Apartment
Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House
Apartment in Aratapu with kitchen and patio
Photo gallery for Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House





Reviews
8.6 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedroomsSleeps 14140 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 14)
Huge Upstairs Dorm Bedroom
+5
1 Queen Bed, 2 Double Beds and 6 Single Bunk Beds
Twin Room off Main Bedroom
2 Single Beds
Bathroom-Laundry
Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
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.
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
Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Free Wi-Fi
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (16 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Exterior steps & internal stairs
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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.

Dargaville, Northland
What's nearby
- Dargaville Museum - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
- 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
Reviews
8.6
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window7.6/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
9.0/10
Communication
9.4/10
Location
9.4/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
26 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dion M.
2 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dion M.
Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dhivian G.
21 July 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cheap and cheerful with all the necessities
Dhivian G.
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
John H.
12 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay during the Northland field days event
John H.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sarah C.
23 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Serene and peaceful
Sarah C.
Stayed 74 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Malcolm S.
4 February 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wharekure Aratapu
Malcolm S.
Stayed 91 nights in Nov 2023
8/10 Good
Jaime R.
26 March 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Basic and quaint
Jaime R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
6/10 Okay
Gwenda J.
3 August 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Real potential
Gwenda J.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
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
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
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.
As one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara, this is a genuine piece of authentic historic heritage.
Languages:
English
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!["NEW WING" [fully renovated] open-plan living area with mezzanine bedroom](https://media.vrbo.com/lodging/105000000/104040000/104034800/104034791/3a215f92.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium)















