Donegal House

Hotels
8.4 (880 reviews)
258 Schoolhouse Road , Kaikoura , nz

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Free beach shuttle
Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Family rooms
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Fax/photocopying
Tour desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great food
Beautiful location
Comfy accommodations
Cons:
Room cleanliness issues
Dated room aspects

Categories

Cleanliness
8
Some concerns about room cleanliness with mentions of bugs.
Service
8.77
Outstanding, friendly, and accommodating staff mentioned multiple times.
Location
8.51
Great setting and beautiful gardens, peaceful location.
Room Quality
8.15
Comfortable rooms, but some dated aspects mentioned.
Amenities
8.39
Good facilities but suggested enhancements like a microwave.
Value for Money
8.35
Good value for the price considering the overall experience.
Food and Beverage
8.59
Fantastic food and drinks in a pleasant atmosphere.
Overall Experience
8.47
Very enjoyable and relaxed stay with good recommendations.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 00:40

Property Description

Tranquil Lakeside Retreat

Nestled on 6 acres of stunning lakes and gardens, Donegal House provides a serene escape.

Irish Hospitality at Its Best

Enjoy the charm of a traditional Irish bar, delectable dining options, and a sunny terrace for relaxation.

Local Experiences Await

Let our tour desk arrange exciting activities like swimming with dolphins or exploring Maori culture.

Ready to experience the perfect blend of nature and comfort? Book your stay at Donegal House now!

Important information:

If you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours, please inform Donegal House in advance, using the contact details found on the booking confirmation.

Please note that due to the recent earthquake, some roads are closed and alternate routes may need to be taken to access the property. For further information please refer to the New Zealand Transport Agency's website.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 2 years old to 16 years old stay for NZD 20 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for NZD 20 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 880 reviews
Cleanliness: 8
Service: 8.77
Location: 8.51
Room Quality: 8.15
Amenities: 8.39
Value for Money: 8.35
Food and Beverage: 8.59
Overall Experience: 8.47
K
Katharine • extended_group • nz
7
Staff were outwardly rude to people when speaking to them.
Pros:

Irish influence

Cons:

They did not play Irish music, disappointing

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • nz
7
Rooms need some upgrading
Pros:

Staff were super friendly and helpful. Restaurant meals were great.

Cons:

Room was dated but clean. TV only had a few channels and the internet was intermittent. Would have been helpful to have sheer curtains as our room looked out over the deck and garden and if you didn't have the curtain pulled across and in darkness, people could see straight into the room.

2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
S
Stuart • couple • nz
9
Pros:

Staff were excellent. Very Helpful

2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
S
Sheryl • couple • nz
10
2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
R
RODNEY PAUL • couple • nz
9
Donegal House is our first choice for accommodation when passing through Kaikoura
Pros:

We didn't arrive until after 9pm, host James was very welcoming and provided us with crockery & cutlery to enable us to use our breakfast ingredients in our room as the dining room was not open the next morning for breakfast.
The room was very comfortable, clean & tidy with good facilities.

2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
S
Sharon • solo_traveller • nz
7
2026-04-07 • via Nuitee
L
Louise • couple • nz
9
A great night's sleep!
Pros:

We had a lovely night at Donegal house. We ate at the restaurant there and the food was lovely and the staff super helpful. The room was clean and there was no noise from other guests.

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
A
Abdul Salam • family_with_children • nz
10
Pros:

The whole stay was excellent except for the WiFi which was unstable at times.

2026-04-05 • via Nuitee
B
Barry • couple • nz
9
2026-04-05 • via Nuitee
A
Andreas • couple • at
8
2026-04-04 • via Nuitee
T
Trevor • solo_traveller • nz
6
Pros:

Lovely rural setting.

Cons:

The garden setting and the pub

2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
• couple • nz
9
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • couple • nz
9
Superb garden
Pros:

Beautiful views out to the garden.
Restaurant and bar on-site.

Cons:

A little dated, but otherwise everything you need. Would stay again.

2026-03-30 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara • solo_traveller • nz
9
Great staff
Pros:

Staff were excellent, friendly, welcoming and helpful

2026-03-29 • via Nuitee
C
Christine • couple • nz
8
On the whole it was a very nice place to stay but would not stay if it was winter time because of the bathroom not havin
Pros:

It was in a good location away from busy roads. Had a great restaurant. Staff were very friendly. Lovely outlook with beautiful gardens.

Cons:

The only downside was the pillows weren’t very good and the bathroom would need a heater if it was winter time.

2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
U
Ulrike • couple • nz
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
C
clifford • solo_traveller • nz
10
Kate was so helpful and accommodating with our late arrival due to circumstances out of our control - did not have to wo
Pros:

Easy to get too, quiet, close to town, comfortable bed and room.
Helpful, accommodating staff, friendly

Cons:

Nothing

2026-03-27 • via Nuitee
W
Wendy • couple • nz
8
Very pleasant experience all round
Pros:

The setting was awesome, the food was amazing as was the staff. We felt they went above and beyond for our family gathering

Cons:

The rooms while clean, were very basic and I found the fridge noise and light coming in from the hallway made sleeping a bit difficult

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
B
Brenda • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Loved the location, the staff were amazing and nothing was too much. I had a late check in but my key was arranged to be waiting for me if there was no one there when I arrived.
Housekeeping staff went above and beyond, making sure I had some butter and marmalade for my toast. (No breakfast is provided so make sure you either take something easy like bread as there is a toaster but nothing in the rooms or plan to go out for breakfast)
Gardens are stunning 😍
Location is lovely and quiet, it is a little way out of town but it's worth it for the peace and quiet and no city lights or traffic noise.

Cons:

Was tricky trying to find the reception entrance in the dark, not sure if there was a sign? I may have missed it but clearer signage would be helpful.

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
N
Neil • couple • nz
9
Pros:

Quiet location, beautiful grounds, great parking, fabulous history.

2026-03-25 • via Nuitee