Feilding: Memorial Culture, Art and Farmers Market

Feilding offers several distinct points of interest for a trip: memorial culture, historic buildings, New Zealand heritage, art activities and a Farmers Market with seasonal produce. This selection can help you decide what to focus on when planning a stay. The places and activities appeal to different interests: remembrance, rural history, art classes or market life.

Memorial Culture and Historic Buildings

Since its unveiling on 3 October 1923, the Feilding Soldiers’ Memorial in Manchester Square has been the centre of ANZAC Day commemorations in Feilding. The date connects the square to a clearly identified historical event; the memorial’s role in the commemorations also makes it relevant to remembrance. If you want to focus on this subject, this is a specific place to start rather than a general overview of local history.

St John the Evangelist Church in Feilding was built by Anglicans in 1882 and is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. While the memorial is associated with remembrance, the church offers a different, specific perspective on Feilding’s historic places, with its building history and classification taking centre stage. Its construction date and classification help place the church in a cultural and historical context, without equating it with the memorial’s commemorative role.

Rural History and Tours

The Coach House Museum presents a collection of New Zealand heritage spanning more than 140 years of rural history. Rather than focusing on a single construction date or commemorative role, it presents a longer historical period through its collection. The museum offers group and guided tours. If you would like to include a guided experience in your travel plans, this offers a different way to explore the area than visiting a single memorial or historic building.

The Feilding Saleyard Tour is located in Feilding’s CBD and lasts at least 60 minutes. Allow at least an hour when planning your day. The Feilding Steam Rail Society runs public train excursions in the lower North Island. Check before your trip which excursions are available on your travel dates.

Art and Market Life

The Feilding Art Centre offers classes and workshops for participants aged 15 and over. These activities complement the historic sites with a focus on learning and participation. If you would like to include art in your stay not just as something to look at, but as a class or workshop, this is a specific place to start.

The Feilding Farmers Market brings together seasonal produce and direct contact with farmers, growers and producers. It offers seasonal artisan specialities and fresh seasonal produce from various regions, as well as freshly cut flowers and seedlings for the vegetable garden. Personal interaction is therefore a distinct part of the market experience, alongside the products. The market is listed as taking place on Fridays from 8:30 am; check before your visit whether this schedule applies on your travel day.

Discover more destinations: Apiti, Himatangi, Awahuri, Halcombe.

For the broader travel overview: Manawatu District.