Embark on unforgettable adventures in this undiscovered part of Aotearoa. Discover some of the best scenic day trips in Waikato, New Zealand, from Ripples Retreat, a luxury riverside cabin nestled on a scenic sheep and beef farm. This hidden gem consistently receives rave 5-star ratings from guests.
Exclusive farm walk
Ripples Retreat offers an exclusive experience with a walk up the private farm track, providing breathtaking views over the beautiful Mangaotaki Valley towards Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. The best time to visit is winter when the mountains are covered in snow, and the air is exceptionally clear.
Waitanguru Falls
A short distance from Ripples are the picturesque Waitanguru Falls. A brief stroll through native bush will lead you to these secluded falls.
Stargazing
Our retreat is located beneath some of the most pristine skies in the North Island, offering a view of the Milky Way for much of the year. Astrophotographers can take stunning shots from our cabin, benefiting from minimal light pollution.
Hairy Feet Waitomo
Adjacent to Ripples retreat is Hairy Feet Waitomo, offering personalized tours of locations featured in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and the recent TV series "Lord of the Rings - The Rings of Power." Renowned for its excellence, this tour is an intimate and authentic Kiwi experience not to be missed.
Waitomo Caves Glowworms
Explore one of New Zealand's top natural attractions by taking a boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Witness the enchanting glow of thousands of glowworms and immerse yourself in over a century of cultural and natural history. With various caving trips and ziplines suitable for all fitness levels, there's something for everyone at Waitomo Caves.
3 Sisters and Elephant Rock
Embark on a scenic drive to Tongaporutu to admire the 3 sisters (now 2 sisters) and elephant rock during low tide. This leisurely walk along the black sand beach comes highly recommended and you won't be sharing it with thousands of tourists.
Waikawau Tunnel
Visit the historic Waikawau Tunnel, Constructed by three brothers with picks and shovels in 1911 to allow the movement of cattle along the beach to and from Nukuhakare Station, the approximately 50-metre-long tunnel now provides one of the few public access points to a secluded section of the west coast between Awakino and Marokopa.
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Marokopa beach and Falls
Embark on a peaceful journey along the serene gravel backroads from Ripples Retreat, leading up the picturesque valley and crossing over Pomerangi Road to the tranquil village of Marokopa. During low tide, you have the opportunity to stroll between this location and Kiritehere, taking in the stunning scenery and enjoying a swim in the natural deep rock pools formed by the receding tide.
White cliffs walk.
A 1.5-hour drive from Ripples Retreat, you'll find the stunning White Cliffs Walkway. This trail follows the beautiful coastline, with towering limestone cliff faces, and loops back through private farmland alongside the Auckland to Taranaki gas pipeline.
Fishing Adventures
Guests at Ripples can enjoy fishing for rainbow and brown trout right from our doorstep. While our fishing season runs from October to June, just a 5-minute drive downstream, the Mangaotaki River offers fishing opportunities year-round.
You can take the Timber Trail cycle ride, go on a jet boat trip down the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere, or take a 30-minute walk to Omaru Falls. While at Waitomo Caves, explore the Marokopa Falls and the Natural Bridge. You can also simply relax at Ripples and enjoy the magical ambiance in pure bliss.
Just be sure to book enough days, as guests do not want to leave Ripples Retreat!
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