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Feilding
5 km
1 hour 18 minutes
20 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself in the Manawatū region with an hour to spare and a craving for some fresh air, there is no better place to stretch your legs than the Timona Park to Johnston Park Walkway. Located in the charming town of Feilding—repeatedly voted New Zealand’s most beautiful town—this trail is a local favourite for very good reason. It offers a perfect slice of riverside tranquility without requiring you to pack a heavy tramping pack or lace up stiff leather boots.
The journey begins at Timona Park, a sprawling 24-hectare green space that serves as the heart of outdoor recreation in Feilding. As you step onto the well-maintained limestone path, you’ll immediately feel the pace of life slow down. The trail is part of the broader Aorangi Trails network, designed with accessibility in mind. This means the surface is wide, smooth, and remarkably flat, with a total elevation gain of just 20 metres. Whether you are pushing a pram, teaching the kids to ride their bikes, or taking the dog for its daily "zoomies," the terrain is incredibly forgiving.
The path hugs the banks of the Oroua River, a waterway that has shaped this landscape for centuries. As you meander along the riverside, the sound of the flowing water provides a soothing white noise, occasionally interrupted by the cheerful chatter of local birdlife. You’ll pass through open parkland before entering pockets of lush native bush. These sections offer a wonderful sense of immersion; one moment you are in a bustling rural town, and the next, you are surrounded by the scent of damp earth and the rustle of mānuka and kōwhai leaves.
The walk is an "out and back" style, meaning you can customise the distance to suit your energy levels. However, completing the full trip to Johnston Park and back covers about 5 kilometres. It’s a gentle transition between two of Feilding’s premier reserves, offering a peaceful corridor that feels worlds away from the nearby town centre. The lack of steep inclines makes it a "social" walk—the kind where you can easily chat with a friend without getting out of breath.
While the entire stroll is picturesque, there are several standout features that make the Timona Park to Johnston Park Walkway truly special.
Free parking is available at Timona Park, with entrances off Campbell Street, Poole Street, or Simon Street. Public toilets and BBQ facilities are also provided at Timona Park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
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 Feilding institution known for its delicious baked goods, hearty cabinet food, and award-winning cheeseburger pies, offering a taste of old-school Kiwi bakery culture.
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Out and back
The Oroua River Views The river is the undisputed star of the show. Depending on the recent rainfall, the Oroua can range from a crystal-clear, gentle stream to a powerful, silt-laden flow. There are several spots along the bank where you can safely get close to the water's edge—perfect for skipping stones or letting the dog have a quick splash. The reflection of the overhanging willows in the water creates some fantastic photo opportunities, especially in the golden light of the late afternoon.
Community Conservation in Action As you walk, take a moment to appreciate the "Timona Park Orchard." This is the result of tireless work by the Timona Park Orchard Trust. These local volunteers have dedicated themselves to enhancing the area’s biodiversity, planting native trees and fruit-bearing plants to provide a "food forest" for both humans and wildlife. Seeing these young saplings flourish alongside established giants is a heart-warming reminder of the community spirit that defines Feilding.
Family Fun at Timona Park If you have children in tow, the recently upgraded playground at the Timona Park end is a mandatory stop. It is modern, safe, and designed to burn off any remaining energy. Nearby, you’ll find free-to-use barbecues and picnic tables positioned right by the river. It’s the quintessential Kiwi weekend spot—sausages sizzling on the grill while the kids play and the river flows by.
The Transition to Johnston Park Arriving at Johnston Park offers a different perspective. While Timona is about riverside nature, Johnston Park is a hub for local sports. Reaching this point gives you a great sense of accomplishment before you turn around to enjoy the riverside views from the opposite direction.
Feilding is a short 15-to-20-minute drive from Palmerston North, making this an easy afternoon getaway. Finding the trailhead is straightforward, as Timona Park is well-signposted within the township.
Public toilets are conveniently located at the Timona Park end, near the playground and BBQ area. If you are starting from the Johnston Park end, parking is also available near the sports fields, though most visitors prefer starting at Timona to take advantage of the amenities.
The restoration of native bush along the Oroua River has seen a wonderful return of indigenous birdlife. Because the path is so flat and easy, you can keep your eyes on the canopy rather than your feet!
The most common companion on your walk will be the Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail). These friendly little birds are known for following walkers, flitting through the air to catch the tiny insects disturbed by your footsteps. Their erratic flight and "cheep-cheep" call are a delight to witness year-round.
High up in the branches, listen for the melodic, bell-like tones of the Tūī. You’ll often see them darting between flowering trees, their distinctive white throat tufts easy to spot against their iridescent blue-black feathers. In the quieter, bushier sections, you might also hear the high-pitched "vibrating" trill of the Riroriro (Grey Warbler) or see the tiny Tauhou (Silvereye) moving in busy flocks through the foliage.
If you are lucky, you might spot a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch. These large, colourful birds are occasional visitors to the park, especially when the native trees are in fruit. Down on the river itself, Mallard ducks are a constant fixture, often seen paddling near the banks or sunning themselves on the grassy verges.
The beauty of the Timona Park to Johnston Park Walkway is that it is truly a four-season destination.
To walk this trail is to walk through the heart of the Manawatū’s rural identity. The Oroua River is a significant tributary of the Manawatū River. For Māori, these waterways were vital "highways" for travel and sources of mahinga kai (food gathering). The name Oroua itself carries deep ancestral connections to the Rangitāne and Ngāti Kauwhata iwi, who have lived in this region for generations.
Feilding was established in the 1870s as part of the "Emigrant and Colonists' Aid Corporation" scheme. It was designed to be a hub for the surrounding fertile farmland, and it retains that strong rural character today. The development of parks like Timona and Johnston reflects the town’s historical commitment to providing high-quality public spaces for its residents.
The conservation work being done along the walkway is part of a larger regional effort to improve the health of the Manawatū catchment. By planting natives and protecting the riverbanks, the community is ensuring that the Oroua remains a vibrant, living ecosystem for future generations of "Friendly Feilding" locals and visitors alike.
Once you’ve finished your 5km loop, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily, Feilding’s town centre is just a few minutes away and boasts some fantastic spots to refuel.
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
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
Best time: Year-round
1.5km away
A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant in Feilding, specialising in wood-fired pizzas and hearty meals in a modern rustic setting, perfect for a post-hike refuel.
1.5km away
An award-winning family-friendly cafe and bar offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, known for its generous portions and pleasant atmosphere.
1.5km away
A popular cafe on Manchester Square offering great coffee, a wide range of tasty food, and a sunny, inviting ambiance with friendly staff.