The old Havelock school has been converted into modern backpacker style accommodation and named after the school's most famous pupil, Baron Ernest Rutherford of Nelson, creator of modern atomic physics.

Another distinguished former pupil was Dr William Pickering, an eminent scientist in space exploration in the United States.

The northern European design schoolhouse has steep gables, long windows and a wood-lined interior. Now beautifully renovated and maintained, it retains the character of an earlier age while offering the comforts contemporary guests will expect.
In the dining room, they may have intimate meals beside the glow and warmth of a wood stove, or enjoy Marlborough Sounds mussels and snappers around a unique oak table seating up to 20 people.

For rest and retirement, double rooms, twin rooms and rooms with cosy alcoves are offset from a wide corridor area. Campers are offered privacy and shelter with trees planted by Havelock's first school children on the large grounds.

All guests can fill in those long summer evenings in the BBQ and picnic area, or use the wide spaces for some recreational sport.