Walk & E-Bike

Route Options

Walk the ridge, then ride beyond.

Set out on a farm walk through sheep and beef hill country—through redwoods, native bush, and working farmland—then choose to ride to Tikokino or Ongaonga the following day.

01 | Walking Tracks
02 | e-Biking Trails

Walking Tracks.

Our walk is designed to suit a range of abilities and fitness levels. The main route takes you through the best of the hill country, with a couple of shorter options available along the way. Take in the stunning views and enjoy this unique landscape at your own pace.

The Tracks.

Redwood Loop Walk

Distance: 14 Km
Difficulty: Moderate

Enjoy the decent following ridgelines and meandering creeks down to the 120 year old stand of giant Redwoods. Begin your climb up to the “Grandstand”, stop to catch your breath and take in the sweeping views. Make your way over the hills, through the valleys and a stand of native bush, eventually circling back to the homestead.

Grandstand Loop Walk

Distance: 10 Km
Difficulty: Easy

Soak in the surroundings as you follow the main leading ridge down to a great picnic spot at the “Grandstand”. Hike across the valley, through Hardy Bush and head for home along the Blackburn Ridge.

Hardy Bush Loop Walk

Distance: 5 Km
Difficulty: Easy

Wander down to the “Wizard”. Take the short cut across the gully to Hardy Bush. A great spot for a cuppa. Make your back to the homestead via Hardy Road on the Blackburn Ridge.

For more, visit the Great Hikes website

E-Biking Trails.

A range of e-bike sizes and safety equipment are available for your use. Into your back pack put your lunch, water bottle and first aid and head for the hills.
You are welcome to bring your own bike.

The Trails.

Ongaonga Historic Trail

Distance: 40 Km
Time: 2-3 hours of E-biking
Highlights:
Bibby Family Church
Ongaonga Museum open on Sundays or by request
Coffee/bite to eat from the Ongaonga General store

Turn left out the front gate and head South on Blackburn Road. Take in the views of the Tukituki river and the rugged hills of Pukenui Station. Check out the Bibby Family Church. Eventually you will reach the historic village of Onga Onga. Make sure you get a coffee and walk around the museum. Return following back roads via Hardy Road, an outstanding New Zealand ‘scenic designated’ rural road.

Tikokino Village Return

Distance: 50 Km
Time: 3-4 hours of E-biking
Highlights:
Quiet rural back roads
Beautiful farmland “Tōtara Country”
Country Pub

The Country Pub Ride takes you through picturesque farmland, where you’ll pass sheep and beef stations, deer farms, and even a goat farm. Head right out the front gate onto Hardy Road, which starts as gravel before becoming sealed. Follow the road back toward the ranges along Wakarara Road. The Wakarara Bridge—once damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle—is now fully restored, allowing for an easy river crossing. Turn right onto Makaroro Road and soak in the views of the rolling hill country. Continue onto Holden Road, cross a short stretch of gravel, and you’ll arrive in the charming village of Tikokino, home to the iconic Sawyers Arms Country Pub.

Lookout Loop

Distance: 18 Km
Time: 1-2 hours of E-Biking

This loop sparked our initial interest in the New Zealand Agri-tourism business. Drop down off the Blackburn Ridge via Hinerua Road. You will pass Folgers hill and rocky outcrops, before meeting up and following the Waipawa river. Make the last climb back on onto the Blackburn Ridge via Hardy Road. Admire the native bush that hangs over the road. This loop is roughly half gravel/half sealed.

For more, visit the Great Hikes website