Blue Duck Lodge / Whio Lodge

Both Blue Duck Lodge and Whio Lodge offer guests secluded up-market accommodation in a rural bush setting. Blue Duck Lodge offers self-catering, exclusive use accommodation for up to 8 people, while Whio Lodge has dormitory style rooms and a private double room.

The Retaruke and Whanganui rivers and their tributaries offer good brown and rainbow trout fishing with numerous private access points located near the lodges.

Dan and Louisa Steele

Retaruke Station
RD 2
Owhango

Phone: +64 7 895 6276

Email: info@blueducklodge.co.nz

Web: www.blueducklodge.co.nz

Please mention nzfishing.com when you make an enquiry or booking.

Retaruke River

Lower Whanganui River (Taranaki region)

Mid Whanganui River  (Auckland/Waikato region)

Blue Duck Lodge is marked on the:
- mid Whanganui River maps

- lower mid Whanganui River maps

Blue Duck Lodge is located near the settlement of Whakahoro in the Ruapehu District, on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers and surrounded by Whanganui National Park.

• A comfortable base for fishing and numerous other outdoor activities in the surrounding area
• Your host Dan has great local knowledge ensuring that you will enjoy the best of the beautiful New Zealand environment.

• Blue Duck Lodge is situated in a clearing above the banks of the Retaruke River where it looks out onto breathtaking views of native bush, from which the snowcapped mountains offer a spectacular backdrop.
• Blue Duck Lodge offers comfortable accommodation for up to eight people in three bedrooms, two on the ground floor and one on a mezzanine floor above the lounge
• The largest bedroom has a super king size bed, which can be converted to two singles, while the second bedroom has a queen size bed.
• The mezzanine floor sleeps four people with two single beds and a fold-out futon and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside
• Modern bathroom with shower facilities and a heated towel rack
• The comfortable lounge and dining area is furnished with a large farmhouse dining table and chairs made from beautiful macrocarpa timber.
• Bifold windows have been fitted with window seats so that guests can appreciate the panoramic views of waterfalls and native bush.
• The kitchen is fully equipped, including a large fridge/freezer, stove with oven, toaster and a boiling jug.
• A BBQ/grill is available for outdoor kiwi style dining!

• All linen and towells are supplied; with the beds freshly made

• Once a shearer's quarters, Whio Lodge has been completely renovated to the highest standard.
• There are three dormitory style rooms
• One of the dormitory rooms has an adjoining private double room (with bed linen provided) making it suitable for family use
• The open plan indoor outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge area has a surrounding veranda with seating and BBQ area which overlooks Whakahoro settlement
• Towels are available for hire

Blue Duck Lodge has been named in recognition of the number of Blue Ducks that inhabit the Retaruke River.

The Blue Duck Lodge Group is involved in several conservation projects, Blue Duck preservation and historical building restoration. The Blue Duck or Whio is an endangered species which may be observed while kayaking down the Retaruke River.

In 2008 Dan Steele was the winner of two categories of the Ballance Farm Environmental Awards, Habitat Improvement and Innovation Categories; and in 2007 he was awarded a Conservation Award from DOC.

Blue Duck Lodge

• $120 per night for two adults (minimum charge)
• $30 extra per adult per night
• $20 extra per child under 12 yrs per night
• $300 per night for eight adults

Whio Lodge

• Dorm beds: $30 per person
• Dorm bed with bed linen: $40 per person
• Towels are also available for hire.
• Double room: $70 (includes bed linen)

• One kilometre south from the Owhango Hotel turn into Oio Road (If you are travelling from the north turn right; if coming from the south turn left).
• Follow Oio Rd until you reach Blue Duck Lodge, which is 35 km down Oio Rd on the right. Note that the last 11 km is a gravel road.

Once you are on Oio Road, follow the signs for Whakahoro. After 15 kilometres you will pass a Memorial Monument. Stay on Oio Road and follow the signs for Lower Retaruke. You'll pass the Retaruke Hall on your left. 500 meters past the first coloured bridge (which is blue) is Blue Duck Lodge.