Retaruke, New Zealand
4265 Oio Road
N/A
+64 78956276
Wonderful. Fascinating, beautiful landscape. Huge number of activities for everyone. Accommodation was excellent. It's a big effort to get there but well worth it.
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Had a great time.. great jet boat ride down to the bridge to nowhere and just enjoyed the peace and relaxation
What a fascinating place run by lovely people. I’m a total townie with no ‘cousins on farms’ or any sort of childhood experience of things rural, so this is my view as a total novice. I read about the place in the NZ Herald and the dining experience with chef Jack Cashmore on a high peak staying in the eco rooms, along with the tour of station and the philosophies and progress of the owner Dan. We booked immediately, roping in some friends who have the same priorities and who we do not see enough of. We then saw a piece on Seven Sharp, and they also saw Country Calendar. What amazing PR. We were feeling really excited about this. Lucky we were so swift to book as gather there is now a waiting list. Our one night only scratched the surface. And what a great combination of education and pleasure. Watch Country Calendar and find that Herald article for details. If I recount our experience this will be a book. There are probably more articles out there by now. I asked Dan if he uses a PR company - but no, this has all been self generating. A bit like his piece of paradise. And - oh my - the good his ideas will do for the entire area and culture. And hopefully for NZ generally. No wonder the people who work alongside him are so committed. Plus they are having fun. Mel and Jayden you are fabulous. We learnt a lot about history and smart use of land. Take up the offer of the gumboots. And the meal Jack produced was stunning. He and Beth are a great team. We loved the entire experience. Another time we might do one of the other things on offer. Not the tramping - maybe the boat trip. It would be even better if the gorgeous girl with the blue hair who was making coffee in the café you drive to first, had Allpress give her some training and some coffee, as the intention is there, but not quite the right tools. We loved the place. The restaurant has to close in winter as the track can be impassable, so book yourself a space for next summer. If you can get in!
We stopped in for coffees and breakfast after staying in the DOC campsite, great spot, friendly staff - helped one of our group out after his sleeping bag fell in the river! Will definitely stop in for breakfast again if we’re on the river.
A decent 17km drive on a good dirt road takes you to one of the most peaceful places that you could imagine. Good accommodation options. No phone reception but wifi available. There is a cafe with good coffee and legit country cooking. Very good guided tours of the area including the Whanganui River by Canoe. See Whio (blue) ducks. Google's drive time is not accurate due to the dirt road. From South Auckland we drove it in 4 Hours. Thanks to Mel, Dakota and the team for their amazing hospitality.
Beautiful part of the country and fantastic rural New Zealand hospitality. Highly recommended adventure.
GOOGLE MAPS LIES.... We were 45/50 minutes from Raurimu to Blue Duck Cafe. An hour less than Google said. Even a conservative driver will be WELL under,their is gravel at both ends - sealed in the middle. Amazing place. Beautiful views. Wonderful people. Alot of activities to do and places to go. We had a clear night, amazing stars. We did the 4wd to top of the world (where the restaurant is being built) and got full cell reception (only place - although small data allowance wifi available to purchase at cafe for a couple of dollars) Great views,great guide and the kayaking was a MUST at the waterfall... others did trekkinsand jetboating and enjoyed them. Clay bird was awesome - proud of my 9/10 lol Great instruction on safety and how to. Axe throwing was embarrassingly hilarious!! Could easily have enjoyed a week here. Accomodation was clean, tidy and warm. Communal areas great too. Thanks heaps!!
Didn't visit but looks interesting place for a wilderness experience.
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