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Feilding
6 km
1 hour
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself in the Manawatū district, you’ll likely already know that Feilding—repeatedly voted New Zealand’s most beautiful town—has a charm all its own. But beyond the award-winning flower beds and the historic livestock sales, there is a hidden ribbon of green that offers a perfect escape for locals and visitors alike. The Makino Stream Walkways is a delightful 6-kilometre loop that proves you don’t have to drive deep into the ranges to find a slice of tranquil Aotearoa.
This is the kind of walk that fits perfectly into a busy Saturday morning or a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s an easy, flat, and incredibly accessible trail that winds through the heart of the town, connecting two of Feilding’s most prized ecological treasures: Kowhai Park and the ancient Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park. Whether you’re a runner looking for a scenic route, a parent with a pram, or someone who just wants to listen to the pīwakawaka (fantail) while stretching their legs, this walkway is a true urban oasis.
The path is exceptionally well-maintained, largely flat, and features a modest 50-metre elevation gain—enough to keep things interesting without ever feeling like a "climb." As you head away from the manicured lawns of Kowhai Park, the trail follows the meandering curves of the stream. One of the unique aspects of this walk is how it bridges different worlds. At one moment, you are passing the perimeter of Manfeild Park, Feilding’s world-class motorsport circuit. On race days, you might hear the distant roar of engines, creating a fascinating contrast between high-octane local activity and the quiet serenity of the bush.
As you progress toward Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park, the environment shifts. Here, you enter a rare remnant of lowland semi-swamp forest. Thanks to recent upgrades, a wide, sturdy boardwalk now loops through the heart of this forest. This section is a highlight for anyone with restricted mobility or those pushing a stroller, as it allows you to get deep into the wetlands without getting your boots muddy. The air here feels cooler and damper, carrying the earthy scent of a forest that has stood for centuries. Because it’s a loop, you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective on the return leg, making the one-hour duration fly by.
Ample free parking is available at both Kowhai Park (South Street entrance) and Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park. Toilets are also available at both locations.
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
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
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
1km away
A popular spot in Feilding known for its awesome coffee, tasty food, and good vibes, perfect for a post-hike pick-me-up.
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Loop
First and foremost is the Makino Footbridge. This isn't just any bridge; it’s a piece of living history. Originally built in 1900 as an over-rail bridge for pedestrians, this wrought-iron bow-string arch truss bridge was eventually moved to its current home over the Makino Stream. It now provides a charming link to the Makino Aquatic Centre. It’s a fantastic spot for a photo, with its elegant Victorian engineering framing the greenery of the stream banks.
Nature lovers will be in awe of the "Grandfathers" of the forest. Within Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park, keep an eye out for the towering kahikatea (white pine). Some of these giants are estimated to be over 800 years old, standing as silent witnesses to the region's history long before the town of Feilding was even a thought. The park is also rumoured to be home to the tallest kōwhai tree in New Zealand—a majestic specimen that is a sight to behold when it erupts in yellow blossoms during the spring.
Finally, the educational signage throughout the Kitchener Park section is top-notch. These snippets offer insights into the local ecology and the massive community effort involved in restoring this wetland. It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged while they burn off some energy.
Alternatively, you can begin at the Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park end, located on the outskirts of town off Kawakawa Road. This area also offers plenty of parking and toilet facilities. Because the trail is a loop, you can’t really go wrong either way! If you are staying in the centre of Feilding, the South Street entrance is just a short, flat walk from the town square.
The most common companion you’ll have on your walk is the Fantail (pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, flitting through the undergrowth to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll also hear the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī echoing through the kahikatea canopy year-round.
Keep a sharp eye on the stream banks for the Sacred Kingfisher (kōtare). They are often seen perched motionless on a low branch before diving into the water with a flash of blue and green. In the wetland areas of Kitchener Park, the Pūkeko is a frequent sight, strutting through the reeds with its distinctive red beak and blue plumage. For the best birdwatching experience, try to hit the trail in the early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or evening activity is at its peak.
In colonial times, the area was heavily cleared for farmland, which makes the survival of the 800-year-old kahikatea even more miraculous. The Makino Footbridge serves as a bridge (literally and figuratively) to Feilding’s railway heritage, reminding us of a time when the iron horse was the lifeblood of the Manawatū. Today, the walkway is a testament to modern conservation. Local volunteer groups have spent years planting natives and trapping pests, ensuring that this "urban lung" continues to thrive for future generations.
For a classic Kiwi coffee and a slice of something sweet, head to Two Locals. Just about 1km from the park, it’s a favourite for its "good vibes" and consistently excellent food. It’s the perfect place to sit back and scroll through the photos you took on the bridge.
If you’ve finished your walk a bit later in the day, The Farmers Son is a top-tier choice. Located about 1.2km away, they specialise in wood-fired pizzas and hearty meals that are perfect for a post-walk reward. It has a very relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that fits the mood of the day.
For those who fancy a cold pint or some traditional pub grub, Murray's Irish Bar in the centre of town (1.1km away) is a local institution. Whether you want a hearty bangers and mash or just a quiet corner to relax, it’s a welcoming spot to end your Feilding adventure.
The Makino Stream Walkways might not be the highest or the hardest trail in New Zealand, but it is certainly one of the most charming. It’s a celebration of local history, nature, and community—all wrapped up in an easy 6km loop.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
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
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
A vibrantly coloured bird renowned for its precision diving to catch fish, also eats insects and small lizards.
Best time: Year-round
1.1km away
A traditional Irish pub in the heart of Feilding, serving wholesome pub food and a wide selection of drinks all day, a great spot for a casual meal or a pint.
1.2km away
Feilding's home of wood-fired pizza and hearty meals in a relaxed, family-friendly setting, ideal for a satisfying dinner after your walk.