Northern Start
Kowhai Park, South St, Feilding
Southern End
Riverside Dr, Palmerston North
Distance
17.5km
Time
4-4.5hr
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Potential Hazards
  • Vehicles on road or track Stay as far off the road as possible
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Few water sources
Description
(North to South)

Feilding to Bunnythorpe - 9km / 2-2.5hr
From Kowhai Park, continue east along South St to the end, passing the Feilding Sale Yards on left. Renowned as the largest sale yards for selling sheep in the southern hemisphere, they are worthy of a visit on a Friday (being “sale day” when the country comes to town).
 
From South St, cross the road and turn right into Aorangi St. Take the combined cycleway/footpath for 1km, crossing the Oroua River. At the next intersection, the route turns left, crosses the North Island Main Trunk Railway and continues left/south along Campbell Road adjacent to the railway line, passing the Taonui Aerodrome (home to the Feilding Aero Club). 
 
Several kilometres further on at an intersection cross the railway line and continue south along Waughs Road till where the road ends and there is a style.  Here continue along a track on the left beside the Transfer Station. Turn right (not left) and go through a gate and keep to the right down to the Mangaone Stream crossing. There is no bridge there. The stream is very shallow in dry weather. Continue up the other side. After about 150 metres cross the small Jacks Creek and continue to the Kairanga/Bunnythorpe Road. Turn left and cross the railway line and then turn right into the village of Bunnythorpe.


Bunnythorpe to Riverside Drive - 8.5km / 2hr
The footpath through Bunnythorpe passes the old Glaxo factory.  (Glaxo is now the worlds 2nd largest multinational pharmaceutical firm and this was its birthplace in 1904). Leading onto Stony Creek Rd, the route veers away for 500m before turning right at Clevelly Line back toward the railway line. Without crossing the railway, turn left (south) into Sangsters Rd.  At the end of the road, the trail continues along the legally designated paper road reserve.  Crossing several fencelines, via gates or styles, a bridged drain and a gravel roadway the route comes to Roberts Line. 
 
Turn left/south along Roberts Line to Kelvin Grove Rd, the edge of the Palmerston North residential area. Crossing Kelvin Grove Rd, a sealed pathway leads to Lydia Place, a cul de sac which again leads back onto Roberts Line and through the residential area of Kelvin Grove. It crosses the railway line (leading to the Manawatu Gorge and the East Coast).
 
Roberts Line ends shortly after at State Highway 3, also known as Napier Rd. After crossing SH3, stright aheads follow Te Matai Rd, veering right after about 1km into Riverside Drive.

 
 
 

 
Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map065)

  Download Map 2 (map066)

  Download Trail Notes (Feilding to Palmerston North)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info

Palmerston North

Please Note: Dogs ON Leash ONLY. Fires in designated fireplaces ONLY. NO firearms or vehicles.

Potential hazards: Farming operations and vehicles

Detour option available
 1.5km to Palmerston North city

General information
 Manawatu I-SITE Visitor Information Centre - The Square, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 192206 350 1922 or 06 350 192206 350 1922
DOC Manawatu Rangitikei area office - Malden Street, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 970006 350 9700 - E: wellingtonco@goc.govt.nz - W: www.doc.govt.nz

Getting there/away
 Air New Zealand - flies to/from Palmerston North - Palmerston North Airport - Airport Drive/McGregor St, Milson - P: 0800 737 0000800 737 000 FREE freephone or 09 357 300009 357 3000
InterCity (to/from Auckland) - P:09 583 578009 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
Naked Bus - P: 0900 625330900 62533 (call costs)
Magic Bus - P: 09 358 560009 358 5600 - www.magicbus.co.nz
Overlander rail service between Auckland and Wellington - Departs from Train Station - Off Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Local transport
 Tranzit Coachlines Manawatu - The Square, Palmerston North - P: 06 351 683106 351 6831 or 0508 800 8000508 800 800 freephone 
Taxis Palmerston North - P: 06 355 533306 355 5333 freephone - E: callcentre@pntaxis.co.nz

Accommodation
Many options are available, including:
HOMESTAY, just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River.  Ph 027-6900 260 or 027-222 3742 or 06-355 1072. - E: degoldiway@gmail.com
Palmerston North Holiday Park - 133 Dittmer Drive, Palmerston North - P: 06 358 034906 358 0349 - E: palmerstonnorthholidaypartk@xtra.co.nz 
Pepper Tree Hostel (BBH) - 121 Grey St, Palmerston North - P: 06 355 405406 355 4054 - E: peppertreehostel@clear.net.nz  
Grandma's Place (BBH) - 146 Grey St . Palmerston North- P: 06 358 692806 358 6928 - E: ak1@clear.net 
Achilles Court Hostel - 42 Achilles Crescent, Palmerston North - P: 06 354 112706 354 1127
 
Whiowhio Hut - 20 Dorset Crescent, Palmerston North (adjacent to the riverside walk)
P: 027 470 9829 - E: whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz
Urban tramping hut. Kitchen, shower, laundry, bikes and even electricity. Payment by Koha (donation). Hosted by Te Araroa walkers and Whio (native blue duck) enthusiasts Anthony and Fiona (aka Whinny and Whiona).


Resupply
Pak N' Save - 327 Ferguson St, Hokowhitu - P: 06 356 404306 356 4043 
Countdown Supermarkets - Cnr Ferguson & Ashley Sts, Palmerston North - P: 06 356 606606 356 6066 
Pioneer New World Supermarket - 187-193 Main St, Palmerston North - P: 06 357 618006 357 6180
4 Four Square - 354 Albert St, Hokowhitu  - P: 06 357 868006 357 8680 

 

Requirements
  • Respect private land
  • Dogs on leash only
  • No firearms
  • Fires only in designated fireplaces
  • Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
Environment
  • Take all rubbish with you
  • Use toilets provided Feilding has toilets in Kowhai Park and at Fitzherbert Bridge end.
Amenities
(Start)
  • Full range of amenities Feilding shops only 1km away
  • Car park At Kowhai Park and Fitzherbert Bridge.
  • Picnic area At Kowhai Park and Esplanade in Palmerston North
  • Toilets At Kowhai park and in Manchester Square, Feilding
  • Shop Shopping Centre 1km from start
  • Accommodation
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Carpark Car parking at Bunnythorpe
  • Toilets Public Toilet at Bunnythorpe
  • Shop Dairy and Hotel at Bunnythorpe
Amenities
(End)
  • Full range of amenities 1.5km to full city facilities
  • Carpark
  • Picnic area In Esplanade
  • Toilets At Fitzherbert Bridge and in Esplanade
  • Serviced Campsite 1km to Motor Camp
  • Accommodation Full range of accommodation in city
  • Homestay, just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River. Ph 027-6900 260 or 027-222 3742 or 06-355 1072.
Closest Town(s)
Feilding and Palmerston North
Thanks to
PNCC, MDC
Northern Start
Kowhai Park, South St, Feilding
Southern End
Riverside Dr, Palmerston North
Distance
17.5km
Time
4-4.5hr
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Description
(North to South)

Feilding to Bunnythorpe - 9km / 2-2.5hr
From Kowhai Park, continue east along South St to the end, passing the Feilding Sale Yards on left. Renowned as the largest sale yards for selling sheep in the southern hemisphere, they are worthy of a visit on a Friday (being “sale day” when the country comes to town).
 
From South St, cross the road and turn right into Aorangi St. Take the combined cycleway/footpath for 1km, crossing the Oroua River. At the next intersection, the route turns left, crosses the North Island Main Trunk Railway and continues left/south along Campbell Road adjacent to the railway line, passing the Taonui Aerodrome (home to the Feilding Aero Club). 
 
Several kilometres further on at an intersection cross the railway line and continue south along Waughs Road till where the road ends and there is a style.  Here continue along a track on the left beside the Transfer Station. Turn right (not left) and go through a gate and keep to the right down to the Mangaone Stream crossing. There is no bridge there. The stream is very shallow in dry weather. Continue up the other side. After about 150 metres cross the small Jacks Creek and continue to the Kairanga/Bunnythorpe Road. Turn left and cross the railway line and then turn right into the village of Bunnythorpe.


Bunnythorpe to Riverside Drive - 8.5km / 2hr
The footpath through Bunnythorpe passes the old Glaxo factory.  (Glaxo is now the worlds 2nd largest multinational pharmaceutical firm and this was its birthplace in 1904). Leading onto Stony Creek Rd, the route veers away for 500m before turning right at Clevelly Line back toward the railway line. Without crossing the railway, turn left (south) into Sangsters Rd.  At the end of the road, the trail continues along the legally designated paper road reserve.  Crossing several fencelines, via gates or styles, a bridged drain and a gravel roadway the route comes to Roberts Line. 
 
Turn left/south along Roberts Line to Kelvin Grove Rd, the edge of the Palmerston North residential area. Crossing Kelvin Grove Rd, a sealed pathway leads to Lydia Place, a cul de sac which again leads back onto Roberts Line and through the residential area of Kelvin Grove. It crosses the railway line (leading to the Manawatu Gorge and the East Coast).
 
Roberts Line ends shortly after at State Highway 3, also known as Napier Rd. After crossing SH3, stright aheads follow Te Matai Rd, veering right after about 1km into Riverside Drive.

 
 
 

 
Potential Hazards
  • Vehicles on road or track Stay as far off the road as possible
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Few water sources
Description
(North to South)

Feilding to Bunnythorpe - 9km / 2-2.5hr
From Kowhai Park, continue east along South St to the end, passing the Feilding Sale Yards on left. Renowned as the largest sale yards for selling sheep in the southern hemisphere, they are worthy of a visit on a Friday (being “sale day” when the country comes to town).
 
From South St, cross the road and turn right into Aorangi St. Take the combined cycleway/footpath for 1km, crossing the Oroua River. At the next intersection, the route turns left, crosses the North Island Main Trunk Railway and continues left/south along Campbell Road adjacent to the railway line, passing the Taonui Aerodrome (home to the Feilding Aero Club). 
 
Several kilometres further on at an intersection cross the railway line and continue south along Waughs Road till where the road ends and there is a style.  Here continue along a track on the left beside the Transfer Station. Turn right (not left) and go through a gate and keep to the right down to the Mangaone Stream crossing. There is no bridge there. The stream is very shallow in dry weather. Continue up the other side. After about 150 metres cross the small Jacks Creek and continue to the Kairanga/Bunnythorpe Road. Turn left and cross the railway line and then turn right into the village of Bunnythorpe.


Bunnythorpe to Riverside Drive - 8.5km / 2hr
The footpath through Bunnythorpe passes the old Glaxo factory.  (Glaxo is now the worlds 2nd largest multinational pharmaceutical firm and this was its birthplace in 1904). Leading onto Stony Creek Rd, the route veers away for 500m before turning right at Clevelly Line back toward the railway line. Without crossing the railway, turn left (south) into Sangsters Rd.  At the end of the road, the trail continues along the legally designated paper road reserve.  Crossing several fencelines, via gates or styles, a bridged drain and a gravel roadway the route comes to Roberts Line. 
 
Turn left/south along Roberts Line to Kelvin Grove Rd, the edge of the Palmerston North residential area. Crossing Kelvin Grove Rd, a sealed pathway leads to Lydia Place, a cul de sac which again leads back onto Roberts Line and through the residential area of Kelvin Grove. It crosses the railway line (leading to the Manawatu Gorge and the East Coast).
 
Roberts Line ends shortly after at State Highway 3, also known as Napier Rd. After crossing SH3, stright aheads follow Te Matai Rd, veering right after about 1km into Riverside Drive.

 
 
 

 
Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map065)

  Download Map 2 (map066)

  Download Trail Notes (Feilding to Palmerston North)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info

Palmerston North

Please Note: Dogs ON Leash ONLY. Fires in designated fireplaces ONLY. NO firearms or vehicles.

Potential hazards: Farming operations and vehicles

Detour option available
 1.5km to Palmerston North city

General information
 Manawatu I-SITE Visitor Information Centre - The Square, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 192206 350 1922 or 06 350 192206 350 1922
DOC Manawatu Rangitikei area office - Malden Street, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 970006 350 9700 - E: wellingtonco@goc.govt.nz - W: www.doc.govt.nz

Getting there/away
 Air New Zealand - flies to/from Palmerston North - Palmerston North Airport - Airport Drive/McGregor St, Milson - P: 0800 737 0000800 737 000 FREE freephone or 09 357 300009 357 3000
InterCity (to/from Auckland) - P:09 583 578009 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
Naked Bus - P: 0900 625330900 62533 (call costs)
Magic Bus - P: 09 358 560009 358 5600 - www.magicbus.co.nz
Overlander rail service between Auckland and Wellington - Departs from Train Station - Off Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Local transport
 Tranzit Coachlines Manawatu - The Square, Palmerston North - P: 06 351 683106 351 6831 or 0508 800 8000508 800 800 freephone 
Taxis Palmerston North - P: 06 355 533306 355 5333 freephone - E: callcentre@pntaxis.co.nz

Accommodation
Many options are available, including:
HOMESTAY, just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River.  Ph 027-6900 260 or 027-222 3742 or 06-355 1072. - E: degoldiway@gmail.com
Palmerston North Holiday Park - 133 Dittmer Drive, Palmerston North - P: 06 358 034906 358 0349 - E: palmerstonnorthholidaypartk@xtra.co.nz 
Pepper Tree Hostel (BBH) - 121 Grey St, Palmerston North - P: 06 355 405406 355 4054 - E: peppertreehostel@clear.net.nz  
Grandma's Place (BBH) - 146 Grey St . Palmerston North- P: 06 358 692806 358 6928 - E: ak1@clear.net 
Achilles Court Hostel - 42 Achilles Crescent, Palmerston North - P: 06 354 112706 354 1127
 
Whiowhio Hut - 20 Dorset Crescent, Palmerston North (adjacent to the riverside walk)
P: 027 470 9829 - E: whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz
Urban tramping hut. Kitchen, shower, laundry, bikes and even electricity. Payment by Koha (donation). Hosted by Te Araroa walkers and Whio (native blue duck) enthusiasts Anthony and Fiona (aka Whinny and Whiona).


Resupply
Pak N' Save - 327 Ferguson St, Hokowhitu - P: 06 356 404306 356 4043 
Countdown Supermarkets - Cnr Ferguson & Ashley Sts, Palmerston North - P: 06 356 606606 356 6066 
Pioneer New World Supermarket - 187-193 Main St, Palmerston North - P: 06 357 618006 357 6180
4 Four Square - 354 Albert St, Hokowhitu  - P: 06 357 868006 357 8680 

 

Requirements
  • Respect private land
  • Dogs on leash only
  • No firearms
  • Fires only in designated fireplaces
  • Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
Environment
  • Take all rubbish with you
  • Use toilets provided Feilding has toilets in Kowhai Park and at Fitzherbert Bridge end.
Amenities
(Start)
  • Full range of amenities Feilding shops only 1km away
  • Car park At Kowhai Park and Fitzherbert Bridge.
  • Picnic area At Kowhai Park and Esplanade in Palmerston North
  • Toilets At Kowhai park and in Manchester Square, Feilding
  • Shop Shopping Centre 1km from start
  • Accommodation
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Carpark Car parking at Bunnythorpe
  • Toilets Public Toilet at Bunnythorpe
  • Shop Dairy and Hotel at Bunnythorpe
Amenities
(End)
  • Full range of amenities 1.5km to full city facilities
  • Carpark
  • Picnic area In Esplanade
  • Toilets At Fitzherbert Bridge and in Esplanade
  • Serviced Campsite 1km to Motor Camp
  • Accommodation Full range of accommodation in city
  • Homestay, just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River. Ph 027-6900 260 or 027-222 3742 or 06-355 1072.
Closest Town(s)
Feilding and Palmerston North
Thanks to
PNCC, MDC