A place you'll fall in love with.
"We should have stayed longer."
Beautiful places, right on your doorstep.
Some of New Zealand’s most memorable places are right here — Waitomo Caves, Hobbit filming locations, wild west coast beaches, waterfalls, walks and little country towns. Ripples is a perfect base for exploring them, with plenty worth staying an extra day or two for.
Waitomo caves
35 minute drive away
New Zealand's most famous underground attraction. Drift beneath thousands of glowworms, explore spectacular limestone caves and experience one of the country's true natural wonders. Adventures for every age group.
Hairy Feet™ Waitomo
3 minute drive
Visit the enchanting filming location from The Hobbit and many other films Wander through lush native forest, hear behind-the-scenes stories and step into a real piece of Middle-earth.
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.
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 ponds, waterfalls, and craggy bluffs for a unique and memorable experience.
Exclusive to our guests staying 4 days or more at Ripples Retreat.
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, They are 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!
Star Gazing
From the outdoor bath
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
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.
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 Oct-Jun and All year round 5 mins downstream.
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.
Farm walk
From your cabin
For those who can't stay long enough for our farm tour, there's also a fram 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
.
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.
West Coast beaches
Scenic Daytrip
A wild, rugged coastline of black-sand beaches, cliffs and hidden gems. Around 50 minutes from Ripples and perfect for a day exploring Tongaporutu and beyond.
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.
