Title: The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=38000634&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds ## Photo gallery for The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds ![Exterior - The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Sound)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38010000/38000700/38000634/18acd914.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Aerial view - The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Sound)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38010000/38000700/38000634/85b9bbce.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Exterior - The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Sound)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38010000/38000700/38000634/77ed3bb0.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior - The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Sound)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38010000/38000700/38000634/deefab6c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![1 bedroom, bed sheets - The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds (Queen Charlotte Sound)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/39000000/38010000/38000700/38000634/8c11e3fa.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Escape to Tory Channel's serene Whekenui Bay at The School Cottage, a cozy retreat that sleeps up to 7 people. Unwind with the soothing sounds of waves from the nearby white sandy beach and take in breathtaking views of the bay from your deck. ## Reviews 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 6 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet friendly - Outdoor Space - Barbecue grill ## 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 School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds Boat or water taxi only access to the island ensures your peace and privacy for those who wish to get away from it all. For your pleasure of arriving here, there will always be someone to meet and greet you as this is a working family farm, and the house will always be open to access on your arrival! The School Cottage, which is the remodelled school, was where the whaler's children were educated. This special, cosy cottage is located on the grassy flats at Whekenui Bay, Tory Channel. The cottage sleeps 6 comfortably, a maximum of 7 people. There is one set of double bunks and one set of single bunks. A fold down bed is also available. The cottage is open plan living style including kitchen with fridge/freezer, oven and hob and microwave oven. Separate shower and toilet facilities. From the deck, you can look out to stunning views of the bay and a fresh water stream runs right beside the cottage. Guests have no trouble in unwinding quickly. You can relax while listening to the rumble of the waves from our safe, white, sandy beach only a short walk away from the cottage. Sleeps 6 - 7 1 x double bunk 1 x single bunk 1 x single fold down bed Linen and towels are provided Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices include GST. Restrictions | We would appreciate if smokers would smoke outside the house. Thank you for your consideration. No pets please. Please note that if you wish to leave the cleaning to us so you can just head out the door at the end of your stay, an additional $120 will be added to the tariff. Special conditions: Tarrif | School Cottage Minimum stay 2 nights Summer Season (November - April inclusive) $190.00 per night up to 6 people | $22 per night per extra person if additional camping is required Off Season (May - October inclusive) $145.00 per night for up to 6 people | $22 per night per extra person if additional camping is required Off Season Special - Stay 6 nights and get a 7th night FREE. Dinghy and mooring are included in Tariff. One nights payment confirms your booking. All prices inclu Extras: Cleaning (Optional, NZ$120.00 per stay); Linen (included); ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach loungers ### Kitchen - Freezer - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator ### Bedrooms - Bedroom - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Fireplace ### Entertainment - DVD player - TV ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Outdoor furniture - Patio ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Pets - Pet friendly - Welcoming dogs only - 2 pets total (up to 55 lbs per pet) ### Suitability/Accessibility - Designated smoking areas ### Things to do - Kayak - Fishing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Scuba diving nearby - Swimming nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) ## Similar properties ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108220000/108219200/108219104/fdfa6469.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Enjoy this gorgeous cottage in island paradise with stunning ocean views Pepin Island - Ocean view - Outdoor Space - Barbecue grill [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10&selected=108219104&PinnedHotelID=108219104&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111350000/111348600/111348581/e46c543f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Remote Pelorus Sound Kiwi Bach on the Beach with Great Views Totaranui - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Pet friendly 8.0 Very good 4 reviews CA $227 CA $293 total includes taxes & fees Feb 9 - Feb 10 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10&selected=111348581&PinnedHotelID=111348581&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113210000/113201400/113201302/30f723bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Okiwi Bay Cosy Cottage Okiwi Bay - Kitchen - Washer - Outdoor Space - Parking available 10 Exceptional 2 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10&selected=113201302&PinnedHotelID=113201302&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33560000/33556300/33556270/dfe025ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Gunyah Retreat - Exclusive Island Escape with Ocean View, Marlborough Sounds Queen Charlotte Sound - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet friendly 9.8 Exceptional 30 reviews CA $297 CA $540 total includes taxes & fees Jan 27 - Jan 28 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28&selected=33556270&PinnedHotelID=33556270&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Terrace/patio](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108220000/108219200/108219109/96c01b10.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Kawakawa Cottage is the perfect tiny house living experience Pepin Island - Outdoor Space - Barbecue grill [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10&selected=108219109&PinnedHotelID=108219109&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34450000/34445800/34445787/31876603.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cosy, self contained boutique studio. 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Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property 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 ### Property is also known as Historic Former Whaler's School Cottage Private vacation home Historic Former Whaler's School Cottage Queen Charlotte Sound ## About the area [Visit our Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/Australia-New-Zealand-And-The-South-Pacific.dx6023180) [View more Vacation homes in Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific](https://www.expedia.ca/Australia-New-Zealand-And-The-South-Pacific-Private-Vacation-Homes.d6023180-aaPrivateVacationHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C-41.20317%2C174.30412&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=VbXUvMnO-Xjdxu06DmQtSBkclv0=) Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton ### Getting around - Picton (PCN) 120 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds pet-friendly? ### How much does it cost to stay at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds? ### What time is check-in at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds? ### What time is check-out at The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The School House Retreat – Historic Island with Scenic Views, Marlborough Sounds 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 10 8 - Good 1 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.4 Cleanliness ### 9.8 Location ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Geoff M. Jan 12, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Magical location Whekenui Bay is a magical location with fascinating history, many activities or a great place to just relax. ##### Geoff M. Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Tim H. Feb 21, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great location, great family Can’t wait to return. ##### Tim H. Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kath G. Oct 24, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great family weekend away Stunning location, lovely hosts, farm animals, hill walks, blue pearls and a bit of history - perfect ingredients for the most relaxing, fun catch up with the family! We would definitely recommend. ##### Kath G. Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Denny H. Nov 21, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Grate hosts a spot of absolute paradise Very good ##### Denny H. Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022 ### 8/10 Good #### john g. Apr 10, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Special times What an amazing weekend with fantastic hosts , special memories and great location . Thank you ##### john g. Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### alli h. Feb 10, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great yachting stayover:) We came over from mana on our yacht and stayed over at whekenui to ride out foul weather...mike and Antonia gave us a mooring..transport to and from our yacht and more they were lovely to us...it was an excellent boatie stayover..thanku !! :)) ##### alli h. Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mischa S. Feb 18, 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great family experience on a beautiful island Dear Antonia and Mike We enjoyed your hospitality from the first day on. Already the mailboat cruise to your place was very impressive and the kids loved it a lot. We felt immediately at home in your cosy school cottage. All the more as you, Antonia, also involved the children from the first day on in feeding the animals, collecting eggs or walking the dogs. Mike, thank you for all the tipps and tricks around the fishing and for providing us great fish, as we weren't so succesful. It's just a pitty you do live on the other side of the world. We'd be there every year!! A big hug from all of us :-) ##### Mischa S. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marilyn W. Apr 5, 2021 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Easter holiday Wonderful hosts and a wonderful location. We’ll definitely be back. ##### Marilyn W. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Maarten D. Dec 13, 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Home away from home Great stay with lovely people for instant unwinding ##### Maarten D. Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Miriam G. Jan 14, 2020 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Fabulous relaxing holiday Awesome accommodation for our family. Great boat access and mooring. Antonia and Mike are fabulous hosts. Perfect relaxing place with walks, boat trips, paua farm tours and pony and puppy visits :-) ##### Miriam G. ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Carnmore Chateau Marlborough](https://www.expedia.ca/Blenheim-Hotels-Chateau-Marlborough.h2593061.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels with Bar in Marina del Rey](https://www.expedia.ca/Marina-Del-Rey-Hotels-Hotels-With-Bar.0-0-d10380-tHotelswithBar.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [The Gananoque Inn](https://www.expedia.ca/Kingston-Hotels-Gananoque-Inn-Spa.h1737216.Hotel-Information) > > [TOP VCH Hotel Michaelis Leipzig](https://www.expedia.ca/Leipzig-Hotels-TOP-VCH-Hotel-Michaelis-Leipzig.h70134.Hotel-Information) > > [Cheap Hotels in Point Pleasant Beach](https://www.expedia.ca/Point-Pleasant-Beach-Hotels-Cheap-Hotels.0-0-d183614-tCheapHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nanuet](https://www.expedia.ca/Nyack-Hotels-DoubleTree-By-Hilton-Hotel-Nanuet.h736.Hotel-Information) > > [Cottages Moncton](https://www.expedia.ca/Moncton-Cottages.d4051-aaCottages.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) > > [Apartments Apache Junction](https://www.expedia.ca/Apache-Junction-Apartments.d9816-aaApartments.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) > > [Residences Elora Cataract Trailway](https://www.expedia.ca/Elora-Cataract-Trailway-Residences.d906138271476781056-aaResidences.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) > > [Hello Lisbon Alfama River Apartments](https://www.expedia.ca/Lisbon-District-Hotels-Hello-Lisbon-Alfama-River-Apartments.h11443116.Hotel-Information) > > [Holiday Inn Express Syracuse Airport by IHG](https://www.expedia.ca/Syracuse-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Syracuse-Airport.h1680344.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels in Partido de Junín](https://www.expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Partido-De-Junin.d553248635975751794.Hotel-Destinations) > > [PARADİSE APART OTEL](https://www.expedia.ca/Bursa-Hotels-PARADISE-APART-OTEL.h96498921.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels with Kitchenettes in Westend](https://www.expedia.ca/Westend-Hotels-Hotels-With-Kitchenettes.0-0-d6057889-tHotelswithKitchenettes.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Sennen House](https://www.expedia.ca/Picton-Hotels-Sennen-House.h7120592.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels near Stroud Clock Tower](https://www.expedia.ca/Stroud-Clock-Tower-Hotels.0-l553248621565249410-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Hotels with Hot Tubs in Bedford](https://www.expedia.ca/Bedford-Hotels-Hotels-With-Hot-Tubs.0-0-d4565-tHotelsWithHotTubs.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Motels Albany](https://www.expedia.ca/Albany-Motels.d603260-aaMotels.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ### Flights > [Flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Hana (HNM)](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/flights/bne/hnm/brisbane-to-hana) > > [Flights from Gdańsk (GDN) to Kloten (ZRH)](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/flights/gdn/zrh/gdansk-to-zurich) > > [Flights from Mississauga (YYZ) to El Prat de Llobregat (BCN)](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/flights/yyz/bcn/toronto-to-barcelona) > > [Flights from Hounslow (LHR) to Chania (CHQ)](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/flights/lhr/chq/london-to-chania) > > [Flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Penticton (YYF)](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/flights/phx/yyf/phoenix-to-penticton) ### Packages ### General > [Visit Malborough](https://www.expedia.ca/Malborough.dx553248623572693448) > > [Visit Winfield](https://www.expedia.ca/Winfield.dx3000008885) > > [Visit Milford Sound](https://www.expedia.ca/Milford-Sound.dx2274)