More than just a country stay
An unforgettable experience awaits you.
Experience the best of Blackburn Ridge. Explore at your pace, soak in the hot tub, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals showcasing quality local produce.
How it works
The Itinerary
The full Blackburn Ridge experience.
Check In
Arrive after 4pm at the Blackburn Ridge, a comfortable quiet country homestead. This would be a good time to fill & light the outdoor wood-fired hot tub for the duration of your stay. Your deliciously prepared dinner will be in the fridge ready for you to heat up. A selection of local wine and beer is available to purchase during your stay or, if you prefer you are welcome to bring your own choice of beverage.
Day 01
Private Walk
- Breakfast
- Private Farm Walk
- Lunch
- Morning & Afternoon Tea
- Dinner & Dessert
Ease into your day, that’s the beauty of staying at Blackburn Ridge. Breakfast is provided along with ample provisions to make a packed lunch for your days activities. Our private farm walk is 14km, however there are shorter options available. Stay as a group or split up depending on fitness levels and appetite for adventure. When you return, relax in our outdoor hot tub followed by a delicious dinner back at the Homestead. Our meals are prepared with the finest quality ingredients mostly sourced from our local suppliers.
Day 02
E-Bike
- Breakfast
- E-Bikes, routes and safety equipment all inclusive.
- Lunch
- Morning & Afternoon Tea
- Dinner & Dessert
Change it up on the e-bikes the next day. We’ll set you up with everything you need—it’s easy, fun, and often a real highlight. Then comes the tricky part: choose between the scenic Country Pub Ride (50km return) or the Ongaonga Historical Loop (40km return) with a trip to the museum and general store.
Day 03
Final morning, your way
- Breakfast
- Morning Tea
Sleep in and enjoy your last morning relaxing on the ridge, or sneak in the quick Lookout Loop on your E-Bike. This is our favourite loop on a mountain bike. In 2021, it was this ride that sparked our initial interest in the New Zealand Agri-tourism business.
What to Bring
To make the most of your stay, we recommend bringing the following.
The list below is all the gear we know will prepare you for all conditions and in doing so, make your experience problem-free.
The Walk/Ride
- Tramping boots or trail shoes ideally
- Daypack
- Lunchbox/container for packed lunch
- Drink bottle (e.g 2L)
- Wet weather gear
- Hat/Beanie/Gloves. Definitely gloves for the E-Bike if it’s cold
- Basic first aid (by at least one adventurer)
- PLB/GPS Locator (optional)
- Walking pole (optional)
- Padded bike shorts for the E-Bike (optional)
General
- Sunscreen, insect repellent
- Camera
- Swimwear for hot-tub, and/or river
- Personal items – toiletries, medication
- BYO pre dinner nibbles and your preferred alcoholic beverage
- Special diet – please bring substitutes for breakfast/lunch/snacks
Provided
- Accommodation with fresh linen, towels, pillows. No sleeping bags required
- Meals for the 3 days
- Private walks and access to maps
- E-bikes and safety equipment
- Wood-Fired Outdoor Hot tub
- Firewood
FAQs
Any questions?
What level of fitness do I require?
Both walking and biking at the Blackburn Ridge, caters to various levels of fitness. If you are not keen to walk or bike ride you are able to relax and enjoy the quiet surrounds of the Homestead
Walking: There are three sign posted walks of varying lengths and difficulty. To get the most out of your experience at the Blackburn Ridge, we recommend the Redwood Loop.
Biking: There are three e-bike rides of varying lengths and difficulty. The adjustable setting of difficulty on the e-bikes provide a great riding experience catering for all levels of experience.
Can children participate? Sure – the same rate applies to adults and children.
Cell coverage? We have good coverage over most of the farm. There might be a few blind spots in the dips. Generally, there is good coverage on all the E-Biking routes.
What is your cancellation policy? If you cancel before 60 days, we will refund your deposit. If it’s getting closer than that, we retain your deposit but refund the rest. Any cancellation within 30 days of arrival, there is no refund.
Are dogs allowed? No. Too many reasons, but mainly they can spread sheep measles and chase stock.
Do we bring snacks? Yes. Bring your choice of pre-dinner nibbles and snacks. We will have the basics covered for morning & afternoon tea.
Are there toilets on the walk? There is a bio-toilet at the Redwoods for the Redwood Loop.
Do you cater for non-walkers? Yes we do! Because you stay at the same accommodation, it’s yours to hang out in for your entire stay! Non-walkers can choose to experience the hot tub or wander to the Ridge.
What is the minimum and maximum amount of people per group? Ideally groups of eight to ten. We do cater for smaller groups down to 4, however the per person cost increases as the group gets smaller.
Is there Wifi? Yes
What if we have dietary requirements? If you have any special requirements, please get in touch and we will ensure there is a dinner/dessert option for you. Please bring your own special snacks and milk/bread alternatives.
What if we want to change the number of people in our group? Please get in touch and we will adjust your group numbers. However, if the number drops below 8, the per person rate will increase.
What’s the weather like usually? Hawke’s Bay weather is generally pretty nice. It is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand.
Is the water safe to drink? The water at the house is spring water. Despite being amazing water quality, it is UV filtered just as a precaution. The hot tub water is spring water, but not UV filtered.
What is your operating season? October to August with a couple of weeks off over Christmas.
Your Stay at the Homestead
Escape to the Country.
Located on a 1000ha working sheep and beef hill country farm, our rustic retreat is designed for exclusive group stays—perfect for friends to come together, catch up, and enjoy the experience entirely to themselves.
Indulge in some of the finest local produce.
Your experience is complete, with your fully catered meals all prepared for you, using only the finest locally-sourced ingredients and products.
Enjoy tasteful and well appointed facilities.
The recent renovations are in keeping with the beautiful and historic architecture of the homestead which dates back to the late 1800s.
Two great days, your way.
Enjoy the private farm walk on day one, then heading out on e-bikes along quiet country roads on day two—before finishing with a relaxing soak in the hot tub, taking in the views.
360° Of Stunning Scenery
Breath-taking panoramic views.
The Blackburn Ridge has complete panoramic views towards the Ruahine ranges and over Central Hawke’s Bay farmland.
