To make the most of your time at Blue Duck Station and to experience the beauty of our location we offer a range of outdoor activities. You can choose to do as much or as little as you like. Minimum and maximum numbers do apply to some activities so booking before arrival is essential. We can also tailor your experience to suit, including team building activities and corporate stays so get in touch with one of the team today to design your stay.
Blue Duck Station has acres of tracked land superb for backcountry horse trekking. The scenery varies from native bush canopy to rivers and streams, ridge top tracks and mountain views.
HALF DAY RIDES: Our half day horse-rides are suitable for riders of all abilities. Bookings are essential.
MULTI DAY HORSE TREKS: Suited to experienced riders only, our multi day horse treks include 2 or 3 nights accommodation, 2 or 3 days riding and all meals. You have the option of bringing your own hill fit, well-behaved horse or you can ride one of our experienced trekking horses.
Find out more about our Multi-Day Horse Trek Packages here:
Prices
$195 per person half day ride – bookings essential
$1250 per person for our 2 night Signature multi day horse trek package
$2695 per person for our 3 night Decadence multi day horse trek package which includes a 10-course degustation dinner at The Chef’s Table
The Bridge to Nowhere is just an hour and 15 minutes by jet boat from Whakahoro. Our guides will drive you to the Mangapurua landing and lead you up the 40 minute walk to the bridge whilst telling you about the history of the iconic New Zealand landmark and its surrounds.
Alternatively, you can mountain bike or tramp the 40km track to or from Whakahoro and we can
arrange a jet boat drop off or pick up.
We also offer shorter scenic and history tours. Jump in a boat with one of our knowledgeable guides to get a unique perspective of the local landscape and to learn more about the history, flora and fauna of the area.
Prices
Scenic and history tours $95 per person
Return trip to the Bridge to Nowhere:
$195 per person* (minimum 4 people or difference paid)
*one way trips are charged at the same prices as above
Experience the beauty of the Whanganui river; kayak from Whakahoro into Whanganui National Park and get picked up by jet boat later the same day.
Alternatively head out on our bush safari and do a short kayak (weather permitting!) through the gorge at the base of the Kaiwhakauka falls.
Our lodges are the ideal location for accommodation on the Whanganui Journey or visit the café to refuel and have your last barista coffee for 3 days!
Prices
Half day kayak-jet boat $149 (Available summer only)
Bush safari $150
Get a taste of what Blue Duck Station is all about on our bush safari 4WD tour. Get an understanding of the local history, hear all about our conservation work and witness the everyday workings of the station.
During the summer months we’ll take you on a short kayak through the gorge at the base of the
Kaiwhakauka falls and we’ll show you to some whio hang outs. Our knowledgeable guides are happy to tailor the tour to any specific interests you may have.
Prices
$150 per person
Whakahoro is a part of the Mountains to Sea cycle trail and part of the Tour Aotearoa route. The Grade 4 track starts at the Blue Duck Café along the Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua tracks and reaches the Bridge to Nowhere 44kms later. We can provide a jet boat drop off if you would like to return to Whakahoro or connect with Whanganui River Adventures or Bridge to Nowhere lodge to continue your journey to Pipiriki.
If the Grade 4 track is not for you bring your mountain bike to ride to the waterfall or along some of our farm tracks during your stay.
Prices
Pick up or drop off at the Bridge to Nowhere including bike transport:
$195 per person (minimum 4 people)
There are many tracks suitable for hiking on Blue Duck Station and the surrounding Whanganui National Park. The extraordinary natural setting offers visitors the chance to observe many species of flora, fauna and bird life found in the native bush and along the banks of both the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers and Kaiwhakauka stream. Just ask one of the team which tracks are open during your stay.
Pariatua trek
A loop trek that starts and finishes from the café. Leading you through native bush high up the hill to stunning views of the Whanganui, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, you can see why this was the location of a Maori Pa site. Although only taking 2-3 hours this trek is not for the feint hearted and not recommended in wet conditions.
Kaiwhakauka waterfall
If you are looking for a gentler hike, but still want to immerse yourself in native bush, walk the Kaiwhakauka track to the waterfall. Taking approximately three hours, the flat, but often muddy, walk leads you past a papa drive and to one of our blue duck hang outs.
Multi Day Walks
Discover the landscape, history, wildlife and people that make up Blue Duck Station over three glorious days of hiking. Our Multi Day Walks cover 30km in total, and include lodge accommodation and meals.
Nestled amongst the native bush, stargazing at Blue Duck Station offers an unparalleled celestial experience. Away from city lights, visitors can marvel at the brilliance of the Southern Hemisphere’s night sky, adorned with constellations, planets, and the incredible glow of the Milky Way. Moon rise during the fuller phases of the lunar cycle are a true bucket list experience!
Photo Credit: Joe Strudwick
Contact us to book or enquire about our activities. Please include your intended travel dates if known. We will try and get back to you in the next 24 hours. We are looking forward to hosting you!