
Romantic riverside cabin for couples or small families
Sleeps up to 5 | 35m² studio-style cabin
River Song is our beautifully designed riverside studio cabin, with a wonderful sense of space. Every corner has been considered, making it feel far larger than its 35 m² footprint.
Tucked beside the Mangaotaki River on our family farm, it’s a place to slow down and enjoy being exactly where you are.
Inside, there’s a handmade king four-poster bed, a double bed in a separate nook with its own window, a full kitchen and a double indoor shower. A single sofa daybed provides a third bed. We make it up for a fifth guest; groups of four who prefer separate beds can ask us to leave linen to make it up themselves.
Outside, soak together in the double outdoor bath, swim in your private river pool, kayak, picnic beside the river or simply sit and watch the water go by.
You’re surrounded by a real working sheep and beef farm, limestone cliffs and beautiful Waitomo countryside. There’s plenty to explore nearby, although many of our guests find they’re quite happy staying put.
Stay 4+ nights and we’ll take you on a complimentary farm tour.*
Stay 7+ nights between February and mid-December and use code STAYAWHILE for 5% off.*
*Excludes Christmas and New Year periods.
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Parking
Wireless Broadband Internet
Pool & spa facilities
Outdoor hot tub, Private unheated outdoor swimming pool
Parking & facilities
Parking, Private garden, Private porch
Policies
Accept credit card, Accessible 24/7, Children welcome, Pets not allowed, Smoking not allowed, Suitable for seniors or individuals with limited mobility
Entertainment
Canoe kayak
Kitchen & dining
BBQ gas, Blender, Coffee machine, Cooking utensils, Dishwasher, Grill, Kitchen stove, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator, Spices, Toaster, Vacuum cleaner, Water cooler, Water purifier
Location features
Mountain, River, Rural, Waterfront
Bathroom & laundry
Bed linen, Blow dryer, Clothes dryer, Essentials, Iron and board, Shower, Towel set, Bathtub, Washbasin, Washing machine
Heating & cooling
Ceiling fans, Fireplace, General heating
Internet & office
Wireless Broadband Internet wireless
Home Safety
Carbon monoxide detector, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Smoke detector
Pets not allowed
Smoking not allowed
Credit cards accepted
Children welcome
Suitable for seniors or individuals with limited mobility
ADDRESS: 1314 Mangaotaki Road, Piopio.
From Piopio, head west up Kaka Street,
Veer left onto Mangaotaki Road.
Continue for 13 km until you see the large Ripples Retreat sign on your right.
Google Maps works best for navigation!

100% of the total amount is due at time of reservation.
Remaining balance: Due later
100% of paid prepayments refundable when canceled 21 day(s) before arrival or earlier.
0% refundable if canceled after.
No security deposit is due.
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Kia ora, I’m Trudy — and together with my husband Brendan and our nearly-grown children Katie, Corban, and Harley, we welcome you to Ripples Retreat, our much-loved riverside haven tucked away on our family farm.
I’ve been an interior designer for over 30 years, and every part of our cabins has been carefully crafted to help you truly relax, reconnect, and unwind. We genuinely care that each guest has a beautiful, memorable stay — the kind of holiday that leaves you feeling restored.
Ripples Retreat sits in a peaceful and often undiscovered part of Aotearoa, where The Hobbit was filmed and nature is all around. We feel so lucky to live here, and it’s a joy to share this special place with others.
Please take a moment to read the kind words from past guests — and make sure to book enough days, because once you arrive, you truly won’t want to leave.