which gives one vast space(!) including two kitchen-dining-living areas.
LARGER PRE-RENOVATION "OLD" GUEST-WING Decor is dated and quirky - and NOT ideal for any guest requiring impeccable presentation - it is too old and dated to be imaculate. > Roomy ground-floor kitchen-dining-lounge-conservatory-terrace area > Huge upstairs main Dprm Bedroom with Queen bed, 2 x Double-Single bunk-beds, and 2 x Single-Single bunk-beds > Small attic bedroom up half a flight of stairs from the main Dorm Bedroom, with 2 x Single Beds (that can be pushed together to be made up as a makeshift SuperKing bed). > Ground floor Bathroom with shower, washing-machine & tumble-dryer - and separate toilet.
Optional interconnecting door can be unlocked between the two guest-wings on the ground floor.
SMALLER POST-RENOVATION "NEW" GUEST-WING Beautifully renovated to a high standard of lavish feeling of opulence. > Elegant downstairs open-plan Kitchen-Dining-Lounge-Office (which has a connecting door into the other guest-wing). > Downstairs Bathroom with toilet, shower, washing-machine & dryer. > Gorgeous upstairs loft mezzanine bedroom, with Queen Bed, and Sofa-Bed (large single / small double - not suitable for a tall adult).
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY: Because we can't link the two individual guest-wing calendar availability to this double listing, reservations are always by request - but we will promptly reply to say whether both wings are available. :)
MASSIVE SPACE This creates a truly sizeable combined space for up to 17 for short stays. (Bearing in mind there are only two bathrooms and two showers, it is better suited for up to about 10 guests for longer stays.)
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
Generous free parking available (the property has a large concreted parking area)
BEDDING CONFIGURATION: Bookings for the first 8 guests are based on sharing the 4 x Queen/Double Beds. [If any of the first 8 guests don't wish to share a bed, Extra Beds are available at one of cost of $40/Bed per stay]
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Standard Nightly Rate is based on the first 8 guests sharing the 4 x Queen/Double beds. (But don't hesitate to ask costs for an alternate set-up.)
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
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
About the area
Aratapu
Aratapu is home to this apartment. 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.
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
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
Frequently asked questions
Is WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House?
As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House on 27 July 2026 start from AU$112, 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 WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is WHARE KURA - Two Interconnecting Guest-Wings at the Old Aratapu School House located?
Situated in Aratapu, 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
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thank you for booking five guests to stay one night in the two large self-contained interconnecting Guest-Wings apartments at WHARE KURA 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (able to accommodate up to nearly 20 guests) so likely loads of room for ya'll. 😊
We do hope your brief stay was fab.
We enjoyed our stay here at the Old school house. The old wing does have its own charm but it’s quite old smelling and squeaky compared to the new wing, which is very nicely renovated. The old wing could do with some renovation to eradicate the worn out carpet smell and hinge sounds when you walk upstairs. Otherwise it’s a good stay place for large groups and very close to Dargaville restaurants and supermarket. Would highly recommend staying here when around. Hosts were very easy to communicate with and everything was very well organised
Nivsha A.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan 2025
We are glad you enjoyed your stay at this truly unique property of NZ heritage. We politely point out we do clearly describe the Two Wings as one being "Cheap & Cheerful pre-renovation - and not ideal for anyone fussy" and the other wing as "Elegant & Opulent - renovated to a high standard" because this HUGE historic property is a current work-in-progress - so yes, your comment is correct that one of the two wings is still to be renovated. No-one has commented before that the unrenovated wing is "old smelling" - but we're grateful you could recognize the property's beauty, charm and convenience - as we thoroughly agree. Thank you again for booking to stay at the 150-yr-old WHARE KURA Aratapu School House!