You won't find another holiday quite like this.
Two private riverside cabins for couples and families on a working farm near Waitomo, New Zealand
COMMON LAST WORDS
"We did not want to leave!"
Beautifully designed for adults to slow down.
Freedom, river and farm adventures for children.
🏆Booking.com 2026 - Traveller Review Award
🏆 Proud 2025 Airbnb Finalist – Best Family Stay
Choose your stay
River Song cabin for couples and smaller families. Cascade for couples, groups and families · Book both for up to 11 people · Outdoor baths · Private river access ·
Specifically designed to delight adults as much as children
"The best Airbnb we've ever stayed in."
2 BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION NEAR WAITOMO
Cascade is our larger 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.
"It's so hard to find accommodation for families, Ripples was just perfect!"
"We planned three nights.. . . . and didn't want to leave."
ROMANTIC ESCAPES & HONEYMOONS
River Song is our smaller handcrafted cabin sleeping up to five, with a king four-poster and a separate double sleeping nook.
It feels wonderfully romantic for two and full of adventure for a small family, with a private river pool, large lawn, double outdoor bath, kayaks and a romantic indoor double shower.
"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 11 — ideal for two 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 tour to see film locations, farm animals and exceptional views.
Psst.... a little insider tip
Summer and school holiday dates book out early. Don't miss out.
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
Piopio · Waitomo · Waikato · New Zealand
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Hairy Feet Hobbit Tours — 2 mins
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Waitomo Caves — 45 mins
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Hamilton Airport — 1 hr 15
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New Plymouth — 1 hr 45
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Hobbiton Movie Set — 2 hrs
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Auckland Airport — under 3 hrs
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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 throughout 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 |  Complimentary tours of our working family farmMisty Valley views with of movie locations 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 Need a guide? Phone. 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.