Hostel Dolphin Lodge

15 Deal Street, 7300 Kaikoura, New Zealand – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.1/10! (score from 798 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.1
Very Good
799 reviews

So close to the ocean and the Main Street! Gorgeous service, super friendly and such a homely feel.

Belinda New Zealand

Friendly staff and nice view of the sea from the shared deck area. The beach was a few minutes walk from the lodge and enjoyed the time with wifey. Would totally recommend this place to anyone planning to stay in kaikkura.

Thomas New Zealand

Incredible views and so close to the sea and township. The front yard is next to an expanse of lawn belonging to a Marae but walks are allowed there and it's great for meditation

Robert New Zealand

It was an other-worldly experience. If you are into quiet contemplation in amazing surroundings and environment with few people around, this is it

Robert New Zealand

Everything is top notch! One of my favorite hostels and always my top choice when traveling through kaikoura

Staci New Zealand

I was looking for a peaceful place to stay in Kaikoura and couldn’t have found better! This was like paradise! The terrasse is amazing and the view is beautiful. It’s super super clean, the beds are comfortable, you’re just 1min walk from the center and can get up for a beautiful sunrise... I loved it so much I wish I could have stayed longer!

Romane France

Basic room, but a partial seaview through the room light up the stay.

Sherry New Zealand

The location was perfect with a beautiful yard on the back side of the hotel and a breathtaking view of the ocean and mountains looking north. The local eateries and pubs were all just a short walk down the hill into town.

Michael New Zealand

Dolphin Lodge is in a great location with superb views. The facilities were spotless. Very good communal cooking kitchen and outdoor space. A very friendly place to stay and would most certainly stay there on another trip to Kaikoura.

Brent New Zealand

Very comfortable, friendly, clean , with everything I needed. Staff was very helpful.

Janice United States of America
8.1
Very Good
799 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “So close to the ocean and the Main Street! Gorgeous service, super friendly and such a homely feel.”
    Belinda Belinda New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Friendly staff and nice view of the sea from the shared deck area. The beach was a few minutes walk from the lodge and enjoyed the time with wifey.”
    Thomas Thomas New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Incredible views and so close to the sea and township. The front yard is next to an expanse of lawn belonging to a Marae but walks are allowed there and it's great for meditation”
    Robert Robert New Zealand New Zealand
  • “It was an other-worldly experience. If you are into quiet contemplation in amazing surroundings and environment with few people around, this is it”
    Robert Robert New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Everything is top notch! One of my favorite hostels and always my top choice when traveling through kaikoura”
    Staci Staci New Zealand New Zealand
  • “I was looking for a peaceful place to stay in Kaikoura and couldn’t have found better! This was like paradise! The terrasse is amazing and the view is beautiful.”
    Romane Romane France France
  • “Basic room, but a partial seaview through the room light up the stay.”
    Sherry Sherry New Zealand New Zealand
  • “The location was perfect with a beautiful yard on the back side of the hotel and a breathtaking view of the ocean and mountains looking north.”
    Michael Michael New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Dolphin Lodge is in a great location with superb views. The facilities were spotless. Very good communal cooking kitchen and outdoor space.”
    Brent Brent New Zealand New Zealand
  • “Very comfortable, friendly, clean , with everything I needed. Staff was very helpful.”
    Janice Janice United States of America United States of America

Categories:

  • Staff8.7
  • Facilities7.9
  • Cleanliness8.2
  • Comfort8.2
  • Value for money8.3
  • Location9.1
  • Free WiFi8.4

Just 2 minutes' walk from Kaikoura town center, Dolphin Lodge features views of the coastline and the mountain ranges. Guests enjoy free on-site parking.

Guests can choose to stay in a dormitory room or in the comfort of a private room. Each room includes free linen, heating and daily cleaning. Most rooms have shared bathroom facilities.

There are deck chairs in the garden for you to unwind in. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available.

The property has a fully equipped shared kitchen with a stove, an oven and a microwave. Barbecue facilities can be found on site.

Kaikoura Dolphin Lodge is 4 minutes' drive from Kaikoura Train Station. The Whale Watch and Seal Swim booking offices are each 10 minutes' walk away.

This is our guests' favorite part of Kaikoura, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Dolphin Lodge has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jan 17, 2013

Show me more

Most popular amenities

Free parking
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms

Property Highlights

Located in the top-rated area in Kaikoura, this property has an excellent location score of 9.1!

Free Private Parking Available On Site

Saved to 667 lists

Availability

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Sleeps Accommodation Type Price
Max adults: 1
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Max adults: 1
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Max adults: 1
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Max adults: 2. Max children: 1
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Max adults: 2. Max children: 1
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Max adults: 2. Max children: 1
Budget Twin Room
  • 2 twin beds
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4 reasons to choose Dolphin Lodge

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English
Closest beach
  • Kaikoura Beach

    Kaikoura Beach

    8.3 Very good beach
    650 feet from property

Guest reviews

8.1
Very Good · 799 reviews
Read all reviews
  • Staff8.7
  • Facilities7.9
  • Cleanliness8.2
  • Comfort8.2
  • Value for money8.3
  • Location9.1
    View
  • Free WiFi8.4

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Belinda New Zealand

    “So close to the ocean and the Main Street! Gorgeous service, super friendly and such a homely feel.”

  • Thomas New Zealand

    “Friendly staff and nice view of the sea from the shared deck area. The beach was a few minutes walk from the lodge and enjoyed the time with wifey. Would totally recommend this place to anyone planning to stay in kaikkura.”

  • Robert New Zealand

    “Incredible views and so close to the sea and township. The front yard is next to an expanse of lawn belonging to a Marae but walks are allowed there and it's great for meditation”

  • Robert New Zealand

    “It was an other-worldly experience. If you are into quiet contemplation in amazing surroundings and environment with few people around, this is it”

  • Staci New Zealand

    “Everything is top notch! One of my favorite hostels and always my top choice when traveling through kaikoura”

  • Romane France

    “I was looking for a peaceful place to stay in Kaikoura and couldn’t have found better! This was like paradise! The terrasse is amazing and the view is beautiful. It’s super super clean, the beds are comfortable, you’re just 1min walk from the center and can get up for a beautiful sunrise... I loved it so much I wish I could have stayed longer!”

  • Sherry New Zealand

    “Basic room, but a partial seaview through the room light up the stay.”

  • Michael New Zealand

    “The location was perfect with a beautiful yard on the back side of the hotel and a breathtaking view of the ocean and mountains looking north. The local eateries and pubs were all just a short walk down the hill into town.”

  • Brent New Zealand

    “Dolphin Lodge is in a great location with superb views. The facilities were spotless. Very good communal cooking kitchen and outdoor space. A very friendly place to stay and would most certainly stay there on another trip to Kaikoura.”

  • Janice United States of America

    “Very comfortable, friendly, clean , with everything I needed. Staff was very helpful.”

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • Are sheets and towels included?
    The dorm rooms supply sheets, pillow and duvet. Private rooms supply as dorm and towels.
    Answered on October 26, 2019
  • Is it quiet at night?
    Yes it is quiet. We situated in a quiet street and we are small.
    Answered on October 26, 2019
  • Hi there can I ask to live in a female dorm?
    Hi there We will accommodate as best as we can as we don't have gender assigned room. Thanks and have a good day.
    Answered on October 15, 2021
  • HI HAVE 6 M BOAT WHAT OFF ROAD PARKING AVAILABLE. DO YOU HAVE FREEZER SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PACKED FISH
    Kia ora Our car parking is adequate for cars but I would suggest parking your vehicle and boat on the road. Our place is situated on a quiet street. We have a fridge/freezer so will depend on how much fish you have. Kind regards Dolphin Lodge
    Answered on December 21, 2020
  • Do you offer luggage storage?
    Yes we have an area to store luggage.
    Answered on October 26, 2019

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Area Info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
Restaurants & cafes
  • Restaurant The Whaler
    0.2 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Thai Siam
    0.2 miles
  • Restaurant Zephyr
    0.2 miles
Natural Beauty
  • Mountain Mt Fyffe
    11.2 miles
Beaches in the Neighborhood
  • Kaikoura Beach
    650 feet
How to get to Dolphin Lodge from Christchurch International Airport
    Car
    Free parking is available.
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Missing some information? Yes / No
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Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Amenities of Dolphin Lodge

Most popular amenities

Free parking
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Outdoors
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • BBQ facilities
  • Terrace
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Activities
  • Hiking Off-site
Internet
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not possible).
  • Street parking
  • Secure parking
Services
  • Baggage storage
  • Laundry Additional charge
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Safe Additional charge
General
  • Designated smoking area
  • Smoke-free property
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms
Health & Wellness Facilities
  • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
  • Spa
Languages Spoken
  • English
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Sustainability initiatives
This property has taken steps to provide more sustainable and eco-friendly travel

House rules Dolphin Lodge takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Check-out

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 2 and above are considered 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

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa Dolphin Lodge accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Spa and gym facilities at this property are unavailable due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

FAQs about Dolphin Lodge

  • Check-in at Dolphin Lodge is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

  • The following parking options are available to guests staying at Dolphin Lodge (subject to availability):

    • Parking on site
    • Private Parking
    • Parking
    • Secure parking
    • Street parking
    • Free parking

  • Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Dolphin Lodge on this page.

  • The prices at Dolphin Lodge may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Dolphin Lodge offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Spa
    • Hot tub/Jacuzzi
    • Hiking

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Dolphin Lodge by:

    • Car 2h 40min

  • Dolphin Lodge is 1,500 feet from the center of Kaikoura.