Apartment
Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House
Photo gallery for Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House





Reviews
9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
2 bedrooms 0+ bathrooms Sleeps 18 130 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Dargaville, Northland
- Tane Mahuta
- Dargaville Museum8 min drive
- Taha Awa Riverside Gardens11 min drive
- Whangarei (WRE)77 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 18)
Bedroom 3
2 Double Sofa Beds
Huge Upstairs Main Bedroom
+4
1 Queen Bed, 2 Double Beds, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 3 Single Futons
Living Room 2
3 Double Sofa Beds
Twin Room off Main Bedroom
2 Single Beds and 1 Single Futon
1 half bathroom
Bathroom-Laundry
Shower only
Separate Toilet
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House
Fully self-contained and well-equipped "cheap & cheerful" roomy and simple 2-Bedroom Guest-Wing within this large iconic 150-yr-old building in the Kaipara on the Kauri Coast.
(Conservatory able to potentially act as a 3rd Bedroom.)
AMENITIES INCLUDE:
> Own separate porch entry
> Roomy Lounge-Dining-Kitchen (with dishwasher)
> Large conservatory with small outside terrace
> Bathroom with shower, washing-machine & dryer - Separate Toilet
> Huge 8-person upstairs Master Bedroom with Queen bed, and 2 x Double-Single Bunk-Beds, and large Office Desk. (Optional Double and/or King-Single mattresses on the floor)
> Twin bedroom off the Master with 2 x Single Beds (optional extra King Single mattress on the floor)
> Couches in the Conservatory also available for additional 3 guests to sleep on as a 'make-shift' 3rd Bedroom
> Lounge L-couch can sleep 2 guests
> 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
BEDDING CONFIGURATIONS:
> Standard Nightly Rates are based on two people sleeping in each of the Queen/Double beds.
> A small Extra Bed and/or Extra Bedroom surcharge(s) can be payable for additional beds/bedrooms if Single occupancy is preferred for each bed.
> A reminder there is the huge main upstairs bedroom with multiple beds. Plus a small Twin bedroom up a few stairs off from the huge main upstairs bedroom. Additionally, off the downstairs Lounge, is a conservatory that can act as a makeshift 3rd Bedroom with guest(s) sleeping on a couch(es).
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
> This historic unrenovated Guest-Wing is brimming with odd quirks - and is probably not the right accommodation for anyone fussy.
> This is an old guest-wing that has dated decor and amenities. Things are clean and simple but unable to be immaculately pristine.
> Large executive desk in the huge upstairs main bedroom.
SPECIAL NOTES:
> As one of the oldest functional buildings in the Kaipara today, this wonderful "Old Lady" is rich in history, heritage, quirks and idiosyncracies, featuring relaxed and dated decor - so perhaps not ideal for anyone "fussy"!
> Also, because it is an original Classroom at this heritage-rich historic property that has been converted into Guest-Wings, it may be possible to hear some noise from other Wings at times, not dissimilar to hearing noise from an adjoining apartment - or adjacent classroom! :)
(Conservatory able to potentially act as a 3rd Bedroom.)
AMENITIES INCLUDE:
> Own separate porch entry
> Roomy Lounge-Dining-Kitchen (with dishwasher)
> Large conservatory with small outside terrace
> Bathroom with shower, washing-machine & dryer - Separate Toilet
> Huge 8-person upstairs Master Bedroom with Queen bed, and 2 x Double-Single Bunk-Beds, and large Office Desk. (Optional Double and/or King-Single mattresses on the floor)
> Twin bedroom off the Master with 2 x Single Beds (optional extra King Single mattress on the floor)
> Couches in the Conservatory also available for additional 3 guests to sleep on as a 'make-shift' 3rd Bedroom
> Lounge L-couch can sleep 2 guests
> 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
BEDDING CONFIGURATIONS:
> Standard Nightly Rates are based on two people sleeping in each of the Queen/Double beds.
> A small Extra Bed and/or Extra Bedroom surcharge(s) can be payable for additional beds/bedrooms if Single occupancy is preferred for each bed.
> A reminder there is the huge main upstairs bedroom with multiple beds. Plus a small Twin bedroom up a few stairs off from the huge main upstairs bedroom. Additionally, off the downstairs Lounge, is a conservatory that can act as a makeshift 3rd Bedroom with guest(s) sleeping on a couch(es).
FRIENDLY REMINDERS:
> This historic unrenovated Guest-Wing is brimming with odd quirks - and is probably not the right accommodation for anyone fussy.
> This is an old guest-wing that has dated decor and amenities. Things are clean and simple but unable to be immaculately pristine.
> Large executive desk in the huge upstairs main bedroom.
SPECIAL NOTES:
> As one of the oldest functional buildings in the Kaipara today, this wonderful "Old Lady" is rich in history, heritage, quirks and idiosyncracies, featuring relaxed and dated decor - so perhaps not ideal for anyone "fussy"!
> Also, because it is an original Classroom at this heritage-rich historic property that has been converted into Guest-Wings, it may be possible to hear some noise from other Wings at times, not dissimilar to hearing noise from an adjoining apartment - or adjacent classroom! :)
Property manager
MARY of Admin
Premier Host
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House
WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Air conditioning
8.0 out of 10, (1 review)
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
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
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. Taha Awa Riverside Gardens and Te Matua Ngahere, Four Sisters & Yakas reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Zizania Hand Made Papers and Skydome Observatory. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and ecotours.

Dargaville, Northland
What's nearby
- Dargaville Museum - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
- The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio - 9 min drive - 9.1 km
- Taha Awa Riverside Gardens - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
- Zizania Hand Made Papers - 12 min drive - 8.0 km
- Kai Iwi Lakes - 42 min drive - 53.9 km
Restaurants
- Blah Blah Blah Cafe & Bar - 9 min drive
- Subway - 10 min drive
- Northern Wairoa Hotel - 9 min drive
- The Bakehouse Cafe
- Fast Foods - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window8.4/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.6/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
21 July 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 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
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
Lony S.
26 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect spot
Lony S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by MARY of 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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback