New Zealand’s Authentic One-stop Luxury stay in Nature
Luxury Riverside Cabins in Piopio, Waitomo, New Zealand. The perfect holiday destination for couples, families & groups
Welcome to Ripples Retreat.
Ripples Retreat is a peaceful rural escape on our family sheep and beef farm in Piopio, Waitomo. Stay in two hand-built luxury riverside cabins with outdoor baths under the stars, private river access, stargazing, farm walks and the best of the North Island’s nature on your doorstep.
Close to the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton — just 2 ¾ hours from Auckland Airport.
Longer stays mean more time to unwind — and a guided tour on us 💛
River Song Cabin
Romantic 35m² riverside cabin — ideal for couples or small families.
Nestled along the Mangaotaki Stream, River Song is a romantic 35m² riverside retreat for couples or small families. Handcrafted with sustainable materials and thoughtful design touches, it blends comfort with the charm of nature.
Enjoy wild swimming, kayaking, or fishing in your private pools, then soak under the stars in the outdoor double bath. You can also explore farm walks, meet friendly animals, or follow our 10-day itinerary to discover the best of Piopio and Waitomo.
Every detail has been considered to create a peaceful escape — unique, sustainable, and truly unforgettable.
Cascade Cabin
Spacious 50m² waterfront cabin — perfect for families or small groups.
With two bedrooms, a cosy loft, and thoughtful handcrafted details, Cascade 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.
Both Cabins
Book the whole Retreat
Sleeps 11 with the intimacy of two private cabins
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 rural 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 sit just 150 metres apart, 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.
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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.
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. And when you stay with us, you’ll also receive our exclusive insider tips — shared personally during your visit. 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. With our itinerary and 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"
