club began using this 60 acre paddock as their landing strip.

On 8th June 1930 the Feilding Aeroclub was formed with Ernest's son, Ernest Ebenezer (AB) Short, as president.  Until July 1937, when the Taonui Aerodrome land was purchased, this was the club's airfield.  Members flew Avro Avians and de Havilland Moths.

The concrete plinth was the base for both the fuel tank and the pole on which the windsock was flown.

Nearby attractions/facilities include Cheltenham Hotel, NIkau Country Retreat and Cheltenham Rest Area.