ABOUT RIPPLES RETREAT
“Beautiful, tranquil retreat, with a fascinating history"
Our Story
What Makes Ripples Retreat so Special?
I’m Trudy, and together with my family we’ve created Ripples Retreat — two hand-built boutique cabins on our quiet 3rd-generation farm in Piopio, Waitomo. Our retreat blends designer craftsmanship, river access, outdoor baths, stargazing and peaceful North Island nature.
With 30 years in interior design, I’ve poured thousands of hours into creating handcrafted spaces filled with natural textures, thoughtful details and warm hygge styling. River Song is our romantic cabin — with a handmade four-poster bed, star-lit outdoor bath and peaceful riverside setting perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries and weekend getaways
Built in 2020 beside our family’s favourite picnic spot, River Song sits on the Mangaotaki River — the same valley used during filming for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Its tucked-away location makes it one of the most secluded and quiet cabin retreats in the North Island..
River Run - Our Farm
Our Mission Statement
At our core we believe in crafting unforgettable holiday experiences where creative, sustainable design sits alongside beautiful nature, weaving together to form magical holidays that not only delight the senses but also deeply nourish your body and soul.
Creating memories that last a lifetime!
Ripples is nestled on our third-generation sheep and beef farm River Run, situated in the heart of the stunning Mangaotaki Valley. So you may hear in the distance the sounds of farm dogs working sheep or spot Brendan or Graeme riding along farm tracks, moving stock.
Our valley has some of the clearest night skies in Waitomo — guests often soak in the outdoor baths while watching the Milky Way. In summer, the river offers safe wild-swimming spots; we’ll show you the best shallow areas for kids and the deeper pools for confident swimmers.
Ripples is nestled on our third-generation sheep and beef farm River Run, situated in the heart of the stunning Mangaotaki Valley. So you may hear in the distance the sounds of farm dogs working sheep or spot Brendan or Graeme riding along farm tracks, moving stock.
Ripples Retreat is a beautiful base for exploring the Waitomo Caves, waterfalls, forest walks, glowworms, Hobbit film locations and scenic swimming holes. Summer is ideal for river swims and bush walks; autumn and winter offer the clearest stars; spring brings lambs, blossoms and vibrant greens across the valley.
Guests choose Ripples Retreat because it feels personal, handcrafted and peaceful — a place to slow down, enjoy nature and reconnect. It’s romantic for couples, exciting for kids, restorative for groups and a favourite for weekend escapes in the Waitomo region.
"Our family farm, River Run, boasts stunning views of lakes, bluffs, and waterfalls, making it a truly picturesque location."
Stunning views of the Majestic Mangaotaki Valley and Mt Ruapehu.
Taking the girls home after shearing
Hobbit Film & Other Filming History
We've had a variety of films and Ads shot at Ripples. This is a scene from a Budlite ad for the Super Bowl
This pop up village was here for a month back in 2011
Lights, camera, action!
We've had a variety of films and Ads shot at Ripples. This is a scene from a Budlite ad for the Super Bowl
The cabin sits where Gandalf’s caravan was parked for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2011). For 10 days the farm became a village of 500 — and we’ve since hosted other film shoots, including a 2017 Super Bowl ad.
Fish for Rainbow and Brown trout right from both cabins, with exclusive access to the Taumangahau Stream on our private land, where you'll likely have the stream all to yourself. The fishing season is from October - June at the cabin and all year round 5 minutes downstream.
Sustainability
In the heart of the Waikato, our riverside cabins are crafted from eco-friendly, upcycled materials — cozy, indulgent, and truly one of a kind.
Solar-designed after a year studying the sun’s path, they capture winter light and summer shade, while modern electric power keeps them comfortable year-round without air conditioning — ensuring the best possible comfort for our guests.
