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Feilding
1.1 km
6 minutes
9 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a slice of prehistoric New Zealand just a stone's throw from the rural charm of Feilding, then the Kitchener Park Cycleway—better known to locals as Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park—is an absolute must-visit. It is one of those rare places where you can step out of your car and, within minutes, feel as though you have been transported back a thousand years. This isn't just a park; it is a remnant of an ancient lowland semi-swamp podocarp forest, a type of ecosystem that once covered vast tracts of the Manawatū but is now vanishingly rare.
As you move away from the car park, the modern world begins to fade. The terrain is remarkably flat, with only a 9-metre elevation gain, making it an easy breeze for those on two wheels. However, the true magic happens when you slow down. For those on foot, there is a dedicated one-kilometre boardwalk loop. This boardwalk is a masterstroke of design, lifting you above the sensitive, damp forest floor and allowing you to weave between the massive trunks of ancient giants without disturbing their delicate root systems.
The atmosphere inside the forest is distinct. Even on a scorching Manawatū summer day, the air here remains cool and humid, scented with the earthy aroma of damp moss and decaying leaf litter. It feels "alive" in a way that managed parks rarely do. If you find the 1.1km loop a bit too brief, there are several longer walking tracks that branch off into the deeper sections of the reserve. You can easily turn a quick ten-minute cycle into a restorative hour-long wander, or even tackle the 7.1km trail run if you’re feeling energetic.
A sealed car park is available off Kawakawa Road, providing easy access to the trails. The entrance gate is controlled and locked at dusk. Eco-friendly compostable toilets are located next to the car park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3.5km away
A casual Irish bar in Feilding serving traditional pub meals, snacks, and a wide selection of drinks including Guinness. Features quiz nights and live bands, welcoming children.
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Loop
One of the most striking features is the Pukatea with its distinctive buttress roots. These roots spread out like the fins of a rocket ship to provide stability in the soft, swampy soil. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a great way to teach kids about how plants adapt to their environment.
Another highlight is the "stepping back in time" sensation. Because this is a remnant forest, it hasn't been cleared and replanted; it is a continuous link to the ancient landscape of the Manawatū. The way the light filters through the dense canopy, reflecting off the swampy pools of the wetland, creates a prehistoric aesthetic that feels like a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
To get there, head towards Kawakawa Road. You will find a well-marked, sealed car park that provides easy access to the start of the trails. A quick tip for the planners: the entrance gate is controlled and locked at dusk, so make sure you’ve finished your exploration and moved your vehicle before the sun goes down!
For those who appreciate sustainable facilities, you’ll find eco-friendly compostable toilets right next to the car park. They are well-maintained and fit perfectly with the park's "leave no trace" ethos.
Pro Tip: If you visit in the early morning or late afternoon, the bird chorus is at its peak. Bring a pair of binoculars and stand still on the boardwalk for five minutes; you’ll be amazed at how much wildlife emerges once the forest forgets you’re there.
Geographically, the park is tucked between the Makino and Mangaone West streams and sits near the Oroua River. This convergence of waterways is what creates the unique wetland conditions that allow the Kahikatea to thrive. In a region where so much land has been converted to agriculture, Kitchener Park stands as a vital "green lung" and a reminder of the Manawatū’s natural heritage. Ongoing conservation efforts continue to protect this area from invasive weeds and predators, ensuring the 800-year-old trees survive for another few centuries.
If you’re after a hearty meal, The Strong Room (3.8km away) is a local favourite. It’s a stylish gastropub housed in a historic building, offering excellent modern bistro food and a great selection of local meats. For something more casual, Essence Cafe & Bar (3.7km away) is an award-winning spot perfect for a coffee and a slice of cake—it’s very family-friendly and has a welcoming vibe.
If you’ve got the kids with you and they’re craving pizza, The Farmers Son (3.6km away) offers fantastic wood-fired options in a rustic, relaxed setting. Or, if you’re visiting later in the day and fancy a pint, Murrays Irish Public House (3.5km away) is the place to go for a Guinness and some traditional pub fare.
Whether you're a Feilding local or just passing through the Manawatū, the Kitchener Park Cycleway is a short but soul-filling journey into New Zealand’s past. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it’s a powerful reminder of the ancient world that still exists right on our doorstep.
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
3.6km away
Feilding's home of wood-fired pizza and hearty meals, offering a warm and welcoming modern rustic feel. Family-friendly dining, perfect for relaxed meals.
3.7km away
An award-winning café and bar in Feilding, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts with a high standard of customer service. Known for its expertly crafted teas and family-friendly atmosphere.
3.8km away
A popular gastropub in Feilding, known for its modern bistro cuisine, hearty plates, and a lively, friendly atmosphere. Features local meat cuts and often has vegetarian and gluten-free options.