Experience the simple charm of a 150-yr-old historic building in the Kaipara on the Kauri Coast at this Guest-Wing. Enjoy a rural outlook from your private porch entry, unwind in the conservatory with its small outside terrace, or relax in your own kitchen-dining-lounge. With loads of free parking and proximity to Dargaville and Glinks Gully Beach.
Reviews
8.68.6 out of 10
Excellent
Entire apartment
2 bedroomsSleeps 18140 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
The current price is AU$200
AU$200
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Garden
Patio
Terrace
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
3 steps to reach entrance
6 accessible parking spaces
Area rugs in public areas
Handrails in stairways
No lift
Smooth flooring in public areas
Thin carpet in public areas
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Designated smoking areas
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Things to do
Cycling nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
NOISE CURFEW 11pm-7am of loud voices or loud music etc
Special Events potentially possible - subject to prior approval
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Exterior steps & internal stairs
Events
No events 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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
Property is also known as
THE OLD Aratapu School House Aratapu
THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment
THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment Aratapu
About the area
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. Visit our Aratapu travel guide
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 12 Mar 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 13 Mar 2026 start from AU$200, 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.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Reviews
Reviews
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
6/10 Okay
Gwenda J.
3 Aug 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??