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Comfortable backpacker accommodation and exclusive private lodges located in the Ruapehu District on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers, and surrounded by Whanganui National park. Situated at the start of the 3-day Whanganui River Journey and the Kaiwhakauka/Mangapurua section of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail. Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground offering horse trekking, hunting, jet boating, kayaking and much much more.
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HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Location
4265 Oio Road, Whakahoro, RD 2, Owhango 3990 New Zealand
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WOW!!! what a weekend. We were a bunch of dads and lads (9-13yrs) visiting during the school holidays in October. We arrived amongst the wild weather to a lovely fresh coffee and hot chocolates for all, greeted by lovely staff as they went about their day, while we waited for all all group to assemble. Our Accommodation the 'Whio Lodge' was outstanding, lovely spacious bunk rooms, with a fabulous kitchen and lovely cosy lounge with a fireplace. Outside there was a rustic bar with an old open fireplace. With very clean presentable hot showers and toilets, even our wives would have been impressed, especially given the remoteness of Blue Duck Station. From the moment we arrived the scene was set for a magnificent couple days for four dads and their 7 lads.
Although the weather wasn't ideal, it didn't hinder a thing. All the activities such as farm tours, Mountain biking, rabbit and goat hunting, were all about getting kids off devices and exploring the natural beauty of Blue Duck Station. We even found some time for a few pony and horse rides.
With hosts Dan and Sandy sharing their vision for Blue Duck Station, I can hand on my heart say, that I have never seen 7 young fella's so memorised and entertained every minute of the day and night, it is a credit to them and their team.
Family fun, laughs and learning. The Lads were able to save a few lambs, feed them milk, run in the wild, learn about hunting and giving back to the land.
Unfortunately, with the amount of rain and swollen rivers were couldn't find the Whio (Blue Duck) nor could we swim or kayak. However, that's a positive as it means we will go back to experience this par. The dads were so impressed with trip ,we have said yes to bringing the wives next time. Fresh coffee, lovely accommodation, decks with fires for afternoon wines, I'm sure every mom's dream. Happy kids, happy wife, happy life.
Next time you're thinking of overseas holiday stop and try Blue Duck Station, it feels like you're in another world. Highlighly recommend!!!
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Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Blue Duck Station in the Frontier Lodge for three nights, loved every minute of it and will certainly be back! There is plenty of interesting activities at the station, we did some hiking and birdwatching, then took the ATV bush safari and a half day kayak with a jetboat return. We loved the ATV Bush safari, Michael has been an awesome driver and host, we have learnt lots about the working of the station, conservation efforts and the history of the region from him! We also enjoyed the half day kayak on the Whanganui River and the jetboat ride back. Here again, Michael has been a fantastic jetboat driver and host to our group, while also having to attend to a rescue mission on the river to help a couple of canoeists, top marks for him! We were blown away by the scale of the operations, and want to wish Dan and his Blue Duck Station team all the best, may all your grand plans come true!
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Date of stay: December 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were canoeing the river and staying at the DOC campsite (opposite) so when we saw the Blue Duck cafe / restaurant it was a lovely treat. We enjoyed the coffee and breakfast / lunch menus. The food was excellent and locally sourced. But what really made it was the location / setting / authentic vibe. Well worth a detour. Open 8 till 5
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Date of stay: February 2021
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Still buzzing 2 days after the best 3 day horse trek ever! Blue Duck Station is situated near the Whanganui and Retaruke rivers. It is a working farm with strong conservation values. The Station is family owned and the team is so friendly and keen for you to have the best of experiences while also learning a bit about their Whio (blue duck) conservation programme, the local history and natural fauna and flora.This trek is for experienced riders as it covers varied terrain - steep farmland, redwood forest and native bush, with opportunities to canter. We also got to kayak at a waterfall, jetboat along the Whanganui river, and swim in the river. Brilliant team, excellent steady horses, comfortable beds, hearty food, flat whites (real coffee). What more could you wish for?
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Take your own alcohol - the station is not licensed.
Once you turn off the main highway the road...
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A talented team of people who have used what is around them to create an amazing meal and experience. Love the repurposed timber and items from the farm that have been used throughout the restaurant and in the cabins (although they are not your typical cabins!). The food was just beautiful - works of art and tasted incredible. Would love to be back.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful weekend away to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The location is magical and pristine, the service is fabulous and everyone you meet is so very friendly. We stayed a night at Frontier lodge with dinner breakfast and lunch at the Blue Duck Cafe. We jet boated, we 4WD safari-ed up to Chefs Table and we have dinner and breakfast up there. Can't recommend enough - thank you all - we will be back.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Frontier lodge is a lovely spot to stay
Chefs Table is a must do!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our second time staying at Blue Duck Station - a fantastic piece of NZ, for beauty, adventure, history, conservation, as well as rest and relaxation. On top of this the staff are so welcoming and bend over backwards to make your stay special. This time we did the Chefs Table at the top of the station, incredibly views of Taranaki on one side and Ruapehu on the other. Haute cuisine in a brand new restaurant.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great stopover with obliging. friendly staff. Meals at the cafe are simple, hearty and delicious … and the cafe itself is filled with interesting memorabilia. Lots of interesting people coming and going so it’s a bit of a social hub in the middle of nowhere. The packed lunch will ful you through a full day of biking!
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Ask staff about where to see whio
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great way to see true country NZ. and share it with people who care so much about it. We even saw a blue duck thanks to their great conservation efforts. The jet boat trip was highly informative and the native bush was spectacular. The safari was great and I learnt some useful tips about up to date trapping methods. Should have taken a change of clothing as I then would have jumped in a kayak to the base of the waterfall. Our accommodation, overlooking the river was just perfect.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Splash out and include the trip to the restaurant. It is well worth it. Take a change of clothing...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From start to finish, we really enjoyed our stay. We spent the first night in the cabins, that were clean & tidy with communal facilities. We unfortunately didn't book any activities, but at the last minute we were offered a jet boat ride which we thoroughly enjoyed. The next night we had the fortune of dining & staying at the Chefs Table, outstanding experience. If you're wanting a get away from it all experience, don't hesitate, we will return! Thanks to all the staff, that made our stay
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Make sure you arrive in plenty of time before your trip up to the Chefs Table. Book activities...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Owhango area.
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionOwhango
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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