“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

Great Barrier Island, Auckland Region
$130 avg/night Minimum Stay 2 Nights
Bed 3

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Private Vacation Home

Property Type

Sleep 8

Max Sleeps

Night 2 nights

Min Stay

*** 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 :)

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • BEACH

    Beach Sun Loungers Near The Beach
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property; Consider Bringing A Portable Detector) Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    3 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided
  • KITCHEN

    Coffee/tea Maker Cookware/dishes/utensils Electric Kettle Freezer Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Near Laundromat
  • PARKING

    Car Recommended Onsite Parking
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Outdoor Furniture Patio Yard
  • BATHROOMS

    1.5 Bathrooms Bathtub Or Shower Soap Toilet Paper
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Birdwatching Nearby Fishing Nearby Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby Kayak On Site Kayaking Nearby Power Boating Nearby Scuba Diving Nearby Snorkeling Nearby Swimming Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room Wood Stove
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    Near The Ocean
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 02:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 10:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 8

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Craig S.

    Submitted Feb 15, 2026

    Stayed Feb 14, 2026

    Very cool place to stay.

  • Michelle J.

    Submitted Feb 8, 2026

    Stayed Jan 30, 2026

    We loved our family holiday at The Yard Master, it is in a beautiful waterfront peaceful location with lovely views. The house is rustic and interesting and had everything we needed. The boat house was an added bonus and a beautiful spot for evening swims, drinks and watching the sunset. Recommend beach shoes for swimming as the beach is rocky.

  • Delia C.

    Submitted Dec 19, 2025

    Stayed Dec 13, 2025

    Fantastic spot - bigger than it seems with lots of extras

  • Jacqueline F.

    Submitted Mar 22, 2025

    Stayed Mar 6, 2025

    Great location, loved kyaks. House was good for large group but kitchestove, pots cooking facilities a little outdated.

  • Amanda M.

    Submitted Jan 20, 2025

    Stayed Jan 3, 2025

    We had the best time at Schooner Bay. Loved the house, perfect for a family, and the peaceful cove, exploring with the kayaks and swimming with dolphins. Simple fun and good times. Hope we can stay again!

  • Trudy T.

    Submitted Mar 22, 2024

    Stayed Mar 17, 2024

    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.

  • AARON H.

    Submitted Jan 23, 2024

    Stayed Jan 18, 2024

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

  • Kirsty W.

    Submitted Jan 19, 2024

    Stayed Jan 12, 2024

    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:)

  • Danielle L.

    Submitted May 29, 2023

    Stayed May 26, 2023

    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!

  • David H.

    Submitted Apr 10, 2023

    Stayed Apr 7, 2023

    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!

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$130+
View details