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Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House

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Fridge, microwave, oven, electric kettle
Dining
Exterior detail
Interior
Shower, hair dryer, towels, soap

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire apartment

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
Aratapu, 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

Room options

About the neighborhood

Aratapu

This apartment places you within a 10-minute drive of Zizania Hand Made Papers and The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio. The apartment includes a kitchen, a sofa bed, and a dining area.
View more Apartments in AratapuOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Dargaville Museum - 8 min drive - 5.0 miles
  • The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio - 8 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Zizania Hand Made Papers - 9 min drive - 5.0 miles
  • Taha Awa Riverside Gardens - 10 min drive - 6.8 miles
  • Kai Iwi Lakes - 34 min drive - 33.1 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Merkabah Cafe Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Blah, Blah, Blah Café - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪D Town Indian Fusion Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Good Life Stores - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Fast Foods Dargaville - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House

This STUNNING fully self-contained Guest-Wing is located in one of the most historic buildings in the region: WHARE KURA the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House!

The decor is gorgeous and lavish - nicknamed "Ponsonby Chic" style of embracing the Victorian era with a funky edge ... a truly bespoke and roomy "apartment".

Amenities Include:
> Elegant open-plan lounge-office-dining-kitchen
> Bathroom with toilet, shower, washing-machine & tumble-dryer
> Fabulous mezzanine bedroom with Queen, and SofaBed (wide Single / small Double - may not be comfortable for tall adults)
> Small front-door deck porch with Table+Chairs
> Generous free parking
> Rural setting

WHARE KURA is a huge 150-yr-old School House, and this fully self-contained Guest-Wing (with its own entrance) is roughly one-quarter of the large historic building.

The decor is STUNNING and fabulous for a Single or Couple wanting quality accommodation in a truly bespoke and authentically unique setting.
Also with the SofaBed, this means the apartment can also accommodate two Singles, or Couple+Single, or Parents with 1-2 children.

LOCATION: POUTO PENINSULA by the KAIPARA HARBOUR
> 1-min to Superette in Te Kopuru
> 5-mins to Dargaville town
> 10-mins to Supermarket
> 10-mins to Glinks Gully Beach
> 20-mins to Baylys Beach
> 30-mins to Kai Iwi Lakes
> 1-Hour to Tane Mahuta in Waipoua Forest on the Kauri Coast

POINTS TO NOTE:
> Excellent discounts available here online for stays of 28+ nights.
> Nightly rate is based on two guests sharing the Queen Bed as a couple.
If two single guests require both the Queen and Sofa beds, then an additional one-off $50 Extra Bed fee is payable.
> For stays of 3-Months-plus, an additional standard Rental Hire form is required to be signed.
The apartment is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom and a dining area. 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.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • 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
  • Swimming 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
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Recycling

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see around this apartment?

This apartment is located in Aratapu, close to Taha Awa Riverside Gardens, Zizania Hand Made Papers, and Dargaville Museum. You'll also find The Woodturners Kauri Gallery and Studio nearby.

How much does it cost to stay at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

As of Jun 3, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House on Jun 7, 2026 start from $128, 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.

Will I be able to park at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

No, this apartment doesn't offer parking.

Is this apartment adjacent to a casino?

No, this apartment is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this apartment?

No, there is no indoor pool at this apartment.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this apartment, including a kitchen and a smart TV in each apartment and a kitchen in some.

Are there hot tubs at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-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 free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this apartment.

Are there connecting rooms at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this apartment.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

Yes, every apartment at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House comes with a porch/lanai.

Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alison C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A really nice place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Just a great place to stay, clean tidy and well renovated. Hosts were great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dion M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome place to stay. Tastefully decorated and unique history.
Stayed 22 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Romitesh N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

decent accommodation

nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Horst F.

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

What a ool place

Such a cool place. We absolutely loved our stay at the old school house. Lovely and stylishly renovated and close to Dargaville and beaches.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dion M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Classy and tasteful wing of the building done with period style touches.
Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Pyt S.

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

Nice stay in old skool

A very nice place to be.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We very much enjoyed our stay at this property. It was very comfortable and spacious, with a lot of things provided (laundry, extensive kitchen items, TV, etc.). We found the place nicer than the photos and the reviews suggested it would be. The owners obviously take pride in the unit, as it was very nicely appointed and clean. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ash H.

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

Whare Kura

Neat well appointed unit. Stayed for 8 nights while working in the area and would happily book again
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ash H.

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

Aratapu apartment

Well appointed unit. A bit of road noise, but nothing too bad. Would happily stay there again
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard V.

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

Lots of Character !

We very much enjoyed our stay here. The schoolhouse has tons of charm. It is very well equipped. We would highly Recommend staying here. There is some traffic noise, So if you are a light sleeper, you might want to bring earplugs. The character Of this house far outweighs, the minor noise.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janette

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is a beautiful property - fantastic decor - so many detailed touches. Whoever designed this is VERY talented! Absolutely everything you could need including a full kitchen. Only drawback was road noise - especially logging trucks at speed in early pre-dawn hours - which takes a little to get used to. Hopefully this will reduce as the road hedge thickens.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Rex and Sheryl

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The grounds were lovely, peaceful and private. The inside was shabby and grubby. Fridge and cupboards, dirty. We were aware and fully accepted that this was a work in progress but soap and water are cheap enough and elbow grease is free
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Michael D.

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Aratapu

Excellent in many ways, clean and tidy and well appointed. It would have been better if there was a toilet on the mezzanine as my wife has to use a walking stick and the bannister did not go all the way to the ground floor. Inconvenient at night if you wished to use the toilet.The road was noisy at times.The booking agency did not provide entry details before we arrived. The neighbours were very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Vera S.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hamish G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

annabel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025