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You won't find another holiday quite like this.

Two private riverside cabins on a working farm near Waitomo, New Zealand

COMMON LAST WORDS

"We did not want to leave!"
​​

In the middle of beautiful

Ripples Retreat guest ratings: 9.9 on Booking.com, 4.9 on Airbnb and 5.0 on Google
Couple relaxing with wine watching children swim
Warm outdoor bath on a frosty morning at Ripples Retreat

🏆Booking.com 2026 - Traveler Review Award
🏆 Proud 2025 Airbnb Finalist – Best Family Stay

Choose your stay 

2 private riverside cabins · Sleeps up to 10 · Outdoor baths · Private river access · Working farm · Near Waitomo

Indoor Outdoor kitchen Cascade Ripples Retreat.jpg

"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"

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"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"

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Ripples retreat 4 poster bed River Song Cabin .jpg
Ripples Retreat both cabins on sunset.png

"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.”

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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.

What Our Guests are Saying

★★★★★ 
 
UN‑BE‑LIEVABLE.
 
Most incredible Airbnb stay ever. . . So wish we'd booked more nights!” 
 
Kate K, Maine, USA 

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

Map showing Ripples Retreat in Piopio, Waitomo with nearby attractions including Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton and Marokopa Falls

Piopio · Waitomo · Waikato · New Zealand

  • Hairy Feet Hobbit Tours — 2 mins

  • Waitomo Caves — 45 mins

  • Hamilton Airport — 1 hr 15

  • New Plymouth — 1 hr 45

  • Hobbiton Movie Set — 2 hrs

  • Auckland Airport — under 3 hrs

  • Waitanguru Falls 5 mins

Ripples Retreat is a private riverside farm stay near Piopio in the Waitomo region, a beautiful place for exploring the central North Island.

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 Caves

Handcrafted luxury cabin details through out Ripples Retreat near Waitomo Caves

Thoughtfully designed — with natural materials from the land and handmade details.

Stay in one place - explore everything from here

Stay in one place - explore everything from here

Waterfalls, caves, coastlines — all within reach. Follow our 10-Day Guide

Or simply stay -

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 Retreat

Free farm tours of the Hobbit Bluffs at Ripples Retreat

Misty Valley views with Hobbit Bluffs and farmland

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. 

Ripples Retreat River side luxury cabins in nature.

Stay in touch

Occasional notes from the river — no noise, no pressure.

Find Us

Luxury Piopio Accommodation near Waitomo Caves

Ripples Retreat

Trudy & Brendan Denize

1314 Mangaotaki Road,  Piopio, Waikato,

New Zealand

(+64) 27 826 8500

trudy@stayatripples.co.nz

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© 2026 Ripples Retreat. All Rights Reserved.

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