RIPPLES RETREAT REVIEWS

Staying at Cascade - Ripples was pure magic. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely immersed in nature and luxury all at once. The cabin itself is flawless—thoughtfully designed, beautifully built, and filled with every little detail that makes you feel truly cared for. The outdoor bath under the stars to the cozy lounges & bedrooms... it’s clear so much love & thought has gone into this place. The river winding through the property brought this constant, calming soundtrack to our stay especially with the amount of birdlife. One of the absolute highlights was the farm tour with Trudy. She took us to breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic rock formations straight out of The Lord of the Rings, and across a farm landscape that felt uniquely Kiwi yet totally unexpected. As locals, we were amazed at how much it surprised us! We spent another day exploring the farmland on our own and loved all of the waterfalls & cruising around the farm. This wasn’t just a place to stay—it was an experience that we’ll remember for a long time. Cascade - Ripples is something really special!

Absolutely Magical Stay at Ripples Retreat! My husband and I had the most incredible two-night stay at Ripples Retreat, and we can’t recommend it highly enough! Nestled in rolling countryside beside a gently flowing river, this stunning cabin is a true escape into nature. The peaceful setting, framed by an epic limestone rock backdrop, made for the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge. The cabin itself is beautifully designed, with a super comfy bed that made for the best night’s sleep, a luxurious double shower that feels like a spa experience, and an outdoor bathtub that was pure magic - soaking under the stars with the sounds of nature all around was unforgettable. We loved watching the local wildlife and soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Another highlight was the Hairy Feet tour, just a short drive away, where we got to explore the breathtaking, otherworldly locations from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It was the perfect addition to our getaway! Hosts Trudy and Brendan were absolutely lovely - warm, welcoming, and passionate about making their guests feel at home. They’ve created something truly special here, and we can’t wait to return for another stay, especially with their second cabin opening soon! If you’re looking for a peaceful, unique, and utterly relaxing retreat, Ripples Retreat is the place to be. We’ll definitely be back!

A truly magical stay; the clue is in the name “retreat”… I’ve never just sat and relaxed so much in my life. When we left to go and explore the area, we couldn’t WAIT to get back and enjoy the space; even on one rainy afternoon, we sat in the covered area and just looked out at the beauty of the area. Inside, the amenities, decor, style and space were impeccable. We travelled with our 17yo son and we all fell in love with the place in a heartbeat. A lot of love has clearly been sunk into the creation of Ripples Retreat and it shows in heaps; just writing this review is leaving goosebumps. Don’t think twice, just book the place… And then head into PioPio and eat at the Fat Pigeon Cafe, or as we did, take away their amazing meals to enjoy back at Ripples. Visit the Hobbit location set “Hairy Feet” 300m up the road. Please, please, please, when you book here, leave enough time…….. to sit here and do absolutely nothing. Thank you Trudy & Brendan for creating such a beautiful place to stay. Rooms: 5/5Service: 5/5Location: 5/5 Rooms Impeccable beds, incredible use of space in the kitchen and lounge areas. Nearby activities Hairy Feet is a must (1min) Waitanguru Falls is amazing (7mins) Mangaotaki 30-min bush walk is stunning (9mins) PioPio is 15mins away and has a decent Superette for the main provisions, including a beer & wine section ;-) Noteworthy details Make use of the facilities in PioPio… Hotel highlights Luxury

Hobbit life with our family here, and it was absolutely magical. The Trudy family truly put their heart into making our stay special, from the beautifully hand-picked flowers to the adorable welcome sheep placed on the bed. ​ River Song Cabin itself isn’t very large, but it’s perfectly sufficient and cozy in every sense of the word. Only when you come here will you truly understand the meaning of “cozy.” We are also incredibly grateful to Brandon for the wonderful conversation we had and for sharing such a peaceful and serene place with us. Their warmth and hospitality made this experience even more unforgettable. Thank you for creating such a magical haven!

Our family's recent stay at Ripples Retreat was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the heart of serene landscapes, the cabin offered a perfect blend of comfort and rustic charm. The tranquillity of the surroundings was palpable, with the gentle sounds of the creek adding to the peaceful ambiance. Every aspect of the retreat was designed with relaxation in mind, providing a well-deserved rejuvenation for our busy lives. The attention to detail in the cabin's design ensured that our stay was both luxurious and intimate, making it an unforgettable experience for the entire family. We left Ripples Retreat with cherished memories and a renewed sense of connection, both with nature and each other. It's a special place that offers a unique blend of adventure and calm, and we can't wait to return. Elize and Family Great Views, Romantic, Quiet 5/5

Trudy and Brendan are absolutely lovely and created a calm and really secluded second home for people who love nature. The farm area is beautiful, the cottage in a perfect place. The little river flowing, the birds singing, the sheep and cows audible in the distant, the hot tub in the night under the stars.. wow! We have already booked to come back next year! Thanks again for all the helpful tips, Trudy and Brendan!

This is the place you’re looking for. It’s far more magical than the photos show. I proposed here. Brendan drove me and my fiancé up the back of the property, where he dropped us off to make our own way back down a twenty minute picturesque farm track. While we were up the Hill Trudy had kindly offered to lay out the secret platter I had couriered there earlier from the fat pigeon cafe. So we arrived back at dusk with candles and twinkly lights all secretly laid out by Trudy. On our second day we got up early and went caving at Waitomo caves just 40 minutes away. And upon our return I had organised through Trudy to have two massage therapists come to the cabin and give us a joint couples massage. You really need to do this, they were two of the absolute best massages we have had. Trust me this is the best idea you’ll have. On our third day we slept in and then took the kayaks out in the river at the foot of the cabin. Went skinny dipping and lay on the grass in the sun. Have I mentioned we had two outdoor baths a day. Once in the day time and of course once at night under the stars. I cannot describe the magic of this place. And it was the most special place to get engaged. Trudy and her husband are so welcoming and left us to it the entire time. We will definitely be back. Book this place for anything special. Or just to feel special.

Ripples is truly out of a dream. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place I have ever been in the world. The pictures don’t even do it justice and the pictures are amazing! Trudy was a phenomenal host and so kind. This place will not be topped. .

So so good! Great location. Private. Stunning views – river runs through property, in front - own fishing spot. Super accommodation – modern, comfortable. Wonderful backdrop, green hills– sheep and cows. Terrific slice of rural NZ – with all the mod-cons. Can't list all the extras that are lovely surprises - we adored staying here - so so good