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.

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.

Take an exciting day trip through Waikato's rolling green farmland to the magical land of Hobbiton. 

And you can also visit Hairy Feet Waitomo - just next door to get your LOTR's fix!

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Many of our guests are choosing to use Ripples Retreat as their luxury base to explore many of New Zealand's most popular tourist attractions. 

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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Bring your valid NZ fishing license and rod.

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More Info here

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2 minutes up the road, Suzie from Hairy Feet will take you on a intimate tour under the stunning Denize Bluffs where "An Unexpected Journey" was filmed in 2011. You don't need to be a LOTR fan to enjoy this stunning location tour.

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Tours need to be booked in advance.

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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.

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.  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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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.

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.

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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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.

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!

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...

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.

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!

Book a stay of four days or more with us and enjoy an exclusive farm tour, not available to the general public. See ponds, waterfalls, and craggy bluffs for a unique and memorable experience. 

Exclusive to our guests staying 4 days or more at Ripples Retreat.

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.

Spoil yourselves with a double couples massage with Leah and Richie in Piopio. For bookings please phone

Leah 0273076252 direct.

 As a special treat Leah and Richie will come out to Ripples and Massage you on the deck in the warmer summer months.

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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, They are so cute!

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Or you can feed our pet sheep year round which live in the paddocks around your cabin.

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They're all named - and have their own personalities!

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.

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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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.