Title: Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=68332117&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire apartment # Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Apartment in Aratapu with kitchen and patio ## Photo gallery for Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House ![Interior - Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (Dargaville)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68340000/68332200/68332117/6f58da8b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior detail - Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (Dargaville)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68340000/68332200/68332117/97df0c3c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Smart TV - Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (Dargaville)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68340000/68332200/68332117/7418d39d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (Dargaville)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68340000/68332200/68332117/63b36d5c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House (Dargaville)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68340000/68332200/68332117/2b04081c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Experience the simple charm of a 150-yr-old historic building in the Kaipara on the Kauri Coast at this Guest-Wing. Enjoy a rural outlook from your private porch entry, unwind in the conservatory with its small outside terrace, or relax in your own kitchen-dining-lounge. With loads of free parking and proximity to Dargaville and Glinks Gully Beach. ## Reviews 8.6 Excellent ### Entire apartment 2 bedroomsSleeps 181507 sq ft ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washing machine - Dryer - Free Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Outdoor space £109 includes taxes & fees 14 Mar - 15 Mar ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## 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 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Large self-contained "cheap & cheerful" \[unrenovated\] Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Old Aratapu School 5-10mins from Dargaville. BEDROOMS \> 12-PERSON DORM ROOM: Huge upstairs main bedroom with Queen bed, 2 x Double-Single bunk-beds, and 2 x Single-Single bunk-beds \> SMALL ADJOINING TWIN ROOM: Small attic bedroom, up half a flight of stairs from the huge main Dorm Bedroom, with 2 x Single Beds (and the option of the beds being pushed together and made up as a makeshift "SuperKing" bed) ON THE GROUND FLOOR: \> Spacious old open-plan kitchen-dining-lounge (including dishwasher) \> More seating in the old conservatory off the lounge, which leads out to a small terrace with outdoor seating (smoking permitted outside) \> Old Bathroom with Shower, Washing-machine & Tumble-dryer, and separate Toilet IMPORTANT: NOTE-1: The standard Nightly Rate is based on the first six guests sharing the 3 x Queen/Double beds in the huge main bedroom - but don't hesitate to ask for the costs on other bedding configuration options. NOTE-2: The 4 x Top Single Bunk Beds have a 60kg weight restriction - so primarily suitable for children. REMMINDER This is cheap and cheerful \[unrenovated\] accommodation suitable for up to 14 guests for a night or two (remember there is just one toilet, and one shower), and it is ideal for, say, 2-8 guests for longer stays. THIS ACCOMMODATION IS NOT SUITABLE FOR FUSSY GUESTS desiring impeccable pristine accommodation - the decor is too old to provide an immaculate presentation! Please don't book this accommodation if you want fault-free perfection. THIS ACCOMMODATION IS VERY SUITABLE FOR MID-LONGTERM "WORKER GROUPS" wanting space, simplicity and the ability to chillax - plus loads of parking. SPECIAL NOTE FOR LONGER-TERM 'WORKER GROUP' STAYS: When the reservation is for Worker Groups of several weeks/months, then a compulsory weekly Mini-Clean surcharge is payable to ensure a regular change of bed-sheets, and cleaning of the floors and bathroom. \[Cost depends on the amount of Beds being used, but approx $70/week.\] 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. \> 1-Hour drive to Pouto Point GUEST ACCESS: The Guest Wing is fully self-contained with its own front entrance porch, its own ground-floor kitchen-dining-lounge-conservatory-terrace, and its own ground-floor bathroom-laundry with separate toilet. Upstairs is one HUGE DORM bedroom accommodating up to a dozen guests, and one smaller attic Twin bedroom off the main Dorm Bedroom. There is also a vast amount of free parking. FINAL REMINDER: REMINDER - THE PLACE IS OLD & UNRENOVATED! The decor is dated and quirky and not ideal for anyone fussy. PLEASE DON'T RESERVE THIS ACCOMMODATION if you require an impeccable place to stay - it is too old to be immaculate. But this is a great place to stay if you want to chillax, in a spacious set-up with a good level of privacy and rural feel, and generous parking. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the apartment: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available ### Kitchen - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Dishwasher - Electric kettle - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Toaster ### Dining - Dining table ### Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided - Sofa bed ### 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 lift - 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 - No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property) - 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: 1,507 square feet ## Similar properties ![1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83500000/83494100/83494006/f307a088.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cosy Opononi cabin with gorgeous ocean views - relaxation bliss! 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Kitchen - Washing machine - Parking available - Microwave 9.6 Exceptional 5 reviews [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-25&endDate=2026-02-26&selected=113703151&PinnedHotelID=113703151&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [Compare similar properties](/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-25&endDate=2026-02-26&selected=68332117&PinnedHotelID=68332117&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2&comparePropertyIds=68332117,83494006,92186415,99253532,34652833) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM Contactless check-in and check-out are available ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM Contactless check-out ### 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 ### Rules NOISE CURFEW 11pm-7am of loud voices or loud music etc Special Events potentially possible - subject to prior approval ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Note from host: Exterior steps & internal stairs ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking allowed: in designated areas ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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 This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products 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 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 If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention This property does not have any lifts ### Property is also known as THE OLD Aratapu School House Aratapu THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment THE OLD Aratapu School House Apartment Aratapu ## About the area 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 nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and cycling. [Visit our Aratapu travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aratapu.dx692482570594250752) [View more Apartments in Aratapu](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Aratapu-Apartments.d692482570594250752-aaApartments.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-36.01323%2C173.90166&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=60m4QVNEeLkZpz82OWu8jDrLtvA=) Dargaville, Northland ### What's nearby - ![Kai Iwi Lakes featuring a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111802/e6a6709b-23f3-4b34-9265-c0bf784a7d14.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Kai Iwi Lakes 34 min drive \- 33.1 miles - 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 ### 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 Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House pet-friendly? ### How much does it cost to stay at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House? ### How much is parking at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House? ### What time is check-in at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House? ### What time is check-out at Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House? ### Where is Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House Reviews ## Reviews ### Excellent All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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. [More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 6 8 - Good 1 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 1 ### 7.6 Cleanliness ### 9.4 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dion M. 2 Sept 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Best description on book a bach. And cheap and cheeeful doesnt mean bad! Its a nice homely place and the extra room due to the size means no cabin fever or tripping over each other. ##### Dion M. Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### John H. 12 Mar 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 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. 23 Dec 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 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 #### Malcolm S. 4 Feb 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 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 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Lony S. 26 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 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 #### Dhivian G. 21 Jul 2025 Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Cheap and cheerful with all the necessities Exactly as described, this house is somewhere to stay if you're not looking for anything high-end. The beds are comfortable and clean, the kitchen has everything you need to cook (I appreciated the pots and pans without the teflon coating), the washing machine and dryer worked fine and the internet and TV worked fine. There was lots of dust and cobwebs and a few spiders, but that's what you'd expect of an old schoolhouse.The location, 10 minutes drive south of Dargaville suited us well and the property manager was responsive and helpful. Thanks for a great stay! ##### Dhivian G. Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Jaime R. 26 Mar 2023 Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### 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 ##### Jaime R. Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023 ### 6/10 Okay #### Gwenda J. 3 Aug 2023 Liked: Check-in, communication, location #### 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 ### 2/10 Terrible #### Dion M. 18 Sept 2025 Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy Disliked: Cleanliness, communication ##### Dion M. Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025 ---