535 reviews
From
$300258 Schoolhouse Road, Kaikoura, 7371, New Zealand
535 reviews
1/63
Restaurant
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Free shuttle
Bar
Sun deck
Tour desk
Private entrance
Welcome to Donegal House, your charming retreat nestled in the stunning landscape of Kaikoura, New Zealand! Just 3.7mi from the vibrant city center and located at 258 Schoolhouse Road, this delightful hotel is the perfect base for exploring the rugged coastline and dramatic mountain views. With enticing prices starting at $99 per night, you can embrace the beauty of nature without breaking the bank.
At Donegal House, there's never a dull moment! Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, sip cocktails at the bar, or kick back on the sun deck while soaking in the picturesque lake and mountain views. The hotel is packed with fantastic amenities, including free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a complimentary shuttle service to make your travels easy-peasy. Don’t forget to check out the tour desk to plan unforgettable adventures or enjoy an evening of live music and performances right at your doorstep!
With over 535 glowing reviews, it's clear that guests love what Donegal House has to offer! Families will appreciate the playful playground and kids' meals available, while nature lovers can revel in the picnic area and beautiful gardens. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an action-packed escape, Donegal House has everything you need to make your stay in Kaikoura simply unforgettable!
Start your day at Donegal House with a delightful feast at Restaurant #1, where the family-friendly ambiance makes every meal a charm! Savor traditional Kiwi dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and watch your worries dissolve with every mouthful. Whether you're tucking into a hearty breakfast before your adventures, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or indulging in a cozy dinner, this restaurant is designed to make your dining experiences as memorable as the views that surround you!
The fun doesn’t stop with delicious food—Donegal House is the ultimate playground for visitors of all ages! After you've stuffed yourself with tasty treats, let the kids unleash some energy at the hotel’s playground while you enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the bar. As the sun sets, the outdoor picnic area turns into a perfect spot for family bonding under the stars or perhaps a romantic evening with that special someone, all while being enveloped by the stunning backdrop of Kaikoura's mountains.
And don’t forget to dive into the local adventures that await just outside your door! The tour desk at Donegal House is brimming with opportunities for whale watching, hiking, and exploring the breathtaking coastline, ensuring every day is filled with excitement. With all these fantastic facilities, friendly staff, and a vibrant atmosphere, your stay at Donegal House promises not just rest but genuine fun and adventure—all at a price that leaves room in your budget for even more exploration!
Closest airports
Kaikoura Aerodrome
4.1miWoodbourne Airport
59.7miRestaurant
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Free shuttle
Bar
Sun deck
Tour desk
Private entrance
Parking On Site
Terrace
Lake view
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Patio
Garden view
Playground
Picnic area
Garden
Free toiletries
Show 9 photos
Queen Room, Garden View
1 Double Bed
270 sqft
Lake view
Mountain view
Garden view
Private Bathroom
+
More details
The double room features a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a terrace with lake views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Show 5 photos
Family
1 Twin Bed
1 Queen Size Bed
270 sqft
Lake view
Mountain view
Garden view
Private Bathroom
+
More details
This spacious, open-plan room offers garden views, a separate seating area with sofa and coffee table, refrigerator and electric kettle. Please note that the price is based on 3 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 utilizing a fold out bed - (see Hotel Policies).
Show 3 photos
Studio
1 Double Bed
270 sqft
Private Bathroom
Private entrance
Flat-screen TV
Refrigerator
+
More details
The studio provides a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This studio features a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
South, Queen Size
1 Double Bed
270 sqft
Private Bathroom
Private entrance
Flat-screen TV
Refrigerator
+
More details
This spacious room offers a separate seating area with sofa and coffee table, refrigerator and electric kettle.
Show 4 photos
Queen Room
1 Queen Size Bed
Balcony
Flat-screen TV
Refrigerator
Tea/Coffee maker
+
More details
Small, 1 Bed
160 sqft
Flat-screen TV
Refrigerator
Tea/Coffee maker
+
More details
Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a carpeted floor, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.
8.1
535 reviewsCategories of assessments
Cleanliness
Comfort
Location
Facilities
Staff
Value for money
WiFi quality
Featured reviews:
Santosh
10
February 2024
The hosts were fabulous and nearly accommodated every request we had. The location was lovely and peaceful. This is an Irish establishment, needless to say, the Irish bar was awesome, and again, the hosts most accommodating and friendly! The grounds are vast and well cared for. Overall, a beautiful stay at Donegal House.
The beds are sprung and the springs are now starting to give way! And if the rooms could get Microwave ovens, that would be fab!
Annika
8.2
December 2024
It’s nothing luxurious at all but the whole place has a lot of Charme and is really peaceful - as it’s not in the town Centre of kaikoura. Still it’s not far away at all - to the town center we drove about 5 minutes which was great! If you want something luxurious this is not for you but this place was great - it has a lot of character and the staff were so nice ! Great place to eat and to drink as well!
We would loved to have maybe a small table and another chair in the room as that would have made the room perfect. Other than that we didn’t have any outlets next to our bed which was a bit inconvenient.
Jeff
9.1
May 2024
The owners were extremely responsive and helpful. We did not have reservations for dinner on a busy night and they immediately "found a table" for us. The outside grounds are impressive, one can wander or sit and relax, the food, generous portions and excellent. Loved the location! The place is close to but not in the town, a tranquil setting near the lavender farm. Would definitely book again!
Rooms are very clean, basic. It is our understanding the owners are new and are in the process of upgrading the entire facilities. We were quite happy with our room, it wasn't "updated" but absolutely spotless and in a beautiful setting with amenities for tea and coffee and plenty of space to relax.
Bruce
9.1
April 2024
The location is beautiful. We got a garden side room and had a wonderful view of the mountains. The garden is also kept in beautiful shape.
This is a minor inconvenience, and is manageable. There is no facility for breakfast. An electric kettle is in the room to make coffee/tea, but there is no microwave. So, no way to heat something up like a breakfast pastry. There is a small fridge though, and I managed with cold breakfast cereal in a cup with milk. Otherwise, one could drive a few kilometers into town and get breakfast in one of the cafes.
Fiona
8.2
January 2024
The gardens were lovely and I heard other guests saying the same. I loved the big decks overlooking the gardens. It was very peaceful and quiet. It was out of town but not far. The parking was great. And I enjoyed the Murphy’s stout.
I liked the big windows overlooking the gardens but at the same time I felt a bit like I was sitting in a shop window. And it would be good if the doors facing the garden had your room number as you can’t help but look in other guest rooms as you try to work out which is yours. I didn’t like seeing my neighbour sitting right outside my window. Perhaps moving the outdoor seats slightly would put the seats for my room in front of my room, and my neighbour could sit in front of their room. And while there were many large dining tables - I would have liked some smaller tables.
Jocelyn
8.2
January 2024
General atmosphere of staff and surrounds. All the historical photos and detail of the Boyd and other families. Beautiful setting. We had to change the date by one day due to medical emergency. Staff were very understanding and accommodating and gave us an upgrade. Very unexpected and grateful. Good pub food.
appearance as entered Reception or arrival outside . Would not take alot of work just to sweep the Main Entrance areas x2 outside Car parking areas. Our door entrance from car park side had Big cobwebs on door frames. Easy to get rid of. As entered Entrance to hotel and accomodation from car park area very untidy. Linen Bags and Clening material all piled up. Area could do with a freshening up and store hotel room essentials for staff in a different area
Linnea
8.2
November 2024
The room was small but comfortable, with the possibility to make a cup of tea or coffee. Shower was good with plenty of hot water and bed very comfortable. Our room faced the beautiful garden and it was a pleasure to sit outside and relax - worth paying the extra for a garden room. The restaurant and bar was very good with delicious food. No need at all to go into Kaikoura to get a meal or drink. Staff were very friendly and helpful.
The aircon was weak and the small fridge quite loud (we just turned it off overnight)
John
9.1
March 2024
Great place to stay, not in the town but easily accessible to it, set in it's own well kept gardens with an excellent bar/restaurant. The staff were all happy, friendly and efficient. If you're room needed an extra item such as a plate or bowl you only had to ask.
There was one very minor point. The area surrounding the accommodations is dressed with limestone chippings, in dry conditions, as was while we were there, it generated lots of dust which covered all the cars.
Peter
8.2
February 2024
This place has history and tons of it and the current owners are clearly working hard to get things done. The rooms are fairly basic but in truth that's reflected reasonably in the price. The bed was comfortable enough, the bathroom and shower were fine and the settee provides a seating area as well as seats outside. No table or chairs indoors. The gardens are a delight and the restaurant had a terrific atmosphere in the evening and provided good quality food and drink options.
There is still quite a bit to do to upgrade the accommodation. No breakfasts available but on enquiry bowls and spoons were provided so we could have our cereal!
Peter
10
November 2024
Staff were so friendly and helpful, food was excellent. Once we had booked in we sat down and enjoyed a drink from there fully stocked bar and sat on their lovely patio enjoying the fantastic views, no need to go out from there premises, we booked a table for the night and had the most delicious meal with drinks. Room was very comfortable and so far has been the best stay of our 6 week tour of New Zealand! Highly recommended!!! 5 star. Pete and Barbara Foley from U.K.
Airports
Kaikoura Aerodrome
4.1miWoodbourne Airport
59.7miAirports
Kaikoura Aerodrome
4.1miWoodbourne Airport
59.7miRestaurant #1
Ambiances
Restaurant
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Free shuttle
Bar
Sun deck
Tour desk
Private entrance
Parking On Site
Terrace
Lake view
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Live music/Performance
Patio
Garden view
Playground
Picnic area
Garden
Free toiletries
Accessibility
Entire unit located on ground floor
Entire unit wheelchair accessible
Activities
Live music/Performance
Live sports events (broadcast)
Bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Linens
Wardrobe or closet
Business Facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Laundry
Common Areas
Shared lounge/TV area
Entertainment & Family Services
Outdoor play equipment for kids
Playground
Food & Drink
Bar
Kids' meals
Packed lunches
Restaurant
Special diet meals (on request)
Tea/Coffee maker
Wine/Champagne
Front Desk Services
Baggage storage
Tour desk
General
Carpeted
Designated smoking area
Facilities for disabled guests
Family rooms
Heating
Non-smoking rooms
Private entrance
Smoke-free property
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Electric kettle
Refrigerator
Living Area
Sitting area
Sofa
Media & Technology
Flat-screen TV
TV
Outdoors
BBQ facilities
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Picnic area
Sun deck
Terrace
Parking
Free Private Parking
Parking On Site
Room Amenities
Fold-up bed
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
Fire extinguishers
Smoke alarms
Transportation
Free shuttle
View
Garden view
Lake view
Mountain view
From 10:00
Until 21:00
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Until 10:00
Pets are not allowed.
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
There's no age requirement for check-in
Come and go whenever you want
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 17 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
0 - 1 years
Extra bed upon request
$11 per child per day
2+ years
Extra bed upon request
$11 per person per day
The price in NZD has been converted to show you the approximate price in USD.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
The maximum number of cribs, extra beds, and children allowed in existing beds can vary depending on the option booked.
No capacity for extra beds or cribs.
Visa,
Mastercard,
American Express,
Cash only,
Eftpos
This property accepts cash.
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