Just over 2.5 hours from Auckland, Ripples Retreat is a luxury riverside accommodation near Waitomo Caves, set on a peaceful family farm.
You won’t find this anywhere else in New Zealand
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For the first time this year we have weekends have opened up
Welcome to Ripples Retreat
Two private riverside cabins
Outdoor baths.
Space to slow right down.
Stay in one. . . or book both for exclusive use.
Couples - River Song Cabin
Families - Cascade Cabin
2-3 Couples & Families - Both Cabins and get the whole retreat exclusively
May weekends are limited
River Song Cabin
Studio cabin · sleeps 4
Perfect for romantic escapes with space for a small family
"we planned three nights.. . . . and didn't want to leave"
River Song is our intimate, handcrafted riverside studio cabin, designed for rest and reconnection.
Wake to birdsong, soak in the outdoor bath, swim or kayak the river, explore the farm, or simply do nothing at all. Every detail is intentional — calm, warm, and grounded in nature.
Sleeps 4 people and features a romantic four-poster king bed and a cleverly designed sleeping nook with an extra double bed, this 35 sqm studio cabin is ideal for couples and small families.
A peaceful riverside retreat that invites you to slow right down.
Cascade Cabin
Two-bedroom waterfront cabin · sleeps 6 — Loved by families and friends
"the best Airbnb we've ever stayed in"
With two bedrooms, a cosy loft, and thoughtful handcrafted details, Our 50 sqm Cascade cabin 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.
Book Both Cabins
Exclusive use for 2–3 couples or 2 small families
"We've already booked to come back"
Booking River Song and Cascade together gives you the best of both worlds —shared time, and space to retreat.
Gather for long lunches, slow mornings, and evenings under the stars… then return to your own private cabin at the end of the day.
Set across rolling farmland with the river flowing beside them, the cabins feel connected — yet quietly separate. It’s an easy, relaxed way to travel together —without ever feeling crowded.
A favourite for friends and families wanting to stay longer, together.
What Our Guests are Saying
This place moves people
Because of how it makes you feel
Most guests arrive with plans.
Many quietly change them
 Hand built cabinsThoughtfully designed — you’ll feel the difference in every detail |  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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🏆Booking.com 2026 - Traveler Review Award
🏆 Proud 2025 Airbnb Finalist – Best Family Stay
Holiday Destination
near Waitomo Caves
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 abundant fish in the peaceful Mangaotaki Stream, there’s so much to discover here that two nights is never enough.
When you are ready to explore, and 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.. We will choose the best itinerary for your season, and when you stay with us, you’ll also receive our exclusive insider tips. These are the stories, shortcuts, and secret spots only we know.
We are 15 minutes 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, and with our 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.
The Farm
"The Farm tour at Ripples was the highlight of our NZ Honeymoon"
