The Wild Irishman

The Wild Irishman

Dunback, Otago

The Wild Irishman is located in East Otago - approximately one hour from Dunedin and 30 minutes inland from the famous Moeraki Boulders.

Nestled in a secluded valley, The Wild Irishman offers stunning panoramic views of the steep bluffs. Watch the graceful fantails flitting about, while New Zealand falcons soar above. You may even spot wild deer in the gully below.

From the very moment you step inside the hut, expansive windows offer front-row seats to the impeccable view. The interior includes a super-king bed and a plush leather couch. Just down the hall, you'll find an indoor bathroom and a well-equipped galley kitchen.

And what better way to unwind than taking in the view from the deck while soaking in the outdoor hot tub.

A short stroll away, down a set of stairs, awaits a cedar-lined sauna. A sanctuary of warmth on a crisp Otago morning. And when it's time to cool off, head over to the outdoor cold shower - and feel completely revitalised.

As night descends, the magic of Wild Irishman truly comes to life. Ignite the wood fire, snuggle up and admire the stars as they glow above. 

FROM $420

Includes Sauna

  • Sleeps 2
  • Dogs welcome
ADDRESS
 

Ritchie Road, Dunback 9483

LOCATION
 

The Wild Irishman is set in Dunback, a small town in the Otago region, and just one hour's drive from Dunedin.

Detailed directions and arrival instructions (including your host's contact details) will be provided in a pre-arrival email 5 days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

The Wild Irishman

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

How does the hot tub work?

How does the sauna work?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT The Wild Irishman?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote is The Wild Irishman

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum stay periods

rates

HOT TUB LIGHTING SERVICE

Gift Vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    The Wild Irishman is self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink, and cook meals using the 4-burner gas stovetop provided in your kitchen and BBQ outdoors. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Moeraki Tavern offers a classic Kiwi pub experience, with hearty tucker and a good selection of beers only 30 minutes drive from the property. For something a bit closer, Macrae's village has 'The Stanley', an 1882 historic pub - just 12 minutes away.

    Palmerston has a 4-Square for groceries and is a 15-minute drive from The Wild Irishman.

  • things to do

    Once you get to this magical spot, you won't want to leave. With an assortment of games, you'll have plenty to keep you entertained.

    The hot tub is the place to while away the hours. Take in the spectacular views during the day, and stargaze at night.

    If you're keen to see some of the area, the Moeraki Boulders are a 30-minute drive to the North, with a beautiful beach to explore.

    Matanaka, thought to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving farm, is a 25-minute drive to the South. The clifftop farm features a well-preserved collection of homesteads and a school from early settlers. They are the oldest remaining buildings of their kind in the country.

    If you're keen to get active, a short drive away is the nature reserve at Trotters Gorge - great for a walk. In Palmerston, is Puketapu Hill, a steep walk through a farm with incredible views of the East coast at the top. 

  • your hosts

    Rob Hewett is a 4th generation farmer working on this beautiful land.

    The station is a beef, sheep and grain farm that he and his dad work on together. Heléna met Rob in Dunback a few years ago at a winter ball hosted by Rob. She is an English doctor working in Dunedin.

    Rob had dreams of diversifying for years. Rocky Ridge Hut was the first cabin the couple launched to make his dream happen - with The Wild Irishman following a few years later. 

    As their family flourishes and expands, this year promises to be a whirlwind of bustling activity for them both!

Testimonials

  • "

    Absolutely stunning setting, all the comforts of home to be found minus the wifi, which was exactly what was needed. The best place to truly disconnect from the hustle and reconnect with nature and yourself.

    "

    Teri Abercrombie-Linder - 16 May 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    From the moment we arrived at The Wild Irishman we were in awe of the amazing views and the warm, welcoming fire. We had a perfect weekend of watching the sun set on the hills with a wine and enjoying the relaxing hot tub on the deck. All I can say to sum it up perfectly is we will be back.

    "

    Aarron Hunt - 12 May 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    We had such a great time at The Wild Irishman. The location, the set up and the welcoming made our stay a great experience, 100% recommend.

    "

    Carol Ugarte - 06 Apr 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    We loved our stay so much. The finishings and interior were lovely, and the view is unmatched—just mountains and mountains and nothing else. We loved the sauna and hot tub and felt like we were at a spa retreat. I actually proposed to my partner the morning we were leaving as the misty clouds settled on the hills, and it was perfect. I love the videos and pictures we were able to capture. We will cherish our stay and hopefully be back one day to celebrate a wedding anniversary!

    "

    Jessie Davidson - 03 Apr 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    Great hut and great host.

    "

    Lou Devery - 30 Mar 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Couldn't recommend it more. Beautiful spacious cabin, luxurious facilities, breathtaking views. The spa and sauna were amazing. We had the best time and was so sad to leave! Love that they’re dog-friendly too!

    "

    Lizzi Wilson - 24 Mar 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    Amazing relaxing few days in the perfect environment. Highly recommend The Wild Irishman!

    "

    Tim Bird - 23 Mar 2025

    7 / 12

  • "

    Such an atmospheric and special stay. Loved every second.

    "

    Shona Wolinski - 25 Mar 2025

    8 / 12

  • "

    What an amazing place, it was the perfect getaway. Would highly recommend to everyone.

    "

    Aleisha Davis - 20 Mar 2025

    9 / 12

  • "

    We enjoyed our stay at The Wild Irishman. Stunning outlook, super cosy, and vibrant!

    "

    Steve Green - 18 Mar 2025

    10 / 12

  • "

    Absolute bliss! We adored our little getaway at The Wild Irishman, the most beautiful outlook, comfy bed, and amazing amenities. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful experience. Bonus points for letting our little pup, Winnie, join us. Thanks so much for the amazing experience!

    "

    Emily Flemming - 17 Mar 2025

    11 / 12

  • "

    Such a beautiful place to spend a few nights away! You can really relax with the beautiful scenery and limited cell phone coverage, couldn't ask for much more!

    "

    Stefanie McKenzie - 11 Mar 2025

    12 / 12

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