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.

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.

Take the complimentary double kayak and explore the beautiful Mangaotaki River. Or use the Seabiscuit and swim in the river pool in front of the cabin.

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.

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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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.

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

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.

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.  

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 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.. Season Oct-Jun and All year round 5 minutes drive downstream from the bridge.

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The Fat Owl 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.

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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.........

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.

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.

5 minute 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.

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.

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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.