"We should have stayed longer"
ADVENTURES
A place to fall in love with
Glowworm caves, wild coastlines and a valley that’s caught the eye of movie makers—with farm views reserved just for Ripples guests. Come for a few days, wish you’d booked a week, and still not want to leave.
Waitomo Adventures
45 minute drive away
NZ's most spectacular and challenging caving adventures.
Abseil 100m into the Lost World or get yourself flushed down the amazing Haggas Honking Holes.
For active people
+6478787788
Farm Tours
We'll pick you up
Book a stay of four days or more with us and enjoy an exclusive farm tour, not available to the general public. See Hobbit film locations, waterfalls, and craggy bluffs for a unique and memorable experience.
Exclusive to our guests staying at Ripples Retreat.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set
Under 2 hrs drive
One of New Zealand's most iconic attractions. A fantastic day trip, especially for international visitors staying 3 days or more, with beautifully preserved movie sets and guided tours through Hobbiton.
Then they discover what only Ripples has. . .
Wild swimming, peaceful farm walks, outdoor baths under the stars, friendly farm animals and our complimentary farm tour. All whilst returning to their cozy designer cabins. These are the little moments guests remember most—and the reason so many say Ripples became the highlight of their holiday.
West Coast beaches
50 minutes drive
Explore a wild, rugged coastline of black-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and hidden gems. Head south from Ripples to Awakino Beach, around 50 minutes away, then continue another 15 minutes to Tongapōrutu for the Three Sisters walk at low tide—a great starting point for a day of coastal exploring. Only accessible at low tide
Taranaki Boulders
Just over 1 hour drive
Discover the oddly rounded boulders at Rapanui Beach, just North of Tongaporutu. They were formed in ancient seabed sediments and revealed by erosion. We found them through NZ_Adventures’ map on Rexby—a fun day out where your imagination can run wild. Only accessible at low tide
Trout Fishing
At Your cabin
The Mangaotaki has abundant fish, flowing through spectacular limestone high cliffs with an extensive length of easily accessible fishing water, well-suited to all fishing methods.. Season All year round.
Bring your valid NZ fishing license and rod.
Water toys
At Your cabin
Paddle, swim and play for hours in the fresh, beautiful river, with our complimentary water toys.
Wild Swimming
At your cabin
Ripples has a fantastic swimming holes in the fresh water river, right at the front doors of both cabins. Watch your guests swim whilst lounging under the shaded deck or from the extensive front lawn.
Spring lambs
Short walk to the homestead
If you are lucky enough to secure a stay during Spring, you will get the opportunity to help us bottle feed our pet lambs at Ripples, So cute!
Or you can feed our pet sheep year round which live in the paddocks around your cabin.
They're all named - and have their own personalities!
Farm walk
From your cabin
For those who can't stay long enough for our farm tour, there's also a farm walk up to extensive views over our beautiful valley
Games
At Your cabin
Traveling with 3 teenagers we know how important it is to keep them entertained. They will love our kayak and sea biscuit and we also have many other complimentary games including: Giant Jenga, Petanque, Yatzhee, puzzles, books, cards, board games, frisbees...
In Cabin experiences
At your cabin
Local experts can bring massages, beauty treatments, yoga, fishing guides and delicious catering straight to your cabin.
And they extend their holidays because of these. . .
Then guests discover the experiences they never planned for. Wild swimming, peaceful farm walks, outdoor baths under the stars, friendly farm animals and our complimentary farm tour. These are the little moments guests remember most—and the reason so many say Ripples became the highlight of their holiday.
Waikawau Tunnel
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.
New Plymouth
1.75 Hour drive
The Light festival in New Plymouth at Pukekura Park from late Dec to Jan is a spectular event you can plan your tip around.
Bridge to Nowhere
Scenic Daytrip
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.
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. Preorder your platters or cakes on 078778822 please allow 4 days notice.
Tongaporutu
Scenic Daytrip
Around 75 minutes from Ripples, Tongapōrutu is home to the striking Three Sisters rock formations. Visit at low tide to wander the black-sand beach beneath towering cliffs, explore sea-carved caves and discover the ever-changing shapes of this wild coastline.
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.
Whanganui River
!.15 hours to get in
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.
Marokopa
Scenic Daytrip
A gorgeous country drive through rolling farmland to waterfalls, caves and the wild west coast. An easy day trip with plenty of beautiful stops along the way
Whitecliffs walk
Scenic Daytrip
A spectacular coastal walk through farmland, towering white cliffs and secluded beach. Around 1¼ hours from Ripples and well worth the drive
Star Gazing
At Ripples
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!
Bud Light Beer
Commercial At Ripples
In 2017, our farm became the backdrop for Bud Light’s Super Bowl commercial. The knights, trucks and crew brought a little Hollywood magic to the valley.”
Forgotten World
Rail Carts 1.25 hrs drive
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 gorge.
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.
Cycling Timber Trail
1hr to the Timber Trail
Experience the thrill of the Timber Trail, a must-do adventure just over an hour away! Convenient shuttles will whisk you away to either Piripiri or Ongarure.
Or discover peaceful country roads surrounding Ripples Retreat.
Hamilton Gardens
1.5 hrs drive
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.
