“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

Fireplace
Kitchen
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Outdoor space

Explore the area

Great Barrier Island, Auckland

Medlands Beach
‪21 min drive‬
Blind Bay
‪39 min drive‬
Windy Canyon Lookout
‪82 min drive‬
Great Barrier Island (GBZ)
‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Double bed bedroom

1 Double Bed

Double bed bedroom

1 Double Bed

Shared single bed bedroom

4 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Dining Area

About this property

*** please educate yourself on current fishing restrictions before you head to Great Barrier island. There are currently Rahui’s in place to protect our moana and restrictions due to an invasive seaweed. Caulerpa Is a real threat and needs to be taken seriously 🙏 these restrictions effect fishing, shellfish collection, anchorage and general boating areas...***

LINK:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/47623-Information-sheet-on-Caulerpa-brachypus-and-the-Controlled-Area-Notice

The yard master is a characteristic 3 bedroom family batch in Schooner bay nestled amongst ancient pohutakawas. With an abundance of native bird life and breath taking views of the bay you will feel like your in your own slice of paradise.

The bay provides great fishing, diving and beautiful sunsets. This is the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from everyday life and reconnect to nature.

It is only a 10 minute drive from Tryphena harbour, local shops, cafe and Irish pub.

This unique space offers comfortable living areas, wood fired coal range, gas oven/hobs, gas fridge/freezer, simple kitchen equipment, large deck, bath/shower and a flushing toilet.

The house is off grid running on 12 volt solar which is mainly used for lighting, this is a great place to take a break from technology but there is internet at local shops if needed.

There is a boat shed right on the water with kayaks, dingys, bbq, outside shower and fish filleting table. If you are up for an ocean adventure there are sea caves and coves you can visit within the bay on kayaks and stunning snorkeling everywhere you look. The boat shed is a shared space for renters, family and friends.

There are plenty of hiking tracks, white sandy beaches and even a hot water spring no more 30 minutes away.

This is a truly epic place surrounded in rich native bush and stunning coastline. The night sky is something dreams are made of and sunsets you wouldn’t believe. The thing that makes great barrier special is the island itself.. something’s just can’t fit in a little description box, you might just have to come see.

Please book 72 hours in advance, leave one day between bookings for maintenance and tidy up before you leave :)

Property manager

Jack

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Parking available

Barbecue grill

Fireplace

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Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Great Barrier Island

Located in Great Barrier Island, this holiday home is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Medlands Beach and Blind Bay. Kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.

View more Holiday homes in Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island, Auckland

What's nearby

Medlands Beach - 21 min drive - 10.4 km
Kaitoki Beach - 34 min drive - 19.5 km
Blind Bay - 39 min drive - 19.4 km
Glenfern Sanctuary - 66 min drive - 40.1 km
Windy Canyon Lookout - 82 min drive - 45.7 km

Getting around

Great Barrier Island (GBZ) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

‪Mulberry Grove General Store - ‬12 min drive
‪The Innkeeper's Lodge & Currach Irish Pub - ‬8 min drive
‪Wild Rose Cafe - ‬8 min drive
‪Great Barrier Lodge - ‬46 min drive
‪Barrier Social Club - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay located?

Situated by the ocean, this holiday home is within 12 miles (20 km) of Medlands Beach, Blind Bay and Kaitoki Beach. Awana Bay and Mount Hobson are also within 20 miles (32 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

18 February 2025

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michaela C.

31 July 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great break away under the stars

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trudy T.

22 March 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The way it used to be

Decades ago everyone left their houses and cars unlocked, car windows down and honesty boxes on the side of the road. Aotea and The Yardmaster is that vibe. The manaakitanga/hospitality floods over you from all the toys in the boat shed for you to enjoy to an onion in the pantry for your burgers. The peace and serenity enveloped you from the moment you turn in to the driveway. You definitely need a vehicle ... and then it's hard to leave. I could write about beds and showers and yet, when such generosity is bestowed upon you, all you feel is abundance. We struggled to leave on our final morning and sat with our tea at the open doors of the boatshed. The little penguins that I thought we had missed finally made a few sounds from beneath the floorboards and we felt felt complete. So very grateful! A taonga/treasured spot.

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

AARON H.

23 January 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best Sunsets....

The Yardmaster is great for a group. Still close to Tryphena. Very Private.

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty W.

19 January 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Holiday Venue

Family are keen fisher people. They loved the location, access to water and water sport equipment generously made available to us. The Yardmaster house easily fitted us all (4 adults, 2 children). Wondaful spot:)

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle L.

29 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a place!

Thank you so much to our host. Great location and stunning views. Everything we needed in a cool setting and great communication. So lucky to have had a late check out as well. Recommend!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David H.

10 April 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Yardmaster. The power supply was more than enough to charge our devices. The boat shed was very special and great to have the use of kayaks etc. If you want a true kiwi Bach experience and an off grid break away. This is the place!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hannah M.

4 April 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent stay

Thank you for having us stay at the Yard Master. Fantastic property with lots of history and interesting things to look at. Perfect base for a stay at Great Barrier Island. Private house with out any one else around. We felt we could just do what we wanted and live as we do at home, while enjoying an amazing view. Anything we needed to know was in the welcome book, which was an interesting read in regards to the house itself. Our kids loved it there, especially as they are used to off grid living and enjoyed candlelight card games in the evening after a meal at the pub not far from the house. Thank you both for having us. We would absolutely love to stay again and will recommend. Great value for money.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Denise S.

6 February 2023

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous location

What an idyllic setting! So quiet and peaceful...ideal place to relax and unwind. Had everything we needed and only 10mins from grocery store, cafe and restaurants in Tryphenna. Suited our family of 3 couples perfectly. My only suggestion would be it would be great to have curtains in the big bedroom to keep out the light. Would be more than happy to stay there again.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron C.

8 January 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A few days spent in Paradise

What an amazing place, will definately return when the time comes again. Superb location and a great stay.

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

5 December 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Disliked: Check-in

Wonderful stay

We were very happy with the accommodation apart from being locked out at the beginning. The bird life, sea views and sun sets were amazing. The shower, beds, kitchen, bathroom were all quite basic but sufficient. Loved the history of the house. Thank you

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Kathryn E.

26 October 2022

Liked: Check-in, location

Nice back in time stay

Gas bottles both empty but sorted straight away. These things happen. Awesome spot in a good old N Z Bach.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vanitha E.

6 September 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay at the Yardmasters

The bach was in an amazing part of Great barrier island and my husband and I loved it heaps! We'll definitely be back! :)

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ryan d.

11 August 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Place to Stay

Stayed for two nights in July. The hosts were very receptive and the property was great!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jazmine E.

7 June 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good spot

Boat shed is great. property is in a great spot, stunning views. always a pleasure stay here

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Harley N.

24 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing time away

The place called the yardmaster was nothing but amazing with so much history behind it. Very nice and quiet with amazing views with everything you could ask for. Outstanding service. Friendly neighbourhood. Met amazing people and will definitely be going back there soon. Memory's for life. Highly recommend staying here to anyone. See you soon great barrier. Thank you.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mitch G.

14 May 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot!

Such an amazing location, surrounded by native bush with stunning views. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

6/10 Okay

Mona J.

30 April 2022

Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy

A good place for a quiet get away

We enjoyed our stay, though there are some things that could maybe be made more clear in the listing. Schooner Bay is pretty at high tide, but rocky and not suitable for swimming. The fishing tackle available was not suitable for shore fishing. We didn't find any walks locally, so ended up driving each day. There was minimal phone reception at schooner bay (Spark or Vodafone). The bach is basic. Beds were clean and comfortable. Lighting is 12v and dim, so bring several really good torches. The kitchenware wasn't very clean and most crockery and utensils required washing before we could use them. They're was barely any washing up liquid or toilet paper provided, we had our own, but that is the sort of thing that would be helpful to state in the listing. The toilet is in a separate building, just three steps away, but not ideal given the pouring rain we had, for nighttime trips to the loo. The toiletroom was full of caterpillars and slugs. Lots were squashed under the mat, so that had obviously not been moved for cleaning. Overall an interesting bach, but not one I would recommend for a family wanting to explore the island.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

30 April 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding location. Awesome layout. Wondrous natural spectacle. Truly adventurous place.

Wonderful.

Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alana P.

27 April 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely will be back!

Great communication with the property manager and such an easy check in and check out process. The house was clean and tidy. We made the most of the boat shed, smoker and kayaks available. We had such an incredible trip and will certainly return to this property! Highly highly recommend.

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Simon W.

23 April 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay by the beach

This property is spacious and comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped and the pantry is well stocked. It is clean and has fantastic view of the ocean.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Simon V.

30 January 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning spot with incredible sunsets right beside the water

Smooth check-in and good communication. A beautiful spot and the boat shed and smoke house add a lot to the experience. Highly recommend

Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

bonnie H.

21 December 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

Incredible old school Bach in a beautiful bay. We fully leaned in to the minimal power and enjoyed candlelight every evening.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Philip B.

18 May 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Boatshed bliss

This is a genuine charismatic family bach and it very much felt like we were invited into a place that was being lived in and held many many special memories. It's not 'flashy' and all the better for it. It's real. The Boat shed at Sunset was as good as it gets. Bliss.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

9 May 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Great place and host is very accommodating. They managed to find a cot for us to use, so we didn't have to cram one in the car. House is nice, but run on solar and doesn't have any power so charging the laptop and using a baby monitor isn't an option. Boat house is amazing, fully stocked with boats, kayaks and everything you need. Wish I had known about the tinny before arriving, probably would have brought our dive gear - next time! Beach is rocky so not super ideal for small ones who still can't clamber over rocks, but the bay itself is amazing and lots of caves to explore for the more sure footed. House could be cleaner, and I think maybe rodents have been in the mudroom, but overall we enjoyed our stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

About the host

Hosted by Jack

Languages:

English

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“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

Photo gallery for “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Double bed bedroom

Double bed bedroom

Shared single bed bedroom

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet

Spaces

About this property