Donegal House

Hotels
8.4 (1007 reviews)
258 Schoolhouse Road , Kaikoura , NZ

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 1007 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
S
Sharyn • extended_group • nz
9
friendly warm place to stay with amazing views the best food and a comfy bed to sleep in
Pros:

room was warm and comfy - dinner meals were exceptional and real good size - staff were lovely and friendly

Cons:

breakfast not being available

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • couple • au
10
Beautiful surrounds and friendly atmosphere
Pros:

The seafood chowder was devine. Loved exploring the gardens. The room we stayed in was sweet with views of the garden and mountains.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • nz
10
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
T
Todd • solo_traveller • nz
9
Peaceful , amazing staff , great food , good vibe
Pros:

Great staff , nice and quite , lovely food

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • nz
8
2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
C
Chris • couple • nz
9
2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
J
Joan • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

It is in a beautiful setting and the staff were extremely helpful 😊

2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
M
Muditha • solo_traveller • nz
10
Pros:

Room facilities and food

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
B
Bec • couple • nz
9
2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
B
Bec • couple • nz
9
We had a fantastic stay. Rooms were great, staff were super helpful and lovely. Meals were delicious. Had a great weeken
Pros:

It’s a beautiful place, so relaxing and peaceful. Huge outdoor space, views of mountains.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
A
Adrianne • solo_traveller • nz
8
Pros:

The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The room was value for money and the view from the room exceptional. The food very good and generous in proportions.

Cons:

nothing

2026-09-04 • via Nuitee
A
Anthony • couple • nz
8
Very entertaining night
Pros:

Very quirky

Cons:

Little tired and no breakfast served

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
R
Reginald • couple • nz
10
will come again some day
Pros:

very nice room with excellent heat pump heating in the winter. large comfy king size bed,great bathroom,toilet shower.
bar area has large open fire, very warm and cosy,good areas to sit and great staff and bar prices.

2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
G
Groters • couple • nz
10
2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
A
Anne-Marie • couple • nz
10
A great stay, lovely location.
Pros:

We left before breakfast. Enjoyed a good sleep in peaceful location. Very comfortable.

Cons:

N/A

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
P
Paul Foord • solo_traveller • nz
9
2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
T
Thornton • solo_traveller • fr
9
2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
S
sean • family_with_children • au
10
Absolutely amazing
Pros:

Amazing staff. Amazing views. Awesome stay

2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
L
Leanne • couple • nz
8
2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
A
Anthony • solo_traveller • nz
9
Pros:

Good Vibes

Cons:

Atmosphere off whole property

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee