Immerse yourselves in serene comfort at Ripples Retreat, located just 3 hours from Auckland & 2 hours from Hobbiton, near the Waitomo Caves. Our luxury retreat features 2 meticulously handcrafted cabins situated in a Hobbit film location, thoughtfully placed 150 meters apart, separated by trees and paddocks for privacy. It’s the perfect setting for an adventurous family holiday or a romantic getaway. Make Ripples your ultimate base for exploring the North Island - there's so much to do from here! Book 4 days or more & receive a free private farm tour to exclusive views of mountains & lakes. Our one-bedroom cabin accommodates up to 5 guests, featuring a cleverly designed sleeping nook located behind the studio room that sleeps an additional 3 guests. The two-bedroom cabin, which is 50% larger, sleeps 6, includes a luxury master downstairs bedroom with a king bed & a cozy upstairs loft with 2 double beds. It has a larger outdoor covered deck, an outdoor kitchen, & a romantic outdoor double shower! (There's also an indoor shower) The smaller cabin comes with 2 complimentary kayaks, 1 sea biscuit, & a 5-foot-deep private river pool. The larger cabin offers 2 sea biscuits, a 3.5-foot-deep river swimming pool, and a relaxing hammock. Both cabins provide stunning views, crystal-clear starlit nights, and outdoor baths, perfect for stargazing and admiring the Milky Way. We recommend the one-bedroom cabin for romantic escapes or small families, while the larger two-bedroom cabin is ideal for bigger families or those who prefer more space. You can also book both cabins for groups of up to 11 people. We have invested countless hours in design, planning to create a romantic getaway that also serves as luxurious family accommodation. Our guests appreciate the peace, tranquility, and attention to detail—there’s a reason Peter Jackson filmed The Hobbit here; it’s truly magical! Please read our reviews & be sure to book enough days—our guests just don't want to leave!

Hi, I’m Trudy! Hosting guests at Ripples is a true joy for our whole family. With over 30 years of design experience, I’ve combined my passion for creating beautiful, welcoming spaces with the stunning surroundings of our family farm to offer you a truly special, affordable luxury escape. We want you to leave Ripples feeling relaxed, inspired, pampered and dying to come back! Our 1-bed cabin is set right where Gandalf’s caravan was parked during the filming of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey — a little piece of movie magic we’re thrilled to share with you! Creating Ripples has been a labour of love, with hundreds of hours spent planning and crafting an experience we are immensely proud of. Our family — including our three almost 'grown' children — all play a part in life here at River Run, our third-generation sheep and beef farm. You might spot Brendan or Graeme moving stock along the farm tracks or hear the farm dogs working in the distance — it’s all part of the rhythm of life in the Mangaotaki Valley. When we’re not farming or hosting, we love enjoying everything our region has to offer: fishing for trout, cycling the Timber Trail, trekking over our beautiful farm, visiting the West Coast beaches, and sharing a coffee at our favourite local spot, The Fat Pigeon Café. Whether you’re kayaking in the stream, exploring nearby adventures, or simply soaking in a hot bath while the sun sets, we hope you leave feeling relaxed, recharged, and connected to the land and its magic. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ripples Retreat. ​

Whether you are looking for a beautiful destination for your honeymoon or a fun family getaway, Ripples has activities for everyone. From the adventure wonderland of Waitomo Caves to the unexplored yet beautiful West Coast beaches and beyond, book at least 4 days here; there's so much to do that our guests don't want to leave! ADVENTURES: Day 1: Discover the stunning West Coast Beaches via the historic Waikawau Tunnel. Day 2: Experience the magic of Hobbiton. Day 3: Thrill-seek with caving or ziplining at Waitomo Caves. Day 4: Book a Hairy Feet Waitomo tour (Hobbit film location just next door) and then take your free farm tour in the afternoon. Day 5: Relax and enjoy being at Ripples- many of our guests just spend every day at and around their cabin. Day 6: Unwind in Raglan, then visit Aotea Harbour and the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls. Day 7: Hike for spectacular Mount Ruapehu views, then chase waterfalls at Waitanguru Falls. Days 8–16: Dive into epic adventures—cycle the Timber Trail, jetboat to the Bridge to Nowhere, stroll Hamilton Gardens, and explore the wild beauty of Taranaki. FOOD: Fat Pigeon Cafe in Piopio Village is a 15-minute drive away. They offer a wide range of freshly made seasonal food, takeaway platters, cakes, and meals, perfect for spoiling that special person and enjoying at Ripples. Contact them to preorder your platters or cakes; please allow 4 days' notice. The Fat Owl restaurant and bar in Piopio Village is also a 15-minute drive away. The big sister of The Fat Pigeon is open Thurs to Sun nights for meals and drinks, both indoors and out. Piopio Berry Orchard has the best strawberries in New Zealand, and their summer real fruit ice creams are to die for! Open October - April SHOPPING Don't miss the craft and antique shop in Piopio. They have some of the most perfect handmade gifts for EVERYONE! MASSAGES Please contact me to pre-arrange a private single or double massage at Ripples Retreat. Please allow 4 days notice. ​