FAQ's
Read below for a more indepth information about each cabin
We have specifically designed Cascade for our families like ours and River Song as a romantic escape for couples and smaller families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each cabin is beautiful. They are an individual experience, different from the other, with unique floor plans.
Below is a list to help you decide which cabin to book for your ultimate holiday.
They are entirely private from one another but can be booked together. A leisurely 3-5 minute stroll will take you from one to the other.
River Song Studio cabin (smaller cabin 35 square meters) built 2020
Perfect romantic couples retreat!
King size four poster bed & 1 x double bed, 1 x single bed. Sleeps 4-5
Studio unit - The king bed is in the same room as the living room and kitchen
Separate nook behind a sliding door with a double bunk and a single bed above
She is our original black cabin, located riverside upstream
Separate bathroom with large vanity, toilet and double shower
Deeper river swimming pool 5 1/2 feet deep with kayaks, one sea biscuit and a rope swing
Tree swing
Further away from the quiet country road
BBQ on the deck, but no outdoor sink or bench
Smaller indoor dining for 4-5 people
Cleverly designed to optimise every square inch, and it has a very cozy vibe.
While River Song is an ideal romantic retreat for couples, this is our original cabin and many families of 4 to 5 have had fantastic holidays here! So if our larger cabin is booked, don't be disappointed, you will also have a wonderful holiday here!
Cascade Two bedroom cabin (larger cabin 50 square meters) built 2025
Perfect family retreat or small groups that prefer separate bedrooms
King bedroom - A king size bed
Loft bedroom - two super comfy double beds. There is standing room of 6 foot 3 in the center of our loft.
Sleeps 6
Two completely separate bedrooms.
She is the red cabin, located riverside downstream
Larger kitchen
Outdoor kitchen with a BBQ, worktop, storage and a sink.
Larger covered deck with more seating
Larger indoor dining table for 6 people
Separate kitchen/living space
Separate bathroom with a large single shower, vanity and toilet
Outdoor double shower with hot water and double bath
NO kayaks. Two sea biscuits
Shallower river swimming pools - waist deep.
Closer to the quiet country road
Perfect little hobbit hole under the stairs for little people
Larger outdoor covered deck with more seating.
To maintain privacy between the cabins, we ask that our guests in the River Song cabin (the black cabin built in 2020) use the river upstream only, and likewise, our guests in Cascade ( the red cabin built in 2025) use the river downstream only.
You can also book both cabins for group stays of up to 11 people. Please get in touch with us if you have children under 5 years old or if you wish to book for 12 people.
If you have a family of 4 to 5, we recommend booking the larger Cascade cabin.
Planning a group getaway? Ripples Retreat is the perfect escape for extended families or groups of up to 11 guests booking both cabins.
To check availability for the whole retreat, simply click the “Book Your Retreat Cabin” button — or if you’d prefer a more personal touch, feel free to reach out and I’ll take care of the booking for you.
trudy@stayatripples.co.nz +64 27 826 8500
Our Cascade cabin is also a rare diamond for groups of friends to stay in, as it has two separate bedrooms and three separate beds. Making it the perfect choice for an escape with your mates.
No — both cabins at Ripples Retreat are entirely bespoke. I personally designed each one to suit its specific site, capturing the warm winter sun while shading from the harsh summer heat.
We were fortunate to work with Les, a master craftsman and old-school builder, who brought my vision to life with incredible care and precision.
The builds were slow and intentional. Thousands of hours have gone into their creation. As a family, we’ve hand-painted, planted, styled, detailed, sworn, laughed, and lived in these spaces until they felt just right — tested and refined into the perfect holiday retreats for you.
We’re always adding new touches and love hearing ideas from our guests to keep making Ripples even better.
Wi-Fi is now installed at Ripples. Data is generous but not unlimited so feel free to download and watch movies on your devices or arrange all those Zoom meetings from here, but please do all your system updates before you arrive.
Ripples is a beautiful spot to relax and just switch off, so if you need a digital detox (which our previous guests have loved!) please ask us to turn off the Wi-Fi when you book and you won't even know it's there when you arrive. We have “two-bar” cellphone reception on the Spark and Skinny networks. Vodaphone and other networks are a 10 min drive away. There is no TV.
Platters you can order and pick up from The Fat Pigeon 07 8778 769
Ripples is fully self-catering so you will need to bring your food. We do supply the basics of tea, instant and espresso coffee, milk, salt pepper and oil, plus a few little surprises. There is a full working indoor kitchen with a coffee machine and we have a lidded outdoor BBQ which doubles as an oven and cooks great pizzas! We also have a seasonal herb garden.
You can either bring your food or travel 15 mins into Piopio to the Fat Owl Restaurant and bar on Ruru St $$ (open Thursday—Sunday) for a lovely seasonal meal or a takeaway pizza.
The Fat Pigeon Café $$ Moa St (SH3) has platters available which you can pick up and enjoy at Ripples, you will need to contact The Fat Pigeon direct with at least 2 days' notice on 07 8778 822 to pick these up on your way to Ripples. They are open daily for breakfast and lunch and we highly recommend grabbing a takeaway box of either their cabinet or kitchen food that you can purchase on your way through Piopio.
The Cloverleaf Café 15mins away $ Moa St (SH3) Piopio 07 8778 368 Open daily with a bakery, takeaway coffee, burgers and fish and chips. Very casual.
Piopio Superette Moa St (SH3) $$ is a small local dairy and has all the basics
New World in Te Kuiti is 35 mins away and they have a click-and-collect option which needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance. We also highly recommend Nahna’s Fruitery next to New World for high-quality seasonal fruit and vegetables. Hari will make up boxes of produce for you to pick up if you are travelling from the North. 07 8788207.
**River Song Cabin (Ripples 1):** This cabin features a two-burner electric cooktop, a full refrigerator with filtered water, a dishwasher, and a two-drawer freezer. It also includes an air fryer, hand blender, toaster, and electric kettle. The kitchen is fully equipped to cook and serve meals for up to five people. Additionally, there is a lidded gas BBQ outside.
**Cascade Cabin (Ripples 2):** This cabin has both an indoor and outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen is larger than that of River Song and features a four-burner electric cooktop, a full refrigerator with filtered water, a dishwasher, and a two-drawer freezer. It is also equipped with an air fryer, hand blender, toaster, and electric kettle, and can accommodate meal preparation for up to six people. The outdoor kitchen includes a BBQ, a sink, ample bench space and under bench storage.
Cancellations
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your stay.
This is 100% refundable if you cancel 21 days or more before your arrival, but we highly recommend changing your dates, as you don't want to miss a stay at Ripples.
If you cancel within 21 days of arrival, the full payment is non-refundable.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes to your plans.
At Ripples, we recommend the following itinerary for an unforgettable holiday - just be sure to book enough days, as our guests don't want to leave: Click here for more photos and a map
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the serene ambience at Ripples Retreat. Unwind in the outdoor bath, marvel at the starry night sky, and relish the tranquility.
Day 2: Explore the nearby Waitanguru Falls and visit Hairy Feet Tours, the filming location of The Hobbit. Our cabin is located on the site where the crew were based for this epic film.
Day 3: Discover the wonders of Waitomo Caves with a thrilling caving or ziplining adventure.
Day 4: Book a stay for four days or more and enjoy a free farm tour, exploring our beautiful landscape with views of Mt. Ruapehu, waterfalls and lakes.
Day 5: Embark on a journey to Hobbiton, just under 2 hours away, and delve into the enchanting world of the Shire.
Day 6: Venture out to the West Coast Beaches, stroll along the 3 sisters low tide beach track at Tongaporutu, and enjoy a delightful beachside meal before returning to Ripples for a fun night of Petanque or Giant Jenga.
Day 7: Drive north to the vibrant seaside village of Raglan and explore its charm, while looping back via Aotea Harbour for breathtaking views over the Tasman Sea.
Day 8: Take a day to rejuvenate at Ripples. Explore the farm track, fish for trout, kayak, and savour the company of your loved ones.
Day 9: Head to New Plymouth, just 2 hours away, for the summer night festival.
Day 10: Drive out to the Waikawau tunnel and make your way back up to Marokopa beach for a delightful walk between the quaint Marokopa village and Kiritehere beach, and immerse yourself in the low tide pools.
There's so much more to do in our area and we are happy to offer our advice about what you would enjoy in our stunning area. But also be prepared to spend a few days chillaxing at Ripples as many guests plan an amazing itinerary - but once they arrive - they just don't want to leave!
Ripples is accessed directly off the sealed Mangaotaki Rd on a short flat driveway suitable for all vehicles. You will be sent a confirmation with your booking and a 4-digit entry code. There is a black lockbox under the covered deck which contains the key. If you go away for the day, we recommend that you place the key back in the lockbox (you will need to enter the code again to lock it); this avoids any lost keys.
PLEASE USE THESE DIRECTIONS, AS SOME GPS UNITS CAN TAKE A LONGER ROUTE ON UNSEALED ROADS
Travel on State Highway 3 to Piopio
Turn west up Kaka St at the Gas Station at the Southern end of Piopio Village
Veer left off Kaka St onto Mangaotaki Rd
Continue up Mangaotaki Road for 13.14 km until you see the Ripples sign on the right, approximately 15 minutes from Piopio.
We supply luxury linens at Ripples including hemp, cotton or linen sheets, soft spa towels, complimentary dressing gowns and tea towels etc. We also have extra towels which you are welcome to use if needed but we try to be a sustainable as possible and encourage the use of 1 towel per person for short stays.
You will need to bring swimming towels for the river and we recommend you bring a good pair of walking shoes, a raincoat, sunscreen, sun hat, insect repellent and your personal toiletries.
There is complimentary hand soap, bodywash, laundry powder, dishwashing detergent and we have a full First Aid Kit and an "Opps I forgot box" with some extras that you may have forgotten.
In order to ensure your booking is secured, payment is required at the time the booking is placed. Both credit or debit card payment options are available to you at the online checkout. We also accept direct debit payments and you can book and contact us at trudy@stayatripples.co.nz for account details, you will then have 48 hours to pay.
All our pricing is available on our calendar under Book Now.
Ripples Retreat is less than a 3-hour drive from Auckland International Airport and only 1.25 hours from Hamilton Airport.
This central location makes it perfect for guests who want to enjoy a beautiful and easy holiday in New Zealand, exploring the country without having to pack up and move every day.
At Ripples we recommend the following itinerary for an unforgettable holiday - just be sure to book enough days as our guests don't want to leave:
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the serene ambience at Ripples Retreat. Unwind in the outdoor bath, marvel at the starry night sky, and relish the tranquillity.
Day 2: Explore the nearby Waitanguru Falls and visit Hairy Feet Tours, the filming location of The Hobbit. Our cabin is located on the site where the crew were based for this epic film.
Day 3: Discover the wonders of Waitomo Caves with a thrilling caving or ziplining adventure.
Day 4: Book a stay for four days or more and enjoy a free farm tour, exploring our beautiful landscape with views of Mt. Ruapehu, waterfalls and lakes.
Day 5: Embark on a journey to Hobbiton, just under 2 hours away, and delve into the enchanting world of the Shire.
Day 6: Venture out to the West Coast Beaches, stroll along the 3 sisters low tide beach track at Tongaporutu, and enjoy a delightful beachside meal before returning to Ripples for a fun night of Petanque or Giant Jenga.
Day 7: Drive north to the vibrant seaside village of Raglan and explore its charm, while looping back via Aotea Harbour for breathtaking views over the Tasman Sea.
Day 8: Take a day to rejuvenate at Ripples. Explore the farm track, fish for trout, kayak, and savour the company of your loved ones.
Day 9: Head to New Plymouth, just 2 hours away, for the summer night festival.
Day 10: Drive out to the Waikawau tunnel and make your way back up to Marokopa beach for a delightful walk between the quaint Marokopa village and Kiritehere beach, and immerse yourself in the low tide pools.
There's so much more to do in our area and we are happy to offer our advice about what you would enjoy in our stunning area.
Wait 15mins and book your dates again. Alternatively, contact trudy@stayatripples.co.nz and I can manually book you in.
We apologise for any inconvenience you have encountered with our booking system, we are currently changing to a better system and really appreciate your patience.
Gas petrol station in Piopio 15 minutes away on Kaka St
Ripples is self-catering, so please bring all your food. The Closest supermarkets are:
Four Square (dairy) 15 minutes away in Piopio SH3 Limited selection $$$
North: Te Kuiti New World on Rora St 35 minutes away $$
South: New Plymouth 1.75hrs - many supermarkets.
East: Taumaranui New World 1 hr $$
Taupo and Rotorua – buy in these cities before you leave.
Pak n Save is traditionally the cheapest, and New World, though more expensive, has a great range of luxury goodies.
Yes however, Our guests' safety is super important to us. Ripples has unlimited access to flowing water so please only book if you are confident none of your guests pose a risk of drowning. If you have younger children under the age of 5 years, please contact us as we do make exceptions for children when you can assure us they will watch them vigilantly and they do not pose a risk of drowning. Especially if you have already stayed at Ripples and understand our proximity to water.
Ripples Retreat has two cabins, which allow up to 11 people to sleep between them.
Both cabins are completely private from each other and are 150 meters apart with gardens and paddocks in between.
Our larger 2 bedroom Cascade Cabin (50sm) can accommodate up to 6 people.
The perfect family accommodation or for 2 couples
1 King Bed
2 Double Beds.
The cabin features a king-size bedroom and 2 double beds upstairs in the loft. The Loft has head room of 1900mm or 6"2 inches at the apex. It can comfortably sleep 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children (over the age of 4). Additionally, there is a spacious window seat with a single mattress-sized squab that guests have used as an extra sleeping space, and a cute little daybed for small people under the stairs.
Our Studio River Song Cabin (35sm) can accommodate up to 5 people.
1 King Bed
1 Double
1 Single.
The perfect couples' accommodation
The cabin features a king-size bed and a double bunk bed with a single above, located in a separate alcove. Ripples can comfortably sleep 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (over the age of 4). Additionally, there is a spacious window seat with a single mattress-sized squab that guests have used as an extra sleeping space. This can be particularly useful for families with 4 children.
When you book Ripples there are several additional areas within the grounds to accommodate Marques. These can be hired as extras when you book. Ripples please contact us at trudy@stayatripples.co.nz or on 027 826 8500 for rates and more information. Piopio (15 minutes drive away) has several businesses offering excellent catering and hire services.
Whilst we usually have a minimum of 2-night stays
Long weekends and some holiday periods have a 3-5 night minimum stay. We regularly have return guests staying for extended nights to take advantage of all that Ripples Retreat has to offer.
For extended stays over 7 days please contact me to put together a special deal just for you.
Yes. A Ripples gift voucher makes a wonderful gift for parents, loved ones or businesses. We can personalise it by including a special message. Gift vouchers may be used for any available weekdays or weekends for at least 2 nights. For public holiday weekends, there is a minimum of a 3-night stay. To order one, please contact us.
To ensure we have enough time to clean our cabins to our exact standards, our check-in times are:
Check-in 3pm
Check-out 10am
Although you can request a late check-out of 12 midday for an additional $50 NZ
Ripples Retreat offers contactless entry to both our cabins, and you will receive your lockbox code in the week leading up to your stay. This allows you to arrive at your convenience after the designated check-in time without needing to contact us if your arrival time changes. We kindly ask for an approximate arrival time so we can prepare the cabin for you, ensuring it’s at a comfortable temperature and turning on the outside lights if you’re arriving after dark.
We do not have any laundry machines at Ripples but you are welcome to use our laundry FOC at the homestead (500m away). We do have laundry powder, a washing bucket and a drying rack for handwashing.
Ripples has been designed with a relaxed, rustic luxury home-away-from-home feel, including cosy, un-ironed luxury sheets.
“Life’s too short to iron sheets!”
You are welcome to stay for as many nights as you like, with a minimum of 2-3 nights required. Many of our return guests stay for up to 2 weeks to make the most of everything Ripples Retreat has to offer. In some cases, if there is a 1-night gap between bookings, we may be able to accommodate 1-night stays with an additional charge for cleaning.
You can also escape to the tranquil and inspiring Ripples Retreat for a month-long stay. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our quiet winter months, typically in May and August, and take advantage of our incredible offer of up to 50% off for month-long stays.
This idyllic setting is perfect for work sabbaticals, offering the peaceful environment you need for focused and creative work. Surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle, Ripples provides the ideal backdrop for rejuvenation and productivity. Whether you're a writer seeking inspiration, an artist in need of a peaceful space, or simply someone looking to recharge in a calming environment, our retreat is the perfect choice for your extended stay.
Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to experience the tranquillity and inspiration that Ripples Retreat has to offer. Contact us now to book your month-long stay and let us arrange a special discount just for you.
Yes, in season Oct - June you can catch both Brown and Rainbow Trout from the front lawn. You will need a valid fishing license and below is a link with more information about the local fishing season. Please bring your rod or ask if you can borrow ours - please bring spinning lures for it.
https://nzfishing.com/auckland-waikato/where-to-fish/mangaotaki-river/
Ripples Retreat is designed to be a romantic escape for couples and a fun family cabin for up to 6 people.
Our larger 2 bedroom Cascade Cabin (50sm) can accommodate up to 6 people.
The perfect family accommodation or for 2 couples
1 King Bed
2 Double Beds.
The cabin features a king-size bedroom and 2 double beds upstairs in the loft. The Loft has head room of 1900mm or 6"2 inches at the apex. It can comfortably sleep 4 adults or 2 adults and 4 children (over the age of 4). Additionally, there is a spacious window seat with a single mattress-sized squab that guests have used as an extra sleeping space, and a cute little daybed for small people under the stairs.
Our Studio River Song Cabin (35sm) can accommodate up to 5 people.
1 King Bed
1 Double
1 Single.
The perfect couples' accommodation
The cabin features a king-size bed and a double bunk bed with a single above, located in a separate alcove. Ripples can comfortably sleep 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children (over the age of 4). Additionally, there is a spacious window seat with a single mattress-sized squab that guests have used as an extra sleeping space. This can be particularly useful for families with 4 children.
Sustainability is incredibly important to us. We have constructed both cabins using sustainable pine, most of our materials are locally sourced, and we have recycled and reused natural items wherever possible. We regularly plant native trees around our farm, which help to prevent erosion, filter water before it reaches the waterways, and purify the air. Many of the trees surrounding both cabins were planted by us, and our river is running cleaner than ever due to good farming practices supported by Healthy Rivers NZ.
Our cabins are designed to be as energy efficient as possible, harnessing sunlight during winter for heat and blocking it in summer with large oversized eaves and positioning windows in the correct places. We have also installed high levels of insulation and double-glazing to reduce energy costs and designed high-functioning cabins on small footprints to ensure that you have a cozy and luxurious stay in our sustainable cabins.
Most of our extensive lighting are LED's and we have selected energy-efficient appliances and supplied each cabin with a drinking water system, so there is no need for our guests to bring plastic water bottles.
They're also interesting and unique and we hope you can take away some inspiring ideas with you.