Donegal House Hotel Kaikoura, Kaikoura
About the Hotel
Donegal House is an iconic Irish pub, restaurant, and accommodation located in Kaikōura, New Zealand. Nestled on six acres of tranquil gardens with the backdrop of the prominent Mt Fyffe, it offers guests a unique blend of history and hospitality. The property features life-size statues of the Boyd ancestors, celebrating their heritage since the 1860s. Under new ownership since 2023, Donegal House is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment for all visitors.
Location
Situated just 9.5 miles from the heart of Kaikōura, Donegal House is conveniently located close to the region's famous attractions, including whale watching and dolphin encounters. Self-drive visitors can explore the picturesque Alpine Pacific touring route, linking Kaikōura with Hanmer Springs and the Waipara wine region. The port of Picton is a short 2-hour drive, offering ferry services to Wellington.
Rooms
Donegal House offers 27 guest rooms, each equipped with private ensuite bathrooms. Accommodations include options such as queen rooms with mountain views and family-friendly rooms for larger groups. Guests can enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and garden or lake views. The rooms are designed to provide a comfortable and cozy home away from home.
Eat & Drink
The onsite restaurant at Donegal House features a menu that combines traditional Irish fare with contemporary dishes. Guests can enjoy hearty meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complementing their dining experience with a glass of wine or a pint of Donegal Stout. The outdoor deck provides an inviting space for dining and relaxation, creating an ideal atmosphere for enjoying meals in a scenic setting.
Leisure & Business
Donegal House caters to both leisure and business needs with facilities for conferences, weddings, and various events. The unique private Irish stone cottage adds character to gatherings, accommodating up to 120 people. With a licensed bar stocked with a diverse selection of drinks, guests can unwind in a friendly atmosphere, enjoying music and stories while mingling with others.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Baggage storage
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Free shuttle service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel offers lovely views of the gardens with bird songs in the mornings, but the small room size may not be wheelchair-friendly. The welcoming and friendly service was a highlight, although the hotel could benefit from some upgrades in both facilities and dining options.
The hotel had beautiful grounds but felt cold and damp. The room size and amenities did not match the booking description accurately. The staff had mixed friendliness and professionalism.
The hotel had a mix of positives and negatives. While the rooms were run down, dingy, and lacking final touches like dealing with issues promptly, I couldn't sleep due to noisy neighbors, and the presence of spider webs throughout was a big concern. On the bright side, the service was outstanding with friendly staff going out of their way to make us feel relaxed and welcome. The location, despite some cleanliness issues and pests, offered a beautiful backdrop and convenient accommodation. Dining options were limited, but the breakfast was decent. Overall, there are areas that need improvement, but the welcoming service and convenient location stand out.
I found the hotel to be overpriced for what it offered in terms of room quality, but the service was friendly and helpful. The location was decent if you have your own transportation, and the dining options were limited. The facilities were below average, but the hospitality of the owner was a nice touch.