Cheap & Cheerful 1-2 Bdr roomy Guest-Wing at the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House

Thank you for booking to stay at the 150-yr-old WHARE KURA Aratapu School House - one of the oldest functioning buildings in the Kaipara. We are very pleased you enjoyed your stay in this roomy "cheap & cheerful" Guest-Wing.

Thanks Dion for booking so many stays at our roomy "cheap & cheerful" (dated decor) guest-wing - it's been an absolute pleasure to have you as guests.

We were delighted to host Malcolm for their three-month stay - lovely people.

Thank you so much John for your stay at WHARE KURA - the 150-yr-old Aratapu School House - we're so rapt you loved the Guest-Wing. We look forward to seeing you again.

Thank you Sarah and her daughters for choosing our Whare Kura 150-yr-old Aratapu School House "cheap & cheerful" guest-wing as your NZ home for your first four months in Aotearoa! 🇳🇿

Thank you Dhivian for your response to staying in this roomy "cheap & cheerful" unrenovated Guest-Wing. With your long stay, we're guessing your comment about cobwebs/dust/spiders related to during your stay in this 150-yr-old building in a rural location - not what you encountered on arrival as the Cleaner is quite particular that everything is spic and span. :)

Thank you Jaime - we will advise the cleaner about your comments regarding the fridge and toilet - no-one has made those comments before. But glad you enjoyed this "cheap & cheerful" accommodation.

Thank you for booking to stay at the iconic 150-yr-old WHARE KURA Old Aratapu School House guest-wing, where you paid $30pp/night for what is advertised as pre-renovation "cheap & cheerful" accom. We are sad you had problems during your stay that you didn't contact us about at the time which we could have remedied for you, like showing you how to use the stove's oven (that works fine) and pointing out the smoke-detectors. Both the electrical wiring and internal stairs are 50 years old, and although not aesthetically pretty, neither are unsafe. And yes, you are right that the shower door can be a little bit sticky sometimes. We absolutely don't market this accommodation as anything other than cheap, and ideally cheerful, so we are very disappointed you were so very disappointed, but we only wish you the very best going forward.

We are genuinely disappointed to receive this 1-star review, particularly after hosting this couple for nearly ten weeks at WHARE KURA 150yr-old Aratapu School House. During their stay, they continually extended their dates, including leaving us three separate 5-star reviews, describing our property as “awesome,” “classy and tasteful,” and “a nice homely place.” It is regrettable that their final feedback does not reflect the very positive experiences they themselves had previously shared. When moving between guest-wings at the property, our lovely cleaner assisted them and later reported being asked to move bedding for their adult son and to prepare a second bedroom, even though their reservation was only for one couple. When our Admin sought clarification, this was denied, which caused some tension. They then overstayed their booking due to their own mix-up with their dates, but despite the disruption our team rapidly worked "a miracle" to rearrange guest schedules to ensure they were still accommodated. On departure, however, the property was left in a condition that required a higher than usual level of cleaning, and the cleaner needed to get in another pair of hands to assist her moving furniture back into its correct positions. After such a long stay, during which time we did our very best to be accommodating and flexible, it saddens us that the experience ended this way. We remain committed to offering welcoming, well-cared-for Guest-Wings for all of our guests.