Explore Feilding!

• If it happens to be a Friday, start the day exploring Feilding's iconic Farmers Market before popping into Delish on Fergusson Street to fuel up and/or caffeinate for your day.
• Don't miss Salt & Honey on Manchester Street, or Gracies on Fergusson Street for trendy clothing for him and her. Also on Fergusson Street, try Turners Gifts & Luggage for the best gift shop for miles! For more shopping visit Feilding.co.nz
• When you're shopped out, grab lunch at Global Kitchen on Manchester Street for wide range of tasty cuisines from across the globe.
• For a change of scenery, take an easy drive to Villa Candotti for a beautiful garden with an Italian spin - spend an hour soaking in the beauty. Make sure to book ahead - entry is $10 pp.
• Finally, head to The Strong Room for delicious food and fantastic service in a modern but comfortable setting in the heart of Friendly Feilding.

Take a step back in time with Manawatū's Heritage Collections... 

• From clocks to racecars, and steam engines to a whole village of heritage homes, Manawatū has enough heritage collections to make an enthusiast weep for joy!
• Pick and choose collections to visit from those listed here and spend your day exploring and hearing from local curators and enthusiasts.
• For food and coffee breaks, we recommend Two Locals, Ginger Bird Café or The Herb Farm Café (depending on where you are when your stomach starts to growl!)

An easy-peezy itinerary that's fun for the whole fam:    

• Take a short drive to Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park for an easy boardwalk loop through the lush native bush. Spot fine specimens of kahikatea, totara, rimu, pukatea and the remnants of what was New Zealand's tallest kowhai!
• Stop by Rosebowl Cafe & Bakery on your way back through town and have a picnic at Kowhai Park on South Street before the kids let off some steam at the wicked playground!
• If you need to cool off, or simply deserve a sweet treat, head to Groovy Scoops for a tasty ice cream before a quick nap and a refresh before dinner.
• Finally, head to Focal Point Cinema Feilding for a boutique cinema and dining experience. They offer comfy lounge-seating as well as barista-made coffee, wine and platters that can be enjoyed during the movie. Book your dinner reservation before the late showing or pre-order your meals before heading into the early showing! For more places to eat visit Feilding.co.nz

Indulge your green thumb with gardens galore in Manawatū:    

• Start with nearby Villa Candotti in Colyton. This Italian Renaissance-inspired garden is a stunning and unexpected gem, complete with a loggia, hedged parterres, orchards, fountains and a small orangery.
• Greenhaugh Gardens is worth a visit if you find yourself nearby (or you're staying in Palmerston North). This garden features an 1874 homestead and vista after vista. Mature trees give this garden bones while ponds and natural plantings add whimsy.
• Keen for a drive? Head to Kimbolton to explore Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens and Cross Hills Gardens and Nursery for some of the best collections of Rhododendrons and Azaleas you'll ever see!
• Stop by Rosebowl Cafe & Bakery on your way back through town and make a picnic in Kowhai Garden on South Street to soak in even more garden splendor!
• Full up with garden inspiration? Visit Feilding's favourite nurseries Pedley's or Harrisons and fill your car boot with plants!

 Get lost and discover Manawatū off the grid:

• For a scenic drive (or ride), take to one of The Country Road scenic driving routes and explore some hidden gems on the way!
• Keen to get your heart pumping? Soak up some nature and enjoy a burst of endorphins with a hike up the Rangiwahia Hut Track. Located in Ruahine Forest Park, the Rangiwahia Hut Track takes you over picturesque arched bridges and through the tussock topped Wanahuia Range.
• For something less strenuous, explore Ian McKean Pinetum for short walking tracks, picnic spots and 1500 ornamental pines!
• Take a lunch break at Āpiti Tavern & Eatery a thriving local historic pub nestled in the charming Āpiti village, with an award-winning mouth watering menu and fully licensed bar.
• For a truly magical scene, discover Whitecliffs Boulders just off State Highway One. It's a bit of an adventure with some walking through farmland but these wonders are worth the journey!
• For even more inspiration, read our piece Great Things to do Along The Country Road!