Cabin

River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape

Photo gallery for River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape

Ripples Retreat from the water (4)
Property video
River Song Cabin at night at Ripples Retreat
Luxury cabin deck view Ripples Retreat (1)
Ripples Retreat handmade king four poster

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 5376.7 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Piopio, Waikato
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Marokopa Falls
  • Marokopa Beach

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Single Bed, 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape

Ripples Retreat is a luxurious, handcrafted cabin located in a secluded and tranquil area in central North Island. The cabin offers breathtaking views and a stunning river right at your doorstep, making it an idyllic holiday destination.

River Song is a studio cabin with a romantic handmade four poster bed in the main room and a double and single bunk bed in a cleverly designed Hideaway nook with it's own door and window. Sleeps up to 5 guests.

Exclusive access to the scenic farm track allows you to enjoy spectacular views over the Hobbit bluffs and towards Mt Ruapehu. Imagine proposing to your loved one at sunset from this stunning vantage point!

Our carefully designed studio cabin features a main living area with a king-size bed, as well as a separate nook with a double bed and single bunk. There is also a separate bathroom with a luxurious double shower. Outside, you'll find a remarkable outdoor bath surrounded by ferns with picturesque views over the river and farmland.

Just under three hours from Auckland airport, Ripples is situated on our 3rd generation family farm, making it a convenient central hub for exploring New Zealand. There's plenty to do in the surrounding area, including day trips to the Waitomo Caves for glowworm tours and adventure activities, visiting the beautiful West Coast beaches, cycling the Timber Trail, or taking a jetboat tour down the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere.

Once at Ripples, you can enjoy activities like wild swimming, kayaking, trout fishing, and taking leisurely walks to experience breathtaking views of Mt Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. The nearby village of Piopio offers great seasonal food and local craft shops, and the scenic Waitanguru Falls are just a short drive away. Our luxury cabin is also equipped with a variety of games, puzzles, and books to cater to everyone's interests.

The cabin accommodates 5-6 people and features a double outdoor bath, an indoor double shower in a stylish black bathroom, and a king-size four-poster bed. There is also a cleverly designed separate nook with a double and single bunk, as well as a large window seat that can be made into an extra king single bed.

The fully equipped designer kitchen, complete with an outdoor BBQ, allows you to prepare meals using the best amenities. Choose to dine al fresco at the large outdoor picnic table with farm views, on the covered deck with stunning river views, or inside at our upcycled timber table. An espresso coffee machine with ground beans is also provided for your morning pick-me-up, and you can indulge in our homemade Ice-cube tea infusions made with organic farm produce and award-winning honey.

Nestled in a bend in the Mangaotaki River, the cabin offers a beautiful freshwater river swimming pool right in front. The area is perfect for trout fishing from October to June for those with a valid NZ fishing license. For safety reasons, we only accept children aged 6 and above, and unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate infants. Additionally, individuals at risk of drowning must be supervised by a sober adult at all times.

Ripples Retreat is an extension of our 3rd generation sheep and beef farm in the heart of the Mangaotaki Valley, 45 minutes south of Waitomo Caves off SH 3. Opened in June 2020, our modern luxe cabin features an interior adorned with unique handmade items and special details. The cabin was designed with couples and families in mind to provide the perfect holiday experience. Situated where Gandolf's (Ian McKellen's) caravan was parked during the filming of The Hobbit in 2011, the location has also been used for other movies and major commercials.

You can also work from this incredible location with free Wi-Fi and both indoor and outdoor tables for your convenience. Alternatively, you can simply relax and immerse yourself in nature in the outdoor bathtub, surrounded by native ferns and the soothing sounds of the nearby stream. Every detail has been considered to enhance your stay, from the sustainably upcycled vanity, large sunny window seat, and open shelving for your belongings to the thoughtfully designed handmade beds where you can store your bags.

Take a nap on our comfortable outdoor loungers or the macramé double swing chair, and snuggle up with cozy blankets under the radiant outdoor heater, which is perfect for chilly evenings and nights when combined with the ambient garden lighting.

Capture the perfect picture on the rope swing hanging from the Paulownia tree, and you'll never have to worry about bringing water as we provide an unlimited supply of fresh filtered drinking water, helping to reduce plastic waste. The cabin also features a timber ceiling fan, creating a Bali-like vibe on warm summer days while maintaining a comfortable temperature without the need for over-drying air-conditioning.

To encourage a digital detox and promote a connection with nature, we've intentionally omitted a TV from the cabin. However, there is "two bar" cellphone reception on the Spark network.

Property manager

Trudy Denize

Languages

English
Lock

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

If someone asks you to book through them or pay them directly before you book on Vrbo, report it.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number NZBN9429048579353

About the area

Mangaotaki

Located in Mangaotaki, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Tainui Historical Society Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Mangapohue Natural Bridge. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails.
Map
Piopio, Waikato

What's nearby

  • Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro - 54 min drive - 44.4 km
  • Big Shearer - 54 min drive - 44.4 km

Frequently asked questions

Is River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is River Song Cabin Luxury Studio Nature Escape located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is within 25 miles (40 km) of Tainui Historical Society Museum, Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro and Big Shearer.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 1 out of 1 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 1 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 1 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Denise L., Parker, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Such a wonderful adventure

This is a special, one of a kind place. Nestled among a sheep farm and a river. Turkeys come by in the morning. Cows are watching all day. You feel complete privacy and have a stellar view to the beautiful surroundings as 2 walls are completely windows. Think of it as a magical camping experience with a luxury bed and shower. Every little special touch just adds to the charm. There is no dishwasher or oven, hence the camping feel. Plan to barbecue and make simple one pot meals and you will be in total heaven. My husband even caught trout down by the bridge
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

About the host

Hosted by Trudy Denize

Host profile image
As a designer for the last 30 years I've always had a passion for design and creating Ripples Retreat in the most beautiful part of our farm has been a dream come true for me. 100's of hours has gone into creating this dream retreat for our guests and we strive to create the best possible holiday for you.

Why they chose this property

Because it is just beautiful!

Located on the riverbanks of the stunning Mangaotaki River, this Zen-like location is surround by rolling farmland and towering hobbit bluffs. There's so many day trips to be had from Ripples that you can easily holiday here for more than a week.

What makes this property unique

It's stunning location, the quality of the modern cabin build and all its extra amenities, and the attention to detail that we have lavished on the property.

It's unique, beautiful, and healing and our guests simply don't want to leave!

Languages:

English