Ōkārito School House
Getting there
The Ōkārito School House is located in Ōkārito on the South Island's West Coast. Drive 15km north from Franz Josef Waiau on State Highway 6 to the Ōkārito Forks turnoff which is signposted on the left.
Follow the sealed Ōkārito Road for 13km until you reach Ōkārito village. The School House is located on the left near the centre of the village.
Please note there are no shops or service stations in Ōkārito so make sure you have enough supplies before you head out there.
Features
Situated in the middle of Ōkārito village, the School House offers easy access to Ōkārito Lagoon, the rugged coastline and stunning walks to view the lowland forests and lagoons of Westland Tai Poutini National Park and the high peaks of the Southern Alps Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Main room, Ōkārito School House
The Ōkārito School House is managed as an historic asset by the Department of Conservation. Originally built as a school house in 1901, the building ran as a YHA shelter for 30 years from 1960, and was restored by the Ōkārito Community Association and the Department in 1990. The Ōkārito Community Association ran the Ōkārito School House as accommodation until 2010.
Facilities
- Sleeps 12 - single bunk beds only. Six in the main living space and six in the back room.
- Mattresses and pillows provided. No other bedding provided.
- Flush toilet.
- Fridge, oven, microwave, toaster.
- Pots, pans, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery.
Fees (sole occupancy)
- $100.00 per night up to twelve persons.
- Booking is available as sole occupancy only.
Bookings
You can book via the online booking system or by contacting the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE.
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations must be made at least 10 days before the original occupancy date and within 48 hours of making the booking, otherwise a cancellation fee applies.
Transfers are not able to be made less than or equal to 2 days before the first night of stay.
Plan and prepare
Please note:
- There is no bedding or linen provided - you will need to bring your own duvet/sleeping bag and pillow slips.
- There is no shower at the Ōkārito School House. Coin operated showers are available at the Ōkārito campground, 2 minutes walk from the School House. Bring your own towels.
- Visitors are expected to leave the Ōkārito School House clean and tidy. Toilet paper and cleaning materials are provided.
- Please take all rubbish and recycling with you.
- Please report any breakages or issues to the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre and i-SITE.
- Please vacate the Ōkārito School House by 11.00am on the day of departure. New arrivals from 2.00pm.
- No dogs are permitted.
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