Exploring Aotearoa by foot is not for every traveller, and encountering a destination that effortlessly blends luxury with looped trails, from a single accommodation site, is one that has captured attention.

Nestled within the central Hawke’s Bay, Blackburn Ridge offers private groups a farm walk experience, blending rich history with unparalleled modern comforts. This private retreat is redefining the concept of a multi-day walking track, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a genuine working farm environment from a single location. There’s no need to pack up and leave each morning, allowing you to come, stay and experience the trails you want – how you want, on foot, or e-bike.

Sympathetically renovated to draw on its rich 1800s history, a boutique four-bedroom homestead and one-bedroom adjacent sleepout is your home base for three nights and offers guests the opportunity to step back in time, with all the modern luxuries and finishes you would expect.

A selection of looped farm trails are on offer throughout your stay, but hosts Clem and Mickey Trotter suggest setting out on foot on day one, before jumping on an e-bike on day two and three; allowing you to cover as much ground as you please. The walks themselves are designed to be ‘earned – but not exhausting’. The signature 14 km walk is rewarding, with shorter options available, ensuring flexibility for all energy levels. Expect to traverse native bush and delight in one of the North Island’s best privately owned redwood stands, planted in 1900. Creeks teem with tame eels, kōura, and native fish, offering fascinating encounters with local wildlife.

From the seat of the bike there are a variety of adventures on offer, including the Lookout Loop which was the ride that sparked Clem and Mickey’s initial interest in agritourism. The Ongaonga Historical Loop is another top pick, and a beautiful way to take in the local sights and history before returning to the homestead.

The history of Blackburn Ridge is deeply rooted in the land; the long-standing connection to the land is palpable on farm, while the nearby historic town of Ongaonga allows visitors to almost step back in time.

Meticulously crafted to provide an exclusive and memorable experience, one of the most endearing features is the privacy it affords. ‘It’s exclusively yours,’ says Mickey. ‘We take private bookings only of 4–10 people, so it’s just you and your group.’ While for some the allure of a farm walk is connecting and meeting others in the group, Blackburn provides a different take, placing an emphasis on an intimate getaway, where relaxation and connection with those you hold dear
are paramount.

Culinary delights are a cornerstone of the Blackburn Ridge experience, with gourmet food prepared by an experienced chef using seasonal, local produce, promising a true farm-to-table journey.

In essence, Blackburn Ridge offers an authentic yet luxurious escape, where history, nature, and comfort intertwine to create an unforgettable private retreat in the heart of Hawke’s Bay – walking and biking optional.