In 1911, three men manually dug the Waikawau tunnel to provide access to Waikawau beach, enabling farmers to transport cattle to the market.

Explore our map to organize various day trips from this location.

The Light festival in New Plymouth at Pukekura Park from late Dec to Jan is a spectular event you can plan your tip around. 

Jet boat down the Whanganui River from Taumaranui to the Bridge to Nowhere. 

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

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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.   Preorder your platters or cakes on 078778822  please allow 4 days notice.

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.  The West Coast beaches are a 50 minute drive from Ripples Retreat Check out our map to plan a multitude of daytrips from here.

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.

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Jetbaot, cycle, canoe or walk into the Bridge to Nowhere just off the beautiful Whanganui River.

An area steeped in History and cover in New Zealand Native forest.

Located in a picturesque rural area surrounded by lush farmland and off the beaten track vistas, Ripples Retreat offers a central location for exploring the beauty of rural New Zealand. With a network of rural roads, visitors can enjoy scenic day trips that pass by waterfalls, caves, and black sand beaches without being surrounded by crowds of tourists. Check out our map to plan a multitude of daytrips from here.

Whitecliffs is stunning coastal walk 1. 25 hours drive from Ripples. the beach section of this 6.5 km walk along spectacular bluffs and sheer cliffs. 

The walkway takes you over farmland to Mount Davidson, the Whitecliffs Conservation Area and the Waipingau Stream. Depending on the tide, you can return to your starting point by following the stream to the coast and walking along the beach.

Experience breathtaking night sky views at Ripples, one of the few clear night sky areas in the North Island. View the Milky Way and countless stars and satelite trains from the double outdoor bath - So romantic!

In 2017, our farm was the exciting backdrop for the Bud Light Beer commercial aired during the 2018 Super Bowl.

You'll enjoy staying in our cabin, adorned with props, right where the trucks and crew brought the magic to life!

Delve into the mystic charm of the Central North Island’s Forgotten World, 

This abandoned rail line adorned with 24 hand-built tunnels and over 90 bridges, takes you on a journey through this remote wonderland. You can also return by jetboat through the Whanganui gorge.

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.

Experience the thrill of the Timber Trail bike ride, a must-do adventure just over an hour away! Convenient shuttles will whisk you away to either Piripiri or Ongarure, allowing you to focus on the excitement ahead. For a more tranquil journey, discover peaceful country roads surrounding Ripples Retreat. 

Hamilton Gardens, renowned as some of the most stunning gardens globally, are definitely worth a visit. I personally love wandering through the various enclosed gardens, where each turn reveals a new view, changing beautifully with every season.