Title: “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay Vacation home in Great Barrier Island with kitchen and patio ## Photo gallery for “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay ![Fireplace, books - “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay (Great Barrier Island)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54620000/54611900/54611849/fe3b12f7.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Dining - “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay (Great Barrier Island)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54620000/54611900/54611849/79c21f78.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![3 bedrooms, bed sheets - “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay (Great Barrier Island)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54620000/54611900/54611849/52904392.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay (Great Barrier Island)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54620000/54611900/54611849/1f15c7f8.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds - “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay (Great Barrier Island)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/55000000/54620000/54611900/54611849/fee0058e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Nestled amongst ancient pohutakawas, The Yard Master offers a tranquil retreat in Schooner Bay. Unwind with breathtaking views of the bay, comfortable living areas, and simple kitchen equipment like a wood fired coal range. Explore nearby white sandy beaches or take advantage of the boat shed for kayaking and snorkeling adventures. ## Reviews 9.4 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Outdoor Space - Parking available - Barbecue grill - Fireplace ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## 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 :) ## 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 - Living room - 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 Pets not 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 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 ### We should mention A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property ### 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 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6¢er=-36.30178,175.45555&zoom=13&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&path=color:0xFFFFF|weight:2|fillcolor:0x005AEB7F|enc:%60ip%7CEet%7Bm%60%40%3FQ%3FU%3FQ%3FQ%40U%40Q%40U%40Q%40QBQ%40U%40QBQBSBSBQBQBSDQDQBQDQDQDQFODSDOFSFMFQFOFQFOFMHSFMHOHMHOHOHMHOHKJOHKJMHMJMJKJKJKJMLIJMJGLKJMLGJILKLGLILILGLELINELGLELENILELENANGLENANELCNANCLANCNAN%3FNCL%3FN%3FN%3FNCNBN%3FN%3FL%3FNBN%3FN%40NBL%40NBN%40LBNDN%40LDNFL%40NDNDLDLHLDLFNDLHLDLFLHLHLFLJJHLFJLLJJFJLLHJLJJJJJJJLHLJLJJHNHJHNHLHNHNHLHNFLHRFLFNFPHNDPFLFRDNDRFNDPDPDPBPDPDPBRBPBPBRBRBP%40PBT%40P%40P%40P%40T%40P%40P%3FT%3FP%3FT%3FP%3FP%3FT%3FP%3FTAPAPATAPAPAPCTAPCPCPCTCPCPCPEPERCPEPEPEPGNEPEPGPGNEPINGPGNGLIPGNILININILININIJILKLKLIJKNKJKJKJKJMJKLKFMJKJMHKFMLMFMHMFMHMDMHODMFMDMHMDODODM%40OFMDO%40ODMBO%40OBM%40OBO%40O%3FOBM%3FO%3FO%3FO%40OAO%3FO%3FM%3FOCO%3FOAOCMAOCOAMCOEOAMEOGOAMEMEOIMEMEMGOEMIMEMIMGMIMGMMKGMIKKMKKGKMMKKKKKKKKKKOIKKMIMKMIKIOIOIMIOIOIMGOIQGMGOGQGOGQGOGQEQEQGOEQEQEQCQESEQCQCQCQCUCQCQAQAUCQAQAQAUAQAU%3FQ%3FQ%3FU%3FQ&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=FNwQ7M_dD2D2ESX0JrjWr3dRkyo=) Great Barrier Island, Auckland Region #### What's nearby - Medlands Beach \- 16 min drive \- 9.7 km - Kaitoki Beach \- 30 min drive \- 20.8 km - Awana Bay \- 33 min drive \- 22.2 km - Whangaparapara Harbour \- 37 min drive \- 24.3 km - Glenfern Sanctuary \- 58 min drive \- 42.9 km #### Getting around - Great Barrier Island (GBZ) - 28 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪Tipi And Bobs - ‬7 min drive - ‪My Fat Puku - ‬20 min drive - ‪The Burger Shack - ‬19 min drive - ‪Stonewall Store & Bottle Store - ‬8 min drive - ‪Barrier Social Club - ‬8 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay pet-friendly? ### How much is parking? ### What time is check-in at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay? ### What time is check-out at “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay? ### Where is “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## “The Yard Master” Schooner Bay 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. [More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 23 8 - Good 8 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.0 Cleanliness ### 9.6 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Amanda M. Jan 20, 2025 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! ##### Amanda M. Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kirsty W. Jan 19, 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:) ##### Kirsty W. Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### AARON H. Jan 23, 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. ##### AARON H. Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Trudy T. Mar 22, 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. ##### Trudy T. Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024 ### 8/10 Good #### Jacqueline F. Mar 22, 2025 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. ##### Jacqueline F. Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ron C. Jan 8, 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. ##### Ron C. Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Danielle L. May 29, 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! ##### Danielle L. Stayed 3 nights in May 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### David H. Apr 10, 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! ##### David H. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### Denise S. Feb 6, 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. ##### Denise S. Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Hannah M. Apr 4, 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. ##### Hannah M. Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller Dec 5, 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 ##### Verified traveller Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022 ### 8/10 Good #### Kathryn E. Oct 26, 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. ##### Kathryn E. Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Vanitha E. Sep 6, 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! :) ##### Vanitha E. Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ryan d. Aug 11, 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! ##### Ryan d. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jazmine E. Jun 7, 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 ##### Jazmine E. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Harley N. May 24, 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. ##### Harley N. Stayed 2 nights in May 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mitch G. May 14, 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. ##### Mitch G. Stayed 2 nights in May 2022 ### 6/10 Okay #### Mona J. Apr 30, 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. ##### Mona J. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ben C. Apr 30, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Outstanding location. Awesome layout. Wondrous natural spectacle. Truly adventurous place. Wonderful. ##### Ben C. Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alana P. Apr 27, 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. ##### Alana P. Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Simon W. Apr 23, 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. ##### Simon W. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Simon V. Jan 30, 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 ##### Simon V. Stayed 13 nights in Jan 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### bonnie H. Dec 21, 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. ##### bonnie H. Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Philip B. May 18, 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. ##### Philip B. Stayed 2 nights in May 2021 ### 8/10 Good #### Jennifer S. May 9, 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. ##### Jennifer S. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021