The Wild Irishman

The Wild Irishman

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 p/n

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      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 time is check-in and check-out?

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

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

8. conditions of occupancy and conduct

9. Complaints

10. Liability

11. Gift vouchers

12. Law

13. Changes to booking conditions

14. 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

  • "

    Beautiful getaway. Loved the hot tub and sauna, such a treat.

    "

    Katrina van Raalte - 14 Nov 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    We absolutely loved our stay at The Wild Irishman; everything was perfect. There was great communication from the host, and we felt very welcome. The facilities are top-notch, from the outdoor hot tub to the linen; it's all very high quality. We would stay at The Wild Irishman again in a heartbeat; in fact, we will likely go back in winter as it's so cosy and comfortable.

    "

    Richard Ertel - 29 Oct 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    What an idyllic paradise! Beautifully designed with everything you could possibly want for a getaway. Rob and Helena have outdone themselves, and we definitely hope to return in the future.

    "

    Gabby Asplin - 09 Oct 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    We loved how remote the location was. Beautiful surroundings to wake up too and so peaceful.

    "

    Tegan Hollows - 02 Oct 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting, great communication, and a friendly host. Highly recommend!

    "

    zoe cassels - 30 Sep 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Great setting and outlook for a relaxing weekend getaway. Tidy facilities and great hosts.

    "

    Steve Pulford - 30 Sep 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Amazing place to escape to. Quiet, secluded and everything you need to relax.

    "

    Alexa Iyama - 20 Sep 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    "

    Aimee Lai - 14 Sep 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    The Wild Irishman is in the most secluded, gorgeous setting with all the facilities you need to just relax and unwind! We absolutely loved our stay and did not want to leave.

    "

    Laura Sulz - 07 Aug 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend this place – incredible views, peaceful environment, clean, cosy, and warm! We got to enjoy a nighttime spa under the stars. It was perfect for a winter getaway.

    "

    Brooke Chapman - 31 Jul 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Great location to switch off from the normal stress-filled life and relax and chill. Managing the hot tub heating adds to the adventure.

    "

    Bob McCallum - 24 Jul 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Lovely place to stay with epic views. Really nice spot to getaway and relax.

    "

    GEORGE LATTY - 26 Jun 2024

    12 / 12

Browse the Collection

Beautiful tents surrounded by nature, quirky cabins with packets of personality and secret hideaways that offer something completely unique... Explore the other places in our collection.

Find your escape