Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House
Large self-contained "cheap & cheerful" [unrenovated] Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Old Aratapu School 5-10mins from Dargaville.
BEDROOMS > 12-PERSON DORM ROOM: Huge upstairs main bedroom with Queen bed, 2 x Double-Single bunk-beds, and 2 x Single-Single bunk-beds > SMALL ADJOINING TWIN ROOM: Small attic bedroom, up half a flight of stairs from the huge main Dorm Bedroom, with 2 x Single Beds (and the option of the beds being pushed together and made up as a makeshift "SuperKing" bed)
ON THE GROUND FLOOR: > Spacious old open-plan kitchen-dining-lounge (including dishwasher) > More seating in the old conservatory off the lounge, which leads out to a small terrace with outdoor seating (smoking permitted outside) > Old Bathroom with Shower, Washing-machine & Tumble-dryer, and separate Toilet
IMPORTANT: NOTE-1: The standard Nightly Rate is based on the first six guests sharing the 3 x Queen/Double beds in the huge main bedroom - but don't hesitate to ask for the costs on other bedding configuration options. NOTE-2: The 4 x Top Single Bunk Beds have a 60kg weight restriction - so primarily suitable for children.
REMMINDER This is cheap and cheerful [unrenovated] accommodation suitable for up to 14 guests for a night or two (remember there is just one toilet, and one shower), and it is ideal for, say, 2-8 guests for longer stays.
THIS ACCOMMODATION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR FUSSY GUESTS desiring impeccable pristine accommodation - the decor is too old to provide an immaculate presentation! Please don't book this accommodation if you want fault-free perfection.
THIS ACCOMMODATION IS VERY SUITABLE FOR MID-LONGTERM "WORKER GROUPS" wanting space, simplicity and the ability to chillax - plus loads of parking.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR LONGER-TERM 'WORKER GROUP' STAYS: When the reservation is for Worker Groups of several weeks/months, then a compulsory weekly Mini-Clean surcharge is payable to ensure a regular change of bed-sheets, and cleaning of the floors and bathroom. [Cost depends on the amount of Beds being used, but approx $70/week.]
LOCATION: > 1-min drive to Diary in Te Kopuru > 5-min drive to Dargaville > 10-min drive to Glinks Gully Beach, and local Countdown supermarket > 15-min drive to Baylys Beach > 30-min drive to Kai Iwi Lakes > 1-Hour drive to Tane Mahuta in Waipoua Forest. > 1-Hour drive to Pouto Point
GUEST ACCESS: The Guest Wing is fully self-contained with its own front entrance porch, its own ground-floor kitchen-dining-lounge-conservatory-terrace, and its own ground-floor bathroom-laundry with separate toilet. Upstairs is one HUGE DORM bedroom accommodating up to a dozen guests, and one smaller attic Twin bedroom off the main Dorm Bedroom. There is also a vast amount of free parking.
FINAL REMINDER: REMINDER - THE PLACE IS OLD & UNRENOVATED! The decor is dated and quirky and not ideal for anyone fussy. PLEASE DON'T RESERVE THIS ACCOMMODATION if you require an impeccable place to stay - it is too old to be immaculate. But this is a great place to stay if you want to chillax, in a spacious set-up with a good level of privacy and rural feel, and generous parking.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House
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NOISE CURFEW 11pm-7am of loud voices or loud music etc
Special Events potentially possible - subject to prior approval
Important information
You need to know
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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Aratapu
Located in Aratapu, this apartment is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Taha Awa Riverside Gardens and The Landing, while Dargaville Museum and The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling.
The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio - 8 min drive - 9.1 km
Zizania Hand Made Papers - 9 min drive - 8.0 km
Taha Awa Riverside Gardens - 10 min drive - 10.9 km
Kai Iwi Lakes - 34 min drive - 53.2 km
Restaurants
D Town Indian Fusion Restaurant - 9 min drive
Fast Foods Dargaville - 8 min drive
Blah, Blah, Blah Café - 9 min drive
Northern Wairoa Hotel Dargaville - 9 min drive
Shiraz Indian and European Family Restaurant - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House on 5 July 2026 start from NZ$72, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House located?
Situated in a rural location, this apartment building is within 6 miles (10 km) of Zizania Hand Made Papers, Dargaville Museum and The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio. Taha Awa Riverside Gardens is 6.1 mi (9.8 km) away.
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A truly lovely and cozy house, ideally suited for our family vacation.
Lony S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2024
Thank you for booking to stay at the 150-yr-old WHARE KURA Aratapu School House - one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara. We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay in this roomy "cheap & cheerful" Guest-Wing.
Best description on book a bach. And cheap and cheeeful doesnt mean bad! Its a nice homely place and the extra room due to the size means no cabin fever or tripping over each other.
Dion M.
Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 September 2025
Thanks Dion for booking so many stays at our roomy "cheap & cheerful" (dated decor) guest-wing - it's been an absolute pleasure to have you as guests.
She's a little gem. She may have been the oldest place we have ever stayed in but she sure was the cleanest! The linen was fresh and clean. Ample parking space for our food trucks. fast and friendly communication throughout. Thank you for having us. We will back again next year.
John H.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 September 2025
Thank you so much John for your stay at WHARE KURA - the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House - we're so rapt you loved the Guest-Wing. We look forward to seeing you again.
Exactly as described, this house is somewhere to stay if you're not looking for anything high-end. The beds are comfortable and clean, the kitchen has everything you need to cook (I appreciated the pots and pans without the teflon coating), the washing machine and dryer worked fine and the internet and TV worked fine. There was lots of dust and cobwebs and a few spiders, but that's what you'd expect of an old schoolhouse.The location, 10 minutes drive south of Dargaville suited us well and the property manager was responsive and helpful. Thanks for a great stay!
Dhivian G.
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2025
Thank you Dhivian for your response to staying in this roomy "cheap & cheerful" unrenovated Guest-Wing. With your long stay, we're guessing your comment about cobwebs/dust/spiders related to during your stay in this 150-yr-old building in a rural location - not what you encountered on arrival as the Cleaner is quite particular that everything is spic and span. :)
Nice area, lots to see. We toured around the north island and visited lots of historic and current events and entertainment. Our hosts were available when we needed help and not in our face when we did not. It was a wonderful time and I recommend the place for a nice stay.
Malcolm S.
Stayed 91 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2024
We were delighted to host Malcolm for their three-month stay - lovely people.
Thank you for being our first home in New Zealand. The old school house was a perfect fit for my family. Enough space for everyone to have a place to call theirs. And the peaceful location not far from town was welcoming. Not far from TK or Dargaville, made for a nice first home. Thank you for having us.
Sarah C.
Stayed 74 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 January 2025
Thank you Sarah and her daughters for choosing our Whare Kura 150-yr-old Aratapu School House "cheap & cheerful" guest-wing as your NZ home for your first four months in Aotearoa! 🇳🇿
As expected and as described. Sheets were clean and accomodation was tidy. Could have been a little cleaner (inside the fridge and the toilet smelt a bit)
Gorgeous view to wake up to from the upstairs room!
Suited our needs for the weekend
Jaime R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 March 2023
Thank you Jaime - we will advise the cleaner about your comments regarding the fridge and toilet - no-one has made those comments before. But glad you enjoyed this "cheap & cheerful" accommodation.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Gwenda J.
3 August 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Real potential
The Wharekura “ pre-reno” apartment we stayed at was marred by 3 of the 4 elements of the stove not working properly, the oven wouldn’t go. There appeared to be no smoke detectors although the owners reassured me later that they were there. The shower doors were hard to close. Like much inside the apartment, the wiring looked dodgy and as old as the building. The stairs to the room were uneven.
I contacted Kathy after we left. In hind sight, I should have done so sooner and given them the opportunity to remedy the faults as she seemed happy to do.
Moral of the story ...you get what you pay for??
Gwenda J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 August 2023
Thank you for booking to stay at the iconic 150-yr-old WHARE KURA Old Aratapu School House guest-wing, where you paid $30pp/night for what is advertised as pre-renovation "cheap & cheerful" accom. We are sad you had problems during your stay that you didn't contact us about at the time which we could have remedied for you, like showing you how to use the stove's oven (that works fine) and pointing out the smoke-detectors. Both the electrical wiring and internal stairs are 50 years old, and although not aesthetically pretty, neither are unsafe. And yes, you are right that the shower door can be a little bit sticky sometimes. We absolutely don't market this accommodation as anything other than cheap, and ideally cheerful, so we are very disappointed you were so very disappointed, but we only wish you the very best going forward.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Dion M.
18 September 2025
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Dion M.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 September 2025
We are genuinely disappointed to receive this 1-star review, particularly after hosting this couple for nearly ten weeks at WHARE KURA 150yr-old Aratapu School House.
During their stay, they continually extended their dates, including leaving us three separate 5-star reviews, describing our property as “awesome,” “classy and tasteful,” and “a nice homely place.” It is regrettable that their final feedback does not reflect the very positive experiences they themselves had previously shared.
When moving between guest-wings at the property, our lovely cleaner assisted them and later reported being asked to move bedding for their adult son and to prepare a second bedroom, even though their reservation was only for one couple. When our Admin sought clarification, this was denied, which caused some tension.
They then overstayed their booking due to their own mix-up with their dates, but despite the disruption our team rapidly worked "a miracle" to rearrange guest schedules to ensure they were still accommodated. On departure, however, the property was left in a condition that required a higher than usual level of cleaning, and the cleaner needed to get in another pair of hands to assist her moving furniture back into its correct positions.
After such a long stay, during which time we did our very best to be accommodating and flexible, it saddens us that the experience ended this way.
We remain committed to offering welcoming, well-cared-for Guest-Wings for all of our guests.
About the host
Hosted by MARY of Booking Admin
NOTE: The property is undergoing long-term renovations, which means the property may look slightly different to the photos - but the Amenities listed are correct.
Why they chose this property
Fully self-contained and well-equipped "cheap & cheerful" large 2-Bedroom Guest-Wing within this large iconic 150-yr-old School House - one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara!
AMENITIES INCLUDE: > Roomy Lounge-Dining-Kitchen with Netflix on TV and dishwasher in the kitchen > Large conservatory with small outside terrace > Bathroom with shower, washing-machine & dryer > Separate Toilet > Huge 8-person upstairs Master Bedroom with Queen bed, 2 x Double-Single Bunk Beds, and large Office Desk. (Room can also take a Double and King-Single mattress on the floor.) > Smaller Twin bedroom off the Master with 2 x Single Beds. (Optional King-Single mattress on the floor.) > Lounge L-shape Settee can sleep two. > Conservatory can act as a "3rd Bedroom" sleeping up to three on couches. > Pleasant rural outlook > Loads of free parking
LOCATION: 1-Min to local superette in Te Kopuru 5-Mins to Dargaville 10-Mins to Glinks Gully Beach 10-Mins to Countdown Supermarket 15-Mins to Baylys Beach 30-Mins to Kai Iwi Lakes 1-Hour to Tane Mahuta at Waipoua Forest
What makes this property unique
Without doubt the uniqueness is the fact that this building is 150-yrs-old .... she's a beloved Old Lady! We may be the Owners, but we think of ourselves as the custodians. Please don't reserve this large "cheap & cheerful" pre-renovated Guest-Wing if you are a fussy person - because it may be too old and too quirky for your liking.
As one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara, this is a genuine piece of authentic historic heritage.