This apartment places you within a 10-minute drive of The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio and Dargaville Museum. The apartment includes a kitchen, a patio, and a sofa bed.
The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio - 9 min drive - 5.7 miles
Taha Awa Riverside Gardens - 11 min drive - 6.8 miles
Zizania Hand Made Papers - 12 min drive - 5.0 miles
Kai Iwi Lakes - 42 min drive - 33.5 miles
Restaurants
Blah Blah Blah Cafe & Bar - 9 min drive
Subway - 10 min drive
Bakehouse Cafe - 9 min drive
Northern Wairoa Hotel - 9 min drive
Fast Foods - 8 min drive
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 1-3Bdr 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 > Simple Kitchen-Dining-Lounge > 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! :)
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a sofa bed, and an electric kettle.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Kitchen
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
0.5 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 elevator
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
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Eco-friendly cleaning products used
Garden
No plastic coffee stirrers
No plastic drinking straws
No plastic soft drink bottles
No plastic water bottles
Recycling
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Unit size: 1,399 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Exterior steps & internal stairs
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated 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
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
There are no elevators.
Property is also known as
THE OLD Aratapu School House Aratapu
THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment
THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment Aratapu
Frequently asked questions
What can I see close to this apartment?
This apartment is located in Aratapu, close to Dargaville Museum, Taha Awa Riverside Gardens, and Zizania Hand Made Papers. You'll also find The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio nearby.
How much does it cost to stay at Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
As of Jun 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House on Jun 20, 2025 start from $34.51, excluding 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.
Is parking available on site at this apartment?
Yes, there is accessible parking available.
Is this apartment next to a casino?
No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this apartment?
No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.
Is Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House good for couples?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this historic apartment include a kitchen and a smart TV along with a terrace.
Are there hot tubs at Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
No, this apartment doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this apartment provide breakfast?
No, this apartment doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this apartment allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.
Are there rooms with balconies at Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House?
Yes, every apartment at Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House comes with a deck.
Cheap & Cheerful 1-3Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 6 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
8 - Good
1
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 6 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
8.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
John H.
Mar 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
John H.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sarah C.
Dec 23, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Sarah C.
Stayed 74 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lony S.
Aug 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect spot
A truly lovely and cozy house, ideally suited for our family vacation.
Lony S.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Malcolm S.
Feb 4, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Malcolm S.
Stayed 91 nights in Nov 2023
6/10 Okay
Gwenda J.
Aug 3, 2023
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
8/10 Good
Jaime R.
Mar 26, 2023
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