Less than 20 minutes from the city centre, Ashhurst offers a retreat from the hubbub of city life while providing everything you need for a convenient lifestyle!

The largest rural village in the region, Ashhurst is home to a thriving school, cafes, community pool and of course, the Ashhurst Domain, a tranquil public park, playground and reserve situated alongside the Manawatū River. A perfect, family-friendly option great for those who like to explore the great outdoors!

Continue north for 12 minutes and you’ll be in the breathtaking Pohangina Valley. With lush natural surrounds echoing with rich birdsong in one of Manawatu’s precious remnants of native bush, Pohangina is worth the drive for those looking for a tranquil home life. Well known for walking tracks, bike loops and more, this is a nature lovers paradise.

As the rural communities surrounding Palmerston North and Feilding grow, so too do the housing developments. Lifestyle blocks and new builds are plentiful throughout the region with affordable options, and great outlooks, on offer.

Colyton, less than 10 minutes east of Feilding, has seen a boom in new houses recently and with the popular primary school and destination-worthy cafe at the heart of the community, it’s easy to see why.

Head 10 minutes from Feilding in the opposite direction and you will hit Halcombe, a passionate, rural community built on the farming roots that still run deep here. Home to a quality primary school, and dining options like The Rusty Radiator and Halcombe Tavern, the village is a popular choice for those living in Manawatū.

About 20 minutes from either Palmerston North or Feilding towards the coast, Rongotea is a well established village with enough local amenities to keep you from going too far.

This rural settlement includes a school, a four square, a fish ‘n’ chip shop, churches, a tavern, and Te Kawau Memorial Recreational Centre. The Centre is well utilised as a gymnasium with facilities for all sports sitting alongside the local rugby fields, which is home to Te Kawau Rugby.

Intersecting SH1 and SH3 is Sanson, a small service town also west of Feilding. A popular choice for Defence Force Personnel due to its proximity to Ohakea, Sanson is world-famous in Manawatū for it’s delicious cream horns and actually world-famous for hosting the 2022 Blokart World Championships.

Northern Manawatū is exactly what you expect when you think of picturesque rural living. From deep valleys to towering mountain ranges, it has it all. With multiple settlements throughout the area, you can take your pick of small but mighty communities.

From Mangaweka, located on SH1, with epic cliff faces overlooking the Rangitīkei river, to Rangiwahia, featuring acres of untouched native virgin bush. From Āpiti, well known thank to a number of iconic pubs, stays and attractions and for being the gateway to the Ruahine Ranges, to Kimbolton, a high altitude rural village renowned for it's world class gardens, and quaint country charm. Through to Cheltenham, set amongst the agricultural plains and sweeping mountain ranges.