Featured in NZ Guide’s “12 Best Unique Stays in the North Island!"

Ripples Retreat luxury riverside cabins in Waitomo, featured among New Zealand’s best unique stays — Ripples Retreat — a handcrafted riverside escape featured in NZ Guide’s ‘12 Best Unique Stays in the North Island

Line drawing of New Zealand farmland with stars hills and trees

We’re feeling so proud and grateful. Ripples Retreat has been featured in the New Zealand Guide’s “12 Best Unique Stays in the North Island” — a lovely recognition of the care, creativity, and heart that has gone into every corner of our riverside cabins.

Being recognised among New Zealand’s most unique getaways is extra special for us, because Ripples Retreat is truly a family-built dream — handcrafted, full of character, and surrounded by nature.

What Makes Ripples Amongst the best unique Stays In the North Island?

At Ripples Retreat, every detail has been thoughtfully created — from double outdoor baths beneath the stars to reclaimed timbers, bespoke interiors, and a river that invites you to slow down.

Double outdoor bath under the stars at Ripples Retreat, a handcrafted riverside stay near Waitomo in New Zealand’s North Island.

Our two cabins, River Song and Cascade, sit beside the Mangaotaki River, just fourty five minutes from the Waitomo Caves. Each offers its own kind of magic:

• River Song — romantic, whimsical, and filled with soul. Perfect for couples or small families.• Cascade — spacious, family-friendly, and ideal for longer stays or groups.

Book one or both — together they host up to eleven guests for a one-of-a-kind riverside escape,. They are completely private, separated by gardens and trees. so that you can retreat to your own sanctuary or join together for amazing holidays.

Handcrafted kitchen inside Cascade Cabin at Ripples Retreat, a luxury eco stay surrounded by native bush near Waitomo. — Handcrafted kitchen inside Cascade Cabin at Ripples Retreat, a luxury eco stay surrounded by nature near Waitomo.

Why Guests Love Staying Longer

Guests often tell us that two nights simply aren’t enough — they wish they’d booked longer.

Ripples Retreat isn’t a stop-over; it’s a slow stay. There is time for kayaking, swimming, farm walks, feeding lambs in spring, and simply pausing to enjoy the quiet.

Longer stays mean more time to unwind, explore nearby treasures like the Waitomo Caves, and there is a curated 10 day travel guide of all to do from Ripples Retreat., included Hobbiton, Waikawau Tunnel beach and stunning waterfall walks.

For Every Kind of Stay

Romantic escapes — soak under the stars, watch the river shimmer, and fall asleep to the sound of water.

Family stays — children love the open space, the animals, and the sense of adventure.

Group getaways — book both cabins for up to eleven guests; cook together, gather by the river, and make memories here.

Family-friendly farm experiences at Ripples Retreat, where guests can meet lambs and wander quiet riverside paddocks. — Family-friendly farm experiences at Ripples Retreat, where guests can meet lambs and wander riverside pastures.

About the New Zealand Guide Feature

The New Zealand Guide celebrates hand-picked local gems across Aotearoa. In their feature “12 Best Unique Stays in the North Island,” they spotlight places that go beyond accommodation — places with heart, creativity, and story.

We’re honoured to be included, in The Best Unique Stays in the North Island and grateful to every guest who has helped make Ripples Retreat what it is today.

You can find the full article on the New Zealand Guide website — search “12 Best Unique Stays in the North Island.”