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

WHARE KURA -  This Guest-Wing is 1/4 of the Old Aratapu School House
Open-plan unrenovated ground-floor kitchen-dining-lounge including office desk
Open-plan unrenovated ground-floor kitchen-dining-lounge leading & conservatory
Dining space in this cheap & cheerful (unrenovated) Guest-Wing
Looking at Kitchen & Lounge from Dining area

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
2 bedroomsSleeps 14140 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Dargaville, Northland
  • Place, Dargaville Museum
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Taha Awa Riverside Gardens
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Whangarei (WRE)
    ‪70 min drive‬

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Exterior steps & internal stairs
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
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.
Map
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

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 15 February 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 24 February 2026 start from NZ$207.0, 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 9 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 9 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 9 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lony S.

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

Perfect spot

A truly lovely and cozy house, ideally suited for our family vacation.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dion M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dhivian G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cheap and cheerful with all the necessities

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!
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John H.

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

Our stay during the Northland field days event

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.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

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

Serene and peaceful

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.
Stayed 74 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm S.

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

Wharekure Aratapu

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.
Stayed 91 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jaime R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Basic and quaint

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
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Gwenda J.

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??
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Dion M.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by MARY of Booking Admin

Host profile image
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.

Languages:

English
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