Located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.
The station’s core values are to conserve its endangered wildlife, increase the health of native bush and rivers, and preserve the history of the area, while educating visitors about the endangered New Zealand blue duck, other native species and local history.
Whakahoro which is right at the heart of Blue Duck Station and also one of the starting points of
the Whanganui Journey has a very colourful history; both Maori and European and many
remnants of the first failed attempts to farm this land are still visible here.
Blue Duck Station is working to preserve this history through the plotting and restoration of the
historical features that remain.
Just beyond the Kaiwhakauka bridge sits the depot building; the store or depository for the area. Situated at the junction of three roads: Te Mata, Bridge to Nowhere and Kaiwhakauka, the Depot would have played an essential part in dissemination of supplies in the area. Goods would have been transported up the Whanganui River to Wades Landing at Whakahoro then brought along the Kaiwhakauka track by horse and cart to the depot. It is also likely that the Depot would have held social gatherings and supported a lot of whisky drinking! The Depot and Stan’s Whare, also on the station, make excellent picnic stops whilst tramping.
40 kilometres from the farm in Whanganui National Park lies the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Sitting over the Mangapurua Gorge the concrete bridge was completed in 1936 to enhance access to one of the most remote valleys of the Upper Whanganui River. Seven years later however it become redundant as the settlers, mainly discharged servicemen from the First World War, abandoned the area. They had been valiantly trying to make a living from the inhospitable land for 24 years. Now a popular tourist attraction you can walk, mountain bike or jet boat to the Bridge from Whakahoro.
Below is our dedicated team of passionate people who make Blue Duck Station tick
Owner of Blue Duck Station, husband to Sandy and dad to Blue, Snow, Forest and River.
Can often be found making guests feel at home on the jetboat or ATV, mustering or hunting.
Sandy is wife to Dan, mum to Blue, Snow, Forest and River. Can often be found at Snowy Waters or riding one of her horses (she has a small collection from minis to Clydesdales and Kaimanawas)
Stock manager, Daniel a born and bred Taumarunui local joined the station February 2022.
Can often be found pig hunting or with his wife Sophia and 3 kids.
Mel is our operations manager and generally the only one who knows what is happening. Can often be found multi-tasking or out in the bush with her dog Frank.
Eve is our housekeeper.
She’s also a passionate gardener and baker so we’re always excited to sample some of her goodies when she has spare. Can often be found cracking up with a huge smile on her face.
Long time friend of the station and mum to the one and only Alex Sandford.
Sandy joins the team as cafe cook.
Can often be found in the garden, knitting or preserving delicious produce.
Farm hand and head activity guide from Waipukurau.
He can often be found hunting with his team of dogs or creating rustic art.
Check out some of his handy work at the Blue Duck Station Cafe.
