Blue Duck Waterfall on Kaiwhakauka Track
Located at Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro, the Kaiwhakauka Track offers a unique outdoor experience. This track, which is also part of the Mountains to the Sea Cycle Trail, starts as a rough road and follows the Kaiwhakauka Stream and is perfect for those seeking a blend of remoteness and natural beauty. A key highlight along the track is the 13-metre Blue Duck Waterfall, which, despite lacking an official name, is a captivating sight.
Discovering the Blue Duck Waterfall
About an hour and 4 km track along the track, you'll encounter the Blue Duck Waterfall. It can be easy to miss, and before setting out, check with Blue Duck Station for tips on its location. It is marked next to the track on the Topo Map where the "road" changes to a track. If you reach the historic cottage before the falls, you have gone too far. Once there, the waterfall is not only a visual delight but also a gateway to further exploration.
Canoeing Through the Canyon
At the base of the Blue Duck Waterfall, canoes are available for you to borrow. Paddling through the canyon offers a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding landscape. This short canoe trip is a memorable experience that captures the essence of the area's natural beauty.
How to Get There
To reach the Kaiwhakauka Track, head to Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro via Oio Road from State Highway 4, with the turnoff south of Ōwhango. The station serves as the starting point for your trek along the stream.
You can also stay at Blue Duck Station or the Whakahoro campsite, which also supports the Whanganui River Trail. At Ōwango, you can visit the Whakapapa River at Ohinetonga Reserve, which is also the start of the remote 42 Traverse Track.
