Luxury Riverside Cabins in Waitomo
Two secluded, bespoke cabins surrounded by nature
– the perfect escape for couples, families & groups
Longer stays mean more time to unwind — and a guided tour on us 💛
Welcome to Ripples Retreat
Two luxury handcrafted riverside cabins in Piopio, Waitomo.
Tucked beside the tranquil Mangaotaki River, our two designer-built cabins — River Song and Cascade — blend luxury, nature, and a touch of Kiwi magic. Here you can soak in an outdoor bath under the stars, wander farm tracks, or simply watch the hills turn gold at sunset. Every detail has been designed with love (and a few thousand hours of hard work!) to offer an unforgettable farmstay experience close to Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, and the best of the King Country, in the central North Island 2.75 hours for Auckland Airport.
With two bedrooms, a cosy loft, and thoughtful handcrafted details, Cascade offers both comfort and character in equal measure.
Cook together in the outdoor kitchen, share stories on the spacious deck, or stargaze under the double outdoor shower. Designed for families and friends, the cabin makes it easy to connect while still giving everyone their own space to breathe.
Every handmade detail reflects our love of design and the land — from sustainable building touches to the rolling limestone hills that surround you. Cascade is more than a stay; it’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and create memories you’ll treasure.
Nestled along the Mangaotaki Stream, River Song is a romantic 35m² riverside retreat for couples or small families. Handcrafted with sustainable materials and thoughtful design touches, it blends comfort with the charm of nature.
Enjoy wild swimming, kayaking, or fishing in your private pools, then soak under the stars in the outdoor double bath. You can also explore farm walks, meet friendly animals, or follow our 10-day itinerary to discover the best of Piopio and Waitomo.
Every detail has been considered to create a peaceful escape — unique, sustainable, and truly unforgettable.
Booking both River Song and Cascade together gives you the best of both worlds — space for up to 11 guests while still enjoying the intimacy of two private retreats.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting friends, or planning a getaway with multiple couples, the cabins sit just 150 metres apart, connected by rolling farmland and the river’s edge. Gather for shared meals, then retreat to your own cosy haven at the end of the day.
At Ripples Retreat, this exclusive option transforms your stay into a private sanctuary for groups — where you can stargaze, explore, and reconnect in nature, with the entire property just for you.
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Holiday Destination
At Ripples Retreat, we truly love our area — and we want you to see why. From Hobbit tours and hidden waterfalls to farm walks, stargazing, and the peaceful Mangaotaki Stream, there’s so much to discover here that two nights is never enough.
To help you plan, we’ve created a complimentary 10-day itinerary filled with must-see sights and local gems across the Central North Island. And when you stay with us, you’ll also receive our exclusive insider tips — shared personally during your visit. These are the stories, shortcuts, and secret spots only we know.
We are 15minutes from the quaint village of Piopio which has boutique craft shops, world class food and great coffee! Many of our guests tell us they wish they’d stayed longer. With our itinerary and insider guidance, you’ll see why — Ripples Retreat is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
There's a reason Peter Jackson filmed the Hobbit here - it is truly beautiful.
Where is Ripples Retreat?
Piopio, Waitomo NZ
The Farm
"The Farm tour at Ripples was the highlight of our NZ Honeymoon"
