Blackburn Ridge Rural Retreat

Blackburn Ridge offers a peaceful, all-inclusive country escape designed for restoration and connection – whether you’re gathering friends, family or colleagues. Tucked into the rolling hills of Central Hawke’s Bay, the homestead is your base for relaxed exploration: private farm walks, scenic e-bike rides, stunning views and slow evenings soaking in the wood-fired hot tub.

Choose from a 2-night or 3-night itinerary, both packed with fresh farm-to-plate cuisine, flexible activities and time to simply reconnect and soak up the beauty of rural New Zealand.

Blackburn Ridge Private Walk & eBike Retreat Highlights

• New Zealand’s newest fully-catered private walk experience.
• Located just one hour’s drive from the Hawke’s Bay airport and less than one hour from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. An optional shuttle service from the Napier airport to Blackburn Ridge is available when booking.

• Located on a 1000-hectare working sheep and beef hill country farm.

• Stay in a beautifully renovated country homestead from the late 1800s. All rooms include high-quality bedding with 100% wool duvets and crisp cotton sheets.

• Explore the hill country at your own pace with a variety of private walking tracks, catering to all abilities and fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes.
  

• A range of e-bike sizes and safety equipment are available, or feel free to bring your own bike.

• Unwind in the secluded wood-fired hot tub with panoramic views of the Ruahine Ranges.

• Your stay includes all meals, featuring high-quality local produce from Blackburn Ridge’s partners. Simply heat and enjoy delicious, home-cooked food without any of the preparation.

2-Night Retreat Option

• Groups of 8–10: NZ$800 per person
• Groups of 4–7: NZ$900 per person

Check-in: 4pm on Day 0

Check-out: 4pm on Day 2

What’s Included

• 2 nights in private boutique homestead

• All meals:

  • Day 0: Dinner & dessert

  • Day 1: Breakfast, morning/afternoon tea, packed lunch, dinner & dessert

  • Day 2: Breakfast, morning/afternoon tea, packed lunch

  • Outdoor wood-fired hot tub (spring water)

  • E-bikes & safety gear

  • Private mapped walks

  • Firewood, luxury linen, towels

  • Wi-Fi & good mobile reception

  • Selection of local wine & beer available for purchase

2-Night Retreat Sample Itinerary

• Day 0: Arrive from 4pm, light the hot tub, dinner awaits
• Day 1: Breakfast + private farm walk (e.g. Redwood Loop), relax, hot tub soak, full dinner
• Day 2: Scenic e-bike ride (e.g. Country Pub or Ongaonga Loop), lunch, depart by 4pm

3-Night Retreat Option

• Groups of 8–10: NZ$900 per person
• Groups of 4–7: NZ$1000 per person

Check-in: 4pm on Day 0

Check-out: Morning on Day 3

What’s Included

• 3 nights in exclusive-use homestead
• All meals:
  • Day 0: Dinner & dessert
  • Day 1 & 2: Breakfast, morning/afternoon tea, packed lunch, dinner & dessert
  • Day 3: Breakfast, morning tea
  • E-bikes & safety gear
  • Private walks & trails
  • Outdoor hot tub (wood-fired, spring-fed)
  • All firewood, luxury linen, towels
  • Wi-Fi & mobile coverage
  • Optional wine & beer purchases available on-site

3-Night Retreat Sample Itinerary

• Day 0: Arrival, dinner, sunset views from the tub
• Day 1: Walk the property trails, relax, dine in
• Day 2: E-bike adventure through Central Hawke’s Bay
• Day 3: Optional early ride (e.g. Lookout Loop), breakfast, relaxed check-out

Your Private Boutique Homestead

Set on a 1000-hectare working sheep and beef farm, the late 1800s country homestead has been lovingly renovated for an authentic and restorative rural New Zealand retreat.

The property offers various outdoor activities, including a large covered deck for dining, a cast-iron outdoor fire, and a secluded wood-fired hot tub with panoramic views of the Ruahine Ranges.

Homestead Features:

• A beautifully renovated country homestead from the late 1800s.
• Four bedrooms plus a ‘sleepout’ with two long singles in each, which can be configured as super kings.
• All rooms feature 100% wool duvets and crisp cotton sheets.
• A large covered deck, a cast-iron outdoor fire, and a secluded wood-fired hot tub.
• Full kitchen with filtered spring water, complimentary ‘Real World’ brand bathroom products, and free Wi-Fi.
• In addition to the main bathroom, there is a second separate toilet and an additional ablution block with two extra showers and toilets.
• Complimentary access to New Zealand-made ‘Real World’ products in the bathrooms.

Your Fully-Catered Meals

Indulge in some of the finest local produce with our fully-catered meals. We’ve partnered with leading local suppliers to bring you high-quality meats, baked goods and condiments.

Your stay includes home-cooked dinners and desserts, providing the comfort of knowing you only have to heat and enjoy.

For breakfast, a simple yet nutritious continental spread is provided, along with locally sourced free-range eggs and coffee from Hawthorne Coffee Roasters. We also offer packed lunches with seasonal fruit and a selection of home-baked goods for morning and afternoon tea.

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements and the team will do their best to accommodate your needs.

A selection of local beers from Brave Brewing Co. and fine wines from Alpha Domus and Smith & Sheth are available for purchase. You are also welcome to bring your own beverages.

Sample Menu:

Breakfast

• Local Peggy Daring Muesli
• Puhoi Yoghurt
• Local Lindsay Farm Milk
• Local Eggs
• Local Devine Rising Sourdough Bread

Lunch

• Chicken Sandwiches
• Muesli bar
• Apple
• Home baking for morning and afternoon tea

Dinner

• Slow roasted lamb shoulder
• Chimichurri relish
• Seasonal Greens
• Shallot dressing
• Crispy potato galette

Dessert

• Malted milk & chocolate panna cotta
• Gingerbread crumb, poached seasonal fruit

Private Walk Experience

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Blackburn Ridge’s unique landscape with three private walking tracks, catering to all fitness levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, these exclusive walks offer an unforgettable experience on the 1000-hectare working farm.

The Private Walking Tracks:

• Redwood Loop Walk (14 km, Moderate): This track takes you along ridgelines and creeks to a 120-year-old stand of giant Redwoods. The climb to the “Grandstand” offers sweeping views before you make your way back through hills, valleys, and a stand of native bush.
• Grandstand Loop Walk (10 km, Easy): Follow the main ridge down to a great picnic spot at the “Grandstand.” This loop takes you across a valley and through Hardy Bush before returning to the homestead along Blackburn Ridge.
• Hardy Bush Loop Walk (5 km, Easy): A shorter option that leads you to the “Wizard” and through Hardy Bush, a perfect spot for a break. You’ll return to the homestead via Hardy Road on Blackburn Ridge.

E-Bike Experience

Discover the stunning countryside of Blackburn Ridge on two wheels with three mapped e-bike trails. The Blackburn Ridge team will set you up with a backpack containing your lunch, water bottle and a first-aid kit so you can head for the hills.

The eBike Trails:

• Ongaonga Historic Trail (40 km, 2-3 hours): This scenic ride takes you south on Blackburn Road with views of the Tukituki river. You’ll pass the historic Bibby Family Church before arriving in the charming village of Ongaonga. Be sure to grab a coffee at the general store and visit the Ongaonga Museum. The return trip follows the scenic Hardy Road.
• Tikokino Village Return (50 km, 3-4 hours): Known as the “Country Pub Ride,” this trail takes you through picturesque farmland, passing sheep, beef, and deer farms. You’ll cross the newly restored Wakarara Bridge and ride along rolling hill country before arriving in the village of Tikokino, home to the iconic Sawyers Arms Country Pub.
• Lookout Loop (18 km, 1-2 hours): This loop takes you off the Blackburn Ridge via Hinerua Road, where you’ll pass rocky outcrops and follow the Waipawa River. The last climb back to the ridge is via Hardy Road, offering stunning views and glimpses of native bush. This trail is roughly half gravel and half sealed road.

Guests have access to 10x Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0 Step-Through E-Bikes:

• 3 × Small (5’1”–5’5” / 155–165cm)
• 4 × Medium (5’5”–5’11” / 165–178cm)
• 3 × Large (5’9”–6’1” / 175–185cm)

Each eBike comes with:

• Helmet, padded seat, bell & water-bottle holder
• Shared tyre repair kit with pump & spare tubes
• Optional high-vis vests