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“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

Great Barrier Island vacation home with kitchen

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Property grounds
A rustic cabin with a sloped roof, a small porch, and a single light source.
A kitchen with a wooden table, chairs, a refrigerator, and a stove.
3 bedrooms, bed sheets
Fireplace, books

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
Great Barrier Island, Auckland Region
  • Place, Medlands Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Place, Blind Bay
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Place, Awana Bay
    ‪51 min drive‬
  • Airport, Great Barrier Island (GBZ)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Great Barrier Island

Oceanside stay.At this Great Barrier Island vacation home, you'll be within 9 miles (15 km) of Medlands Beach and 12 miles (20 km) of Blind Bay. Kaitoki Beach is within 12 miles (20 km) and Awana Bay is within 16 miles (25 km).
View more Vacation homes in Great Barrier IslandOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Medlands Beach - 31 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Kaitoki Beach - 45 min drive - 26.8 km
  • Blind Bay - 46 min drive - 27.5 km
  • Awana Bay - 51 min drive - 30.0 km
  • Whangaparapara Harbour - 53 min drive - 31.1 km

Getting around

  • Great Barrier Island (GBZ) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Currach Irish Pub - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪My Fat Puku - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Mulberry Grove General Store - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Wild Rose Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tipi And Bobs - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay

*** 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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  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
  • Bar
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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • Near the ocean

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events 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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Yard Master Schooner Bay
“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay Great Barrier Island
“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay Private vacation home

Frequently asked questions

How close is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay to the airport?

This vacation home is 8.7 mi (28-min drive) away from the Great Barrier Island (GBZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

How close is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay to the beach?

This vacation home is 6.5 mi (21-min drive) from Medlands Beach and 12.1 mi (33-min drive) from Kaitoki Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

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

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay to downtown Great Barrier Island?

This vacation home is 7.6 mi away from Great Barrier Island.

“The Yard Master” Schooner Bay Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Craig S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kerianne H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great venue and welcoming host
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Delia C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic spot - bigger than it seems with lots of extras
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ron C.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amanda M.

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

Magical spot

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!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jacqueline F.

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

Review

Great location, loved kyaks. House was good for large group but kitchestove, pots cooking facilities a little outdated.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty W.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle L.

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

AARON H.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Denise S.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Hannah M.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Trudy T.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kathryn E.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Vanitha E.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ryan d.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jazmine E.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Harley N.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mitch G.

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
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Mona J.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ben C.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alana P.

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Simon W.

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