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The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds

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Exterior
Aerial view
1 bedroom, bed sheets
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton

Room options

About the neighborhood

Getting around

  • Picton (PCN) - 120 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds

Boat or water taxi only access to the island ensures your peace and privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. For your pleasure of arriving here, there will always be someone to meet and greet you as this is a working family farm, and the house will always be open to access on your arrival!

The School Cottage, which is the remodelled school, was where the whaler's children were educated. This special, cosy cottage is located on the grassy flats at Whekenui Bay, Tory Channel.

The cottage sleeps 6 comfortably, a maximum of 7 people. There is one set of double bunks and one set of single bunks. A fold down bed is also available. The cottage is open plan living style including kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven and hob and microwave oven. Separate shower and toilet facilities.

From the deck, you can look out to stunning views of the bay and a fresh water stream runs right beside the cottage. Guests have no trouble in unwinding quickly.

You can relax while listening to the rumble of the waves from our safe, white, sandy beach only a short walk away from the cottage.


Sleeps 6 - 7
1 x double bunk
1 x single bunk
1 x single fold down bed
Linen and towels are provided


Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices include GST.

Restrictions | We would appreciate if smokers would smoke outside the house. Thank you for your consideration. No pets please. Please note that if you wish to leave the cleaning to us so you can just head out the door at the end of your stay, an additional $120 will be added to the tariff.
Special conditions:
Tarrif | School Cottage Minimum stay 2 nights
Summer Season (November - April inclusive)
$190.00 per night up to 6 people | $22 per night per extra person if additional camping is required
Off Season (May - October inclusive)
$145.00 per night for up to 6 people | $22 per night per extra person if additional camping is required
Off Season Special - Stay 6 nights and get a 7th night FREE.

Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices inclu

Extras: Cleaning (Optional, NZ$120.00 per stay); Linen (included);
The vacation home features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can expect to find a TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine and a fireplace.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Kitchen

  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 55 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

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 welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (55 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: All pets must be on a leash and bring a carry cage

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Have a highchair and Portacot

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
You may pitch up a tent for additional space.

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: 6
Note from host: You may pitch up a tent for additional space.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 6.
  • Note from host: You may pitch up a tent for additional space.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

Historic Former Whaler's School Cottage Private vacation home
Historic Former Whaler's School Cottage Queen Charlotte Sound

Frequently asked questions

Will I be able to park at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

No, there isn't parking available at the vacation home.

How much does it cost to stay at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

As of Jul 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds on Jul 23, 2026 start from $272, 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.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this vacation home, including a fireplace and a kitchen in each house and a fireplace in some.

Are there hot tubs at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

No, this vacation home doesn't have a spa tub.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

Where is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Picton (PCN), which is 25.1 mi away (120 minutes by car). Another top airport is Wellington Intl. Airport (WLG), which is around 27.8 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?

Yes, every house at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds comes with a patio.

The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim H.

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

Great location, great family

Can’t wait to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kath G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great stay in the Old School cottage. Nothing is a bother for Jacob, Antonia or Mike, who all endured we had the best holiday. With hill walks, fishing, swimming and a few books read it was perfect. Thanks so much - we will return
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Geoff M.

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

Magical location

Whekenui Bay is a magical location with fascinating history, many activities or a great place to just relax.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kath G.

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

Great family weekend away

Stunning location, lovely hosts, farm animals, hill walks, blue pearls and a bit of history - perfect ingredients for the most relaxing, fun catch up with the family! We would definitely recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denny H.

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

Grate hosts a spot of absolute paradise

Very good
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

john g.

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

Special times

What an amazing weekend with fantastic hosts , special memories and great location . Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alli h.

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

Great yachting stayover:)

We came over from mana on our yacht and stayed over at whekenui to ride out foul weather...mike and Antonia gave us a mooring..transport to and from our yacht and more they were lovely to us...it was an excellent boatie stayover..thanku !! :))
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mischa S.

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

Great family experience on a beautiful island

Dear Antonia and Mike We enjoyed your hospitality from the first day on. Already the mailboat cruise to your place was very impressive and the kids loved it a lot. We felt immediately at home in your cosy school cottage. All the more as you, Antonia, also involved the children from the first day on in feeding the animals, collecting eggs or walking the dogs. Mike, thank you for all the tipps and tricks around the fishing and for providing us great fish, as we weren't so succesful. It's just a pitty you do live on the other side of the world. We'd be there every year!! A big hug from all of us :-)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilyn W.

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

Easter holiday

Wonderful hosts and a wonderful location. We’ll definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maarten D.

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

Home away from home

Great stay with lovely people for instant unwinding
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miriam G.

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

Fabulous relaxing holiday

Awesome accommodation for our family. Great boat access and mooring. Antonia and Mike are fabulous hosts. Perfect relaxing place with walks, boat trips, paua farm tours and pony and puppy visits :-)