Slow down…
a beautiful retreat awaits.
stay awhile.
Welcome to Ripples Retreat
A peaceful riverside sanctuary on our family farm in Piopio, Waitomo.
Two hand-built luxury cabins.
Nature all around.
Time to slow down — or explore at your own pace.
Ideal for couples, families, friends, and small groups who want space to slow down
— whether that’s exploring the region, celebrating something special, or doing very little at all.
Many guests choose to stay a little longer — and those staying 4+ nights are invited to join us for a complimentary private farm tour
Our vision for slow stays and longer holidays →
What Our Guests are Saying
River Song Cabin
Often chosen for slow mornings, river swims, and long evenings outside.. Perfect for romantic escapes and small families
River Song is our intimate, handcrafted riverside studio cabin, designed for rest and reconnection.
Wake to birdsong, soak in the outdoor bath, swim or kayak the river, explore the farm, or simply do nothing at all. Every detail is intentional — calm, warm, and grounded in nature.
Featuring a romantic four-poster king bed and a cleverly designed sleeping nook with an extra double bed and single bunk above, the 35 sqm studio cabin is ideal for couples and small families.
A peaceful riverside retreat that invites you to slow right down.
Cascade Cabin
Our two bedroom waterfront cabin — Loved by families and friends who settle in, cook together, and stay a while.
With two bedrooms, a cosy loft, and thoughtful handcrafted details, Our 50sm Cascade cabin offers both comfort and character in equal measure.
Cook together in the outdoor kitchen, share stories on the spacious deck, or stargaze under the double outdoor shower. Designed for families and friends, the cabin makes it easy to connect while still giving everyone their own space to breathe.
Every handmade detail reflects our love of design and the land — from sustainable building touches to the rolling limestone hills that surround you. Cascade is more than a stay; it’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and create memories you’ll treasure.
Book Both Cabins
Creating truly memorable holidays — especially when both cabins are booked together, with space to gather, unwind, and return to year after year.
Booking both River Song and Cascade together gives you the best of both worlds — space for up to 11 guests while still enjoying the intimacy of two private retreats.
We’re one of the closest riverside stays to the Waitomo Caves, waterfalls and hidden West Coast beaches — perfect for romantic getaways, family trips, and peaceful weekend escapes.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting friends, or planning a getaway with multiple couples, the cabins are connected by rolling farmland and the river’s edge. Gather for shared meals, then retreat to your own cosy haven at the end of the day.
At Ripples Retreat, this exclusive option transforms your stay into a private sanctuary for groups — where you can stargaze, explore, and reconnect in nature, with the entire property just for you.
.
Add a little extra magic to your stay…
![Screenshot_20220507-182532_Instagram[1]_edited](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b5fae4_145231528369453a8357933d96d70dbf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_204,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/b5fae4_145231528369453a8357933d96d70dbf~mv2.jpg)
Handmade celebration cakes — pre-order for birthdays & surprises.
Artisan grazing platters — pick up weekends, delivered weekdays.
Private slow yoga sessions with Renée — honestly, she’s A-MAZ-ING.
Private double massages on your deck — unwind with birdsong
These local extras are some of our personal favourites, and many guests love adding them to their stay. Bookings are made directly with the providers — we’ll send you their contact details once your stay is confirmed.
Holiday Destination
At Ripples Retreat, we truly love our area — and we want you to see why. From Hobbit tours and hidden waterfalls to farm walks, stargazing, and the peaceful Mangaotaki Stream, there’s so much to discover here that two nights is never enough.
When you are ready to explore, and to help you plan, we’ve created a complimentary 10-day itinerary filled with must-see sights and local gems across the Central North Island.. We will choose the best itinerary for your season, and when you stay with us, you’ll also receive our exclusive insider tips. These are the stories, shortcuts, and secret spots only we know.
We are 15minutes from the quaint village of Piopio which has boutique craft shops, world class food and great coffee! Many of our guests tell us they wish they’d stayed longer, and. with our insider guidance, you’ll see why — Ripples Retreat is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.
There's a reason Peter Jackson filmed the Hobbit here - it is truly beautiful.
Where is Ripples Retreat?
Piopio, Waitomo NZ
The Farm
"The Farm tour at Ripples was the highlight of our NZ Honeymoon"
