Waitomo caves & village

45 minute drive away

Whether you’re seeking adventure experiences or a gentle cave tour, Waitomo Caves is one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand.

Kayak and sea biscuit (free)

Beside the cabin

Take the complimentary double kayak and explore the beautiful Mangaotaki River. Or use the tubes and swim in the pool in front of the cabin.. We have recently replaced the tubes with a sea biscuit.

Fat Pigeon Cafe

15 minute drive away

The Fat Pigeon  offer a wide range of freshly made seasonal food, as well as takeaway platters, cakes and meals, perfect for spoiling that special person and enjoying at Ripples.  Contact The Fat Pigeon direct on 07 8778822 to preorder your platters or cakes  please allow 4 days notice.

Free games

Don't go anywhere

Traveling with 3 teenagers  we know how important addition to our kayak and tubes we also have many complimentary indoor and outdoor games including: Giant Jenga, Petanque, Yatzhee, puzzles, books, cards, board games, frisbees.........

Stay and Enjoy Ripples

Don't go anywhere

Many of our guests arrive at Ripples with every intention of getting out and exploring - but once they arrive many choose not to leave. Our cabin is so cosy and inviting and it has everything you need for a perfect getaway.

Scenic Daytrips

Click to view map

One of the best ways to explore the Piopio area is to take a scenic drive and be ready to stop at one of the many beautiful spots along the way. Click the link above to view a scenic drive map.

Above is a tunnel dug by hand in 1911 from the Waikawau beach to get cattle to the market.

Swim at Ripples 

At your front door

Ripples Retreat has a fantastic swimming hole right in front of the front door. Watch your guests swim whilst lounging under the shaded deck or from the extensive front lawn.

Real Berry Icecreams

15 minute drive away

You can't have trip to Ripples Retreat without enjoying one of our NZ famous real fruit ice creams at the Piopio Berry Orchard. Open Oct - Apr their berries are the best in New Zealand.

Cycling

Bring your bike

Our quiet rural road makes for a perfect country cycle, either a short ride or longer loops can be rode from Ripples. The popular Timber Trail is also just over 1 hour away and shuttles can take you to Piripiri or Ongarure.  see www.thetimbertrail.nz

Waitanguru falls

5 minute drive away

View beautiful falls surrounded by native trees and foliage. Easy parking and a picnic area at the roadside. These are the closest of 3 stunning waterfalls  we recommend people visit from Ripples.

The Bridge to Nowhere

Day Trip 

Jet boat down the Whanganui River from Taumaranui (just over 1 hr drive)to the Bridge to Nowhere. 

This is a beautiful and fascinating adventure, capturing an interesting slice of Kiwi history.

Contact  

www.taumarunuicanoehire.co.nz for jetboat trips leaving from Tuamaranui.

Night Owl Restaurant

15 minute drive away

The Night owl is a restaurant and bar in Piopio. It is the big sister of The Fat Pigeon and is open Thurs to Sun nights for meals and drinks, both indoors and out.

​

West Coast beaches 

50 minute drive away

A trip down to our rugged West Coast is a wonderful way to spend the day. There are stunning views of Mt Taranaki from the many beaches and we highly recommend a walk from Tongaporutu to the 3 sisters at low tide.

Skiing

2hrs to Whakapapa

Imagine a day of skiing at Whakapapa, pick up a preordered platter on the way home at The Fat Pigeon and soak your weary bones in our outdoor bath with your favourite beverage! Then enjoy a luxurious sleep in the next day.

Relax in nature at Ripples

On your front lawn

Ripples is so relaxing and tranquil that you won't want to leave. Spend a relaxing day recharging on the generous front lawn beside the tranquil river, listening to birdsong and the lullaby of water running over stones.

Mangaotaki bush walk

5min drive away

This is an easy 30 minute walk through picturesque native bush with many fine specimen trees, over 40 of which are named. A great native educational walk.

Massages

15 minute drive away

Spoil yourselves with either a Relaxation massage with Jan or a Deep Tissue massage with Leah. Or indulge like we do and have a double couples massage. For bookings

Jan ph 0279331467

Leah 0210776230.

​

Fishing 

Many spots  at your door or 10-40 minutes away.

The Mangaotaki is a beautiful river to fish, flowing through some spectacular limestone country between high cliffs with an extensive length of easily accessible fishing water, well-suited to all fishing methods.