4 Star Hotel

Dolphin Lodge

15 Deal Street, Kaikoura, New Zealand View Map

Dolphin Lodge1/63
Dolphin Lodge photo 2
Dolphin Lodge photo 3
Dolphin Lodge photo 4

Dolphin Lodge

Penny
Hi, I'm Penny! Ask me anything about Dolphin Lodge: rooms, rates, amenities or policies.

About

Essential Facilities Dolphin Lodge in Kaikoura offers a garden, terrace, massage services, and free WiFi in public areas. Guests can relax in the outdoor seating area, picnic spots, and barbecue facilities. Comfortable Accommodations The hostel features shared kitchen, ground-floor units with sea views, private bathrooms with walk-in showers, and sofas. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, carpeted floors, and luggage storage. Convenient Location Located a 4-minute walk from Kaikoura Beach, the property is highly rated for its garden, convenient location, and well-equipped kitchen. Hiking enthusiasts can explore nearby trails.

557 Reviews

8.3Very Good
Cleanliness
8.6
Staff
9.3
Location
9.4

What Guests Say

  • “Great location, close to restaurants, cafe, I-site, minutes driving to the seal colony!”
  • “I had a lovely stay at Dolphin Lodge! Really cute accommodation and not like your typical hostel experience - the people there were very…”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Parking
  • Kitchen/Kitchenette
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.

Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Single Bed in 5-Bed Dormitory Room1/4

Single Bed in 5-Bed Dormitory Room

151 sqft • 1 Single

  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room1/4

Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room

227 sqft • 1 Single

  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Single Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room1/4

Single Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room

151 sqft • 1 Single

  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Budget Twin Room1/2

Budget Twin Room

140 sqft • 2 Single

  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
  • Electric blanket(s)
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
Double Room with Shared Bathroom1/3

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

119 sqft • 1 Double

  • Bath or Shower
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Electric blanket(s)

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

    Have a question?

    Ask Penny, powered by AI. Answers are taken from property information and reviews.

    What Guests Loved

    8.3
    Very Good

    Based on 557 reviews

    Location

    9.4

    Cleanliness

    8.6

    Staff

    9.3

    Overall Quality

    8.5

    Pros +

    • Great location, close to restaurants, cafe, I-site, minutes driving to the seal colony!
    • I had a lovely stay at Dolphin Lodge! Really cute accommodation and not like your typical hostel experience - the people there were very friendly and the vibe was very relaxed. The kitchen was equipped with all the essentials, and the views from the living room and backyard are amazing. Perfect spot for a swim!
    • The view from the hostel was stunning, where the mountains and sea can be seen. The location was in the city centre which was really convenient and it's close to the beach as well. The staff was really friendly and ofetn checked in with the backpackers. The kitchen had many condiments and seasonings free for use and everything was kept quite tidy and clean all the time.

    Cons -

    • there were no keys to close the bedroom from the outside.
    • I think the pillows are abit too soft and low for comfort and there is a slope to access the accomodation, so was slightly inconvenient when pulling luggages.
    • Everything was excellent, but my only small suggestion would be to have more staff available. I had a bit of difficulty finding the receptionist when I wanted to check out.
    Business Traveler (15)Solo Traveler (395)Traveling as Couple (190)Family with Young Children (44)Family with Teens (6)Senior Traveler (1)Group Traveler (74)Total (1,225)
    9LeliaPosted on: 1-25-2022

    Great location, close to restaurants, cafe, I-site, minutes driving to the seal colony!

    there were no keys to close the bedroom from the outside.

    10EmmaPosted on: 12-5-2025

    I had a lovely stay at Dolphin Lodge! Really cute accommodation and not like your typical hostel experience - the people there were very friendly and the vibe was very relaxed. The kitchen was equipped with all the essentials, and the views from the living room and backyard are amazing. Perfect spot for a swim!

    9YXPosted on: 10-14-2025

    The view from the hostel was stunning, where the mountains and sea can be seen. The location was in the city centre which was really convenient and it's close to the beach as well. The staff was really friendly and ofetn checked in with the backpackers. The kitchen had many condiments and seasonings free for use and everything was kept quite tidy and clean all the time.

    I think the pillows are abit too soft and low for comfort and there is a slope to access the accomodation, so was slightly inconvenient when pulling luggages.

    9JessicaPosted on: 9-5-2025

    I stayed at this hostel last night and had a great experience. The place was very clean, comfortable, and well-organized—the best I’ve stayed at so far. The bed sheets were soft and warm, which made me feel even more at home.

    Everything was excellent, but my only small suggestion would be to have more staff available. I had a bit of difficulty finding the receptionist when I wanted to check out.

    8MioPosted on: 6-27-2025

    Great walkable location from the main road, good kitchen, social and very cozy, STUNNING views from the balcony, small hostel so less people even when at max capacity. No bunk beds, all single beds in dorms.

    Showers were not great :/

    8JoellePosted on: 6-14-2025

    Beautiful location. Several sitting areas. Warm wood stove. Left luggage available. Friendly staff.

    10AnnePosted on: 5-5-2025

    This hostel is like heaven on Earth! The hosts are super welcoming and caring, the house is very cosy, lovely view, lovely fireplace, very peaceful, I would definitely come back!

    8LottePosted on: 4-28-2025

    Amazing view and cosy homey vibe. One of the nicest hostels I’ve stayed in.

    No keys for any area made me slightly nervous about security, but it had a very friendly atmosphere so I didn’t worry much in the end.

    7MeijuPosted on: 4-28-2025

    Quiet (quiet time was enforced and the owner even told someone off for talking on their phone in the corridor in the morning) and small

    Creaky beds, limited private parking, curtains in the room didn't close, unisex bathroom means pee on the toilet seat...

    9JuliaPosted on: 4-23-2025

    This is a nice and unique place to stay!It’s up on a little hill and has such a nice view over Kaikoura.It’s really comfy and small so great to connect with other people.The kitchen was also nice and clean!

    -

    8RobertPosted on: 4-15-2025

    Warm greetings, pretty quiet group for a backpackers. own room with ensuite, also handy. all cooking and food prep facilities you could possibly need. A pretty tight ship and well run. Good communications. Cosy common areas with wood heater

    Beds were comfortable and clean but if you want to be picky, they were too springy and bouncy when turning or getting up.... having said that, I still slept reasonably well.

    10MarinePosted on: 4-13-2025

    Amazing place to stay, I wish I was staying longer !! Very comfy and suuuuper peaceful. Great vew, nice facilities, lovely staff. I can only recommend !

    10BorisPosted on: 4-12-2025

    Everything was great! Close to the 'centre' so it's easy to go to the shops and to the beach. Facilities were also good and personnel was very friendly and helpful.

    10NataliePosted on: 4-11-2025

    The dolphin lodge is located in the most beautiful spot, with quick access to the beach, not to mention a beach and mountain view! The lodge was always so cozy, with a roaring fire, kind and accommodating staff and comfy beds! It really felt like my home away from home. I highly recommend you stay here while visiting the enchanting kaikoura, nz!

    8TraceyPosted on: 4-8-2025

    Very warm and cozy. Well equipped and great location. Very helpful reception staff

    Bed was very soft - only complaint

    10RonaldPosted on: 4-1-2025

    The owners are hard working, handy for the town, very short walk the museum, nearby and the seafront is on its door step, unfortunately the weather wasn't very kind to us but I would say that overall we enjoyed everything the shops the fish and chips the people running dolphin lodge.

    5KevinPosted on: 3-31-2025

    The property is centrally located.The facilities are inadequate for the number and genders of the guests.Reprimanded for using the washing machine at 8:25 pm when the sign indicated use up to 9:00pm.

    10MargotPosted on: 3-30-2025

    What a lovely stay in the beautiful city of Kaikoura. The hostess was incredibly lovely and was always willing to answer any questions you had. Hostel was small so had a very 'at home' feel to it, which was amazing. Very cosy!! Easy walk in town and to the beach! Had everything you needed for a perfect stay.

    10DavidPosted on: 3-23-2025

    Warm welcome and home feel to this hostel. Facilities provided were great and kitchen well equipped. Lovely garden area with wonderful views.

    8MariellaPosted on: 3-22-2025

    Well located and nice place. mattress could be better, beautiful town

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Food & Drinks

    • Kitchen/Kitchenette
    • Shared kitchen

    Media & Technology

    • Free Internet Access

    Transportation

    • Free Parking

    General

    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 3:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:00 AM
    InternetFree Wi-Fi is available.
    ParkingFree parking is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome.
    PetsPets are not allowed.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    Please note that guests may be assigned a different room type based on availability when booking the Single Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory Room, or the Single Bed in 6-Bed Dormitory Room.

    Location

    Dolphin Lodge

    15 Deal Street, Kaikoura

    People also liked

    Currently Viewing

    Dolphin Lodge

    Dolphin Lodge

    8.3557 Reviews4-Star Hotel

    Back To All Hotels