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
J
Judith • couple • au
9
The staff were absolutely wonderful-beyond the call of duty -and made this a delightful stay.
Pros:

A cosy pub accommodation, with friendly staff and a really lovely warm atmosphere and good food.
A lovely garden view from the rooms.

Cons:

Rooms very small ( not much room for luggage) but comfy and fine for a night.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • nz
9
We arrived very late due to ferry cancellation’s. Staff were friendly and welcoming
Pros:

Very comfortable and clean

Cons:

It exceeded expectations - good value for money.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
P
phil • family_with_children • nz
8
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
M
Molly • solo_traveller • au
10
Very cosy vibe with friendly staff
Pros:

The property has an Irish pub with an open wood fire which was a very welcome surprise. We had been riding motorbikes in the very cold rain and we arrived the staff showed us to our room, turned the heaters on for us and after we showered hung our wet gear in front of the fire to dry for the night. They were very hospitable

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • couple • nz
9
Pros:

Great place

Cons:

Nothing really, maybe a bit dated

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • nz
10
2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
D
Dulcie • couple • au
10
Pros:

The location was great, the grounds were just beautiful, so relaxing. To have the pub there for meals was great because you didn't have to travel anywhere else. Very quiet and restful.

Cons:

The shower needed to be attended to as water was not draining too well.

2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • nz
10
Exceptional! Fantastic staff!
Pros:

What an amazing place to stay and dine. The rooms are very comfortable and peaceful with beautiful views of extensive well kept gardens.
The restaurant is exceptional.

The entire staff are 100% professional and friendly.

Highly recommend Donegal House.

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
L
Loren • couple • gb
9
Great location & views
Pros:

we were offered a garden room (extra) but so glad we did as the weather was lovely, we ate both nights here, steak was really nice

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
L
Lani • couple • nz
8
Great sleep
Pros:

Great scenic country location & a very comfy bed.

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
D
Duqueroix • couple • fr
5
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
M
margaret • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
Y
Yifat • extended_group • au
8
Nice stay with beautiful gardens
Pros:

A nice place to stay for 1-2 nights, not more than that. The beautiful large gardens give you the sense of tranquillity and the staff give you the best service. It surrounded by farms that add to the feeling of country style holiday.

Cons:

Since it is few kilometres away from the town I would have expected better dinning facilities, not only a pub/bar that doesn't serve breakfasts.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • family_with_children • au
10
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
D
dominic • couple • nz
8
A true Irish welcome
Pros:

The staff are always super helpful . We came last year and were so glad we came again. Food is great and the stout delicious. It was a cold day and evening so having the fire to stay warm in the main bar was a real treat

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Good size room with good facilities.
Amazing garden.
Warm welcome when we arrived and warm fire in the bar area (it was raining heavily when we got there).

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • couple • nz
8
2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
R
Rene • solo_traveller • nz
8
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • nz
10
Pros:

Overall was great

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
D
Dudley • solo_traveller • nz
10
2026-03-04 • via Nuitee