Escape to Tory Channel's serene Whekenui Bay at The School Cottage, a cozy retreat that sleeps up to 7 people. Unwind with the soothing sounds of waves from the nearby white sandy beach and take in breathtaking views of the bay from your deck.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
The current price is £216
£216
includes taxes & fees
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Add dates for prices
About this property
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);
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
Up to 25 kg 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)
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
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 25 kg per pet)
Note from host: All pets must be on a leash and bring a carry cage
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
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
Is The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds on 8 Jun 2026 start from £216, 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.
What time is check-in at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
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The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
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.
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
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.
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 !! :))
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 :-)
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 :-)