Skip to main content
Apartment

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

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

Living area
Interior
Dining
Living area
Living area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View 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

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Upstairs Mezzanine Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom-Laundry

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Dining area

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.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
One bedroom unit, over the dunes to the beach
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (14 reviews)
One bedroom unit, over the dunes to the beach

House Rules

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

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

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
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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

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 fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling.
View more Apartments in AratapuOpens in a new window
Map
Aratapu, 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 Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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 1 Apr 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 6 July 2026 start from AU$61, 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 Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-old Aratapu School House?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Elegant 1-Bdr self-contained Guest-Wing at the 150-year-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

8.8

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. 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

9.6/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

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
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar 2026
Thank you so much Alison for choosing to stay in this elegantly renovated self-contained Guest-Wing apartment at WHARE KURA - the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House. That part of the building was not even humanely habitable when the renovation begun! We are so pleased you found it to be a really nice place to stay - that was our goal! :)
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
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2025
Thanks Dion for booking to stay in the elegant fully-renovated Guest-Wing at WHARE KURA 150-yr-old Aratapu School House ...one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara! We were rapt to host you, and loved you extending your stay, not once, but twice! :)
Verified

8/10 Good

Romitesh N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

decent accommodation

nice place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jan 2024
Thank you Romitesh for booking to stay at the newly renovated guest-wing at WHARE KURA Old Aratapu School House. We appreciate you commenting it is decent accommodation that is a nice place to stay. We strive to exceed guest expectations! However as you only gave it 4-stars please feel free to drop us a note of anything you feel we can improve on with this new Guest-Wing in this historic and iconic building. With thanks.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr 2025
Thank you Horst for chosing to stay at our elegant roomy self-contained guest-wing at WHARE KURA the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House. We are so pleased you loved your stay!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2025
Thanks Dion for staying again at the elegant renovated Guest-Wing at WHARE KURA Old Aratapu School House - and now you're booked for a 3rd Stay! It's our pleasure to host you.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Dec 2024
Thank you for choosing to stay in this elegant spacious Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House. We have strived to provide exceptional amenities with the facilities in an impeccable condition. Thank you for commenting you especially enjoyed so many aspects of your stay.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2024
Thank you Ash for booking to stay at the elegant fully-renovated guest-wing at WHARE KURA The Old Aratapu School House. We are pleased you had a lovely stay!
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
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2024
Thank you Ash for booking to stay (and extending your stay) in Whare Kura's newly renovated Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House - one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara! Like so many Government buildings the School was built on a main road so there is some traffic noise, but we are pleased you regarded it as not too bad - and we are thrilled you found the apartment well appointed as do we've strived to think of everything! All the best, and we hope to host you again one day.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Nov 2024
Thank you Richard for your kind comments from staying in the renovated elegant Guest-Wing at WHARE KURA 150-yr-old Aratapu School House - and like many schools it was built on a main road. But we agree that the charming character outweighs traffic noise. Thank you for choosing to stay with us.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Mar 2025
Hi Michael. We are sorry things didn't meet all your expectations. The property description does explain that both the living and bathroom are downstairs, and that there is a mezzanine bedroom - and the point there is some traffic noise in this rural location (we can't move a 150-yr-old school house). Also, as you know, we cannot explain why you did not receive the original message giving the Arrival Instructions with the Key LockBox code, which we sincerely apologised for, and everyone promptly solved the issue for you and your wife at the time.
Verified

4/10 Poor

Vera S.

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Feb 2026
This is a beautifully restored 150-year-old School House. The guest manufactured complaints and attempted to leverage a claimed influencer status for free accommodation, implying otherwise negative publicity. We declined. This appeared to be a well-practised tactic.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hamish G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct 2025
Thank you for booking to stay at the gorgeous newly-renovated Guest-Wing at WHARE KURA 150-yr-old Aratapu School House. We do hope you had a wonderful brief stay at one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara!
Verified

6/10 Okay

annabel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2025
We're genuinely disheartened by this review. These guests stayed just one night, yet left an unknown liquid mess on a velvet couch and blood stains on a duvet cover—both of which thankfully were managed to be successfully restored. These guests also checked out nearly an hour late without any request for a late check-out. We put great care into maintaining our 150-year-old, beautifully restored guest wing to provide a fabulous guest experience, and so it is disappointing when that care isn't reciprocated. Receiving a 3-star review feels undeserved.

About the host

Hosted by MARY of Booking Admin

Host profile image
As hosts we live in part of the same 150-yr-old building - on the other far side from the Guest-Wings ... you can fully feel like you are completely in your "own space".

Why they chose this property

Just 5-10mins from Dargaville town, this is a great rural central Kaipara location to both the Pouto Peninsula and Kauri Coast.

What makes this property unique

WHARE KURA - The 150-yr-old Aratapu School House, is one of the oldest buildings in the Kaipara-Pouto-Dargaville-KauriCoast areas ... a genuine piece of authentic New Zealand historic heritage!

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback