You won't find another holiday quite like this.
Just over 2.5 hours from Auckland - yet feels a world away
COMMON LAST WORDS
"We did not want to leave!"
In the middle of beautiful
🏆Booking.com 2026 - Traveler Review Award
🏆 Proud 2025 Airbnb Finalist – Best Family Stay
Choose your stay
"The best Airbnb we've ever stayed in."
2 BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION NEAR WAITOMO
Cascade is our spacious two-bedroom riverside cabin near Waitomo, specifically designed for unforgettable stays with family or friends.
Sleeping up to six, with two bedrooms, a cosy loft, outdoor bath and your own river to swim and kayak, there’s space to slow down, explore and simply enjoy being together.
"So perfect for our family"
"We planned three nights.. . . . and didn't want to leave."
ROMANTIC ESCAPES & HONEYMOONS
River Song is a private riverside cabin near Waitomo, perfect for a romantic New Zealand escape, honeymoon or anniversary.
Our handcrafted studio also sleeps four, making it a beautiful escape for a small family.
"Just WOW!"
"Just what we needed"
"We've already booked to come back."
GROUP ACCOMMODATION NEAR WAITOMO
Two private riverside cabins. One unforgettable Kiwi holiday.
Book River Song and Cascade together for up to 10 — perfect for families, groups of friends or couples travelling together.
Just 150 metres apart, there’s space to do your own thing, then come together to swim, kayak, fish, explore the farm and simply hang out.
“We came for a weekend together. We left wishing we’d booked the whole week.”
Stay a little longer
Stay 4 nights+ and we'll take you behind the scenes of our working family farm with a complimentary farm tour.
BOOK EARLY!
Christmas and peak dates book out well in advance.
Ripples Retreat is a luxury riverside Piopio accommodation experience, located between Waitomo and the rugged west coast.
There’s something about this place.
Multiple movies and international productions have been filmed amongst these limestone cliffs, rivers and rolling hills.
From Hobbit locations and hidden waterfalls to farm walks, stargazing and fishing, there’s far more here than most guests expect.
That’s why two nights is rarely enough.
Explore our Adventures, or download our complimentary 10-Day Itinerary — filled with our favourite places, local gems and a few secret spots.
Base yourself here and . . .
Explore for days
Being located close to Hamilton and less than 3 hours drive from Auckland, Ripples Retreat is the ideal choice for those who feel the need for a short break away or a longer vacation.
Ripples is the ideal escape from day-to-day life, and offers the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries, or to take a more active approach, exploring the stunning countryside and taking advantage of the many attractions in the area.
This place moves people...
Every detail at Ripples Retreat was intentionally designed to create a refuge where, for a little while, you don't want to be anywhere else.
Most guests arrive with plans... and decide to stay put.
 Handcrafted luxury cabin details through out Ripples Retreat near Waitomo CavesThoughtfully designed — with natural materials from the land and handmade details. |  Stay in one place - explore everything from hereWaterfalls, caves, coastlines — all within reach. Follow our 10-Day Guide |  Or simply stay -Where the best moments are already waiting — slow, unplanned, and hard to leave |  Free farm tours of the Hobbit Bluffs at Ripples RetreatMisty Valley views with Hobbit Bluffs and farmland |
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Add a little extra magic to your stay…
These local extras are some of our personal favourites, and many guests love adding them to their stay. Bookings are made directly with the providers — we’ll send you their contact details once your stay is confirmed.
Artisan platters and Handmade celebration cakes — pre-order for birthdays & surprises.
Ph +64 7 8778 822
Private slow yoga sessions with Renée — honestly, she’s A-MAZ-ING.
ph +64 22 1678 310
Private double massages on your deck — unwind with birdsong with Leah
ph +64 27 3076 252
Where else can you fish from your front door October until May. Troutfix NZ guide
ph +64 212470 990
100% Kiwi owned and run boutique accommodation in the heart of the Waikato.
Stay in touch
Occasional notes from the river — no noise, no pressure.