Whakahoro is the end of the road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It sits on the confluence of the Retaruke River and the Whanganui River. It is also on the border of Whanganui National Park and Blue Duck Station. A DOC campground is a way station on the multi-day Whanganui Journey canoe trip and the Mountain to Sea Cycle Trail. The Journey is included as one of the DOC Great Walks.
To get to Whakahoro by car, turn off State Highway 4 onto Oio Road just south of Owhango. Although only 44 km, the road is windy and rough in places, so allow 2 hours. As you arrive, you will see Blue Duck Station facilities to your left and the access road to the campground and Retaruke River to your right. The station owners have a sense of humour, and the dilapidated old trucks are a feature near the car park. Check out the cafe, if open, one of the most remote in NZ.
You can walk down to the Retaruke River – we saw whio (rare native blue ducks) where the boats are dragged up. There is a bridge that takes you to a small jetty where the Whanganui and Retaruke meet. A good place for a swim.
For longer walks, take the Kaiwhakauka Track to a remote part of the region and a waterfall. From there, you can also access the Paraitua Trek, a steep uphill climb to the Station.
