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Kaimata Retreat
297 Cape Saunders Road Otago Peninsula, Dunedin 9077 New Zealand
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About
#3 of 10 guest houses in Dunedin
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
From Winter 2015, Kaimata Retreat will offer private luxury rental villa accommodation on the Otago Peninsula. The retreat offers 3 rooms with ensuites, open plan living/dining with fully equipped kitchen and is available for exclusive-use self contained for 1 -6 guests. This is self contained, there are no food services available on site. This is an optimal location for travellers, groups of friends and getaways to enjoy the natural settings of the Otago Peninsula.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Beach
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Room service
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Ocean View
Location
297 Cape Saunders Road Otago Peninsula, Dunedin 9077 New Zealand
Getting there
Dunedin Airport
40.7 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
13 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
31 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Great place to unwind and relax with friends. Far enough out of the hustle and bustle, but close enough to the cafes and attractions on the peninsula. Amazing views from the bedrooms, even saw seals from the deck!
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Date of stay: February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Of all the beautiful places we stayed during our month long trip round NZ Kaimata comes out tops. It is quite a way out from Dunedin on rather narrow, twisting roads. Our satnav took us on a very odd route and at the end of a very long drive we wondered where on earth we were going. However all our misgivings were immediately dispelled when we arrived and saw this amazing house and fantastic location. Things got even better when Rachel told us that as we were the only guests for our two night stay and we had the whole house to ourselves. Then the lovely Pedro, our private chef, arrived and proceeded to produce a divine meal. Next morning we woke to the smell of fresh coffee, table beautifully laid, the log fire crackling merrily in the grate and Pedro in the kitchen preparing breakfast. It was truly like being in a Hollywood movie.
We have both travelled extensively and stayed in many different types of accommodation, but staying here was a truly unique and amazing experience. If you are interested in wildlife there is nowhere better. We took a boat trip to see the albatross colony and the yellow eyed penguin reserve which was really wonderful. The visit to Larnach castle was also very interesting. Our only regret was that we hadn't booked to stay for an extra couple of nights. Oh and once we had done it a second time and been directed to the shortest route, the drive into Dunedin was really OK. If you plan to visit the Dunedin area, don't miss the chance of staying in this amazing house.
We have both travelled extensively and stayed in many different types of accommodation, but staying here was a truly unique and amazing experience. If you are interested in wildlife there is nowhere better. We took a boat trip to see the albatross colony and the yellow eyed penguin reserve which was really wonderful. The visit to Larnach castle was also very interesting. Our only regret was that we hadn't booked to stay for an extra couple of nights. Oh and once we had done it a second time and been directed to the shortest route, the drive into Dunedin was really OK. If you plan to visit the Dunedin area, don't miss the chance of staying in this amazing house.
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Date of stay: March 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from KaimataRetreat, Owner at Kaimata Retreat
Responded 5 Apr 2013
Thank you very much for staying at Kaimata Retreat whilst visiting the Otago Peninsula ! We are delighted you enjoyed your time here - tena koe (thank you) for your review. A number of guests have commented that their satnav took them on a bit of a 'tiki tour' (roundabout way) before final arrival at the lodge ... we always hope the retreat and location will serve to soothe a weary traveller! There is much to see and do if you wish to absorb the peninsulas unique coastal landscapes and very special wildlife. Yes, we would recommend a 2 -3 night stay as that allows you a full day of exploration - we have more suggestions on your return !
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our second visit to Kaimata Retreat and we are already planning for a third visit! It is simply incredible. Kaimata was our first stop in a month-long visit to New Zealand and we arrived tired after a day-long delay when we missed our connection in San Francisco. As soon as we stepped on the deck of Kaimata, all the worries and cares and stresses of travel completely disappeared. Rachel warmly hugged and greeted us and we caught up on life since we had seen her and Kyle on our last visit several years prior. We then relaxed on the deck with a glass of wine while soaking in the absolutely stunning views over Papanui Inlet.
Dinner that night involved a warm fire roaring, classical music softly playing in the background, fantastic New Zealand wine, amazing amazing food beautifully presented, and great conversation with the chef, Dani. We wound the evening up by soaking in the hot tub down by the water where you could see a blanket of stars above.
We stayed three nights at Kaimata and had an adventure each and every day including kayaking where two seals followed my kayak for about 20 minutes and an incredible wildlife tour to see yellow eyed penguins, albatross, and dozens of seal pups - all closer that you could imagine. We also did some great hikes and beach walks where we would be within yards of sea lions and seals and usually have the trail or beach to ourselves. We also spent a fantastic afternoon with Kyle and some fellow guests boating over to Victory Beach and hiking. On the way to and from the beach we saw huge sea lions swimming and playing by our boat, as well as groups of seals watching us from the rocks.
Kyle and Rachel go above and beyond to make your stay incredibly memorable. Sitting and talking with them while viewing the incredible Papanui Inlet was one of the highlights of our trip - and of the whole year. Between the hospitality of Rachel and Kyle, amazing food from chefs Dani and Pedro, the breathtaking views, up close wildlife, and great lodge - you will not want to leave! We can't wait to go back!
Dinner that night involved a warm fire roaring, classical music softly playing in the background, fantastic New Zealand wine, amazing amazing food beautifully presented, and great conversation with the chef, Dani. We wound the evening up by soaking in the hot tub down by the water where you could see a blanket of stars above.
We stayed three nights at Kaimata and had an adventure each and every day including kayaking where two seals followed my kayak for about 20 minutes and an incredible wildlife tour to see yellow eyed penguins, albatross, and dozens of seal pups - all closer that you could imagine. We also did some great hikes and beach walks where we would be within yards of sea lions and seals and usually have the trail or beach to ourselves. We also spent a fantastic afternoon with Kyle and some fellow guests boating over to Victory Beach and hiking. On the way to and from the beach we saw huge sea lions swimming and playing by our boat, as well as groups of seals watching us from the rocks.
Kyle and Rachel go above and beyond to make your stay incredibly memorable. Sitting and talking with them while viewing the incredible Papanui Inlet was one of the highlights of our trip - and of the whole year. Between the hospitality of Rachel and Kyle, amazing food from chefs Dani and Pedro, the breathtaking views, up close wildlife, and great lodge - you will not want to leave! We can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: February 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very disappointing. A detour in the road from Dunedin made an otherwise very difficult route horrible. No one warned us of the detour, not our travel agency or Kaimata, even though both were aware of our arrival day and Kaimata the detour. After the long, treacherous, partial-dirt road arrival, we found what was billed as a luxury retreat. Far from it. Tiny little room with a ladder and four hangers (see photo) for a closet, barely enough room to negotiate around the bed because of your mandatorily unpacked bags, no view from our room, and no true ensuite bathroom (the bathroom, which had no lock, was in a passageway between the kitchen and room). Make sure, if you do go to Kaimata Retreat, that you avoid the room behind the kitchen, where we stayed. Every word from the kitchen/dining area could be heard. I'm not sure what caused it, but every time someone opened a door or something else to change the air pressure something in the room vibrated loudly enough to keep you awake, but not long enough to find. Perhaps it was the (generously-termed) artwork. A trash-strewn path down to the water had the ambiance of a back alley. That's enough time spent on this place. We stayed in six hotels/ inns/lodges/retreats in NZ. This was hands down easily the worst by a mile (check out my write-ups of Mollie's, Solitaire Lodge, Greenhill Lodge, Oliver's, Silverpine Lodge and Eichardt's Private Hotel). We have stayed in dozens of small, luxury accommodations around the world, as well as larger hotels. This is the very first one we have walked out of, as we were scheduled for three nights and stayed one. AVOID.
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Date of stay: February 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent only one night at Kaimata Retreat. We absolutely loved the location and the views. We also truly enjoyed the dinner prepared by on-site chef Chole. So why the average review? We payed 525 NZD for a one night stay, and we expect a high level of service and standard at this rate.
We were not greeted upon arrival, only a note on the door. Very well. But it was hard for us to understand the layout of the property, where are the common rooms, and do the manager live on site etc. We do not like to walk around in someones house even if invited to do so on a note. We discovered much later that the hosts do not live on the property, but close by.
We found the room size to be very small. It was impossible to open our two suitcases, it was just not enough floorspace around the bed. It was no TV in the room, but that didn't bother us.
We payed 99 NZD per person for dinner which was suppose to include one glass of New Zealand wine. We were not invited to look at the wine list to choose a glass of wine. I purchased wine directly from them without being offered the included glass with dinner.
The food was excellent, well done Chole!
Breakfast was disappointing. Although the chef was present and prepared breakfast, it was just normal egg, bacon, tomato etc. No real treats or anything special made to order. We have stayed in many B&B with "amateur" chefs who prepared the most amazing breakfast you could ever imagine. Why on earth have a professional chef make egg and bacon?
Last we found some of the equipment at the estuary (stand up paddle board) poorly maintained. We did however use them for free, and the experience on the water was truly magic - one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip.
I would return just to have Chloe`s dinner and the views, but not for the value or the room.
We were not greeted upon arrival, only a note on the door. Very well. But it was hard for us to understand the layout of the property, where are the common rooms, and do the manager live on site etc. We do not like to walk around in someones house even if invited to do so on a note. We discovered much later that the hosts do not live on the property, but close by.
We found the room size to be very small. It was impossible to open our two suitcases, it was just not enough floorspace around the bed. It was no TV in the room, but that didn't bother us.
We payed 99 NZD per person for dinner which was suppose to include one glass of New Zealand wine. We were not invited to look at the wine list to choose a glass of wine. I purchased wine directly from them without being offered the included glass with dinner.
The food was excellent, well done Chole!
Breakfast was disappointing. Although the chef was present and prepared breakfast, it was just normal egg, bacon, tomato etc. No real treats or anything special made to order. We have stayed in many B&B with "amateur" chefs who prepared the most amazing breakfast you could ever imagine. Why on earth have a professional chef make egg and bacon?
Last we found some of the equipment at the estuary (stand up paddle board) poorly maintained. We did however use them for free, and the experience on the water was truly magic - one of the highlights of our New Zealand trip.
I would return just to have Chloe`s dinner and the views, but not for the value or the room.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.


Based on the first review left here and research on the interenet, I decided to book a room at this lodge in combination with the Eco-excursion with David McKay.
I had high expectations due to the compliments made on this lodge and the excursion, and I wanted to do something special for my husband that it would surprise him and be one of the highlights of our 24 days trip through NZ.
We stayed just for one night (too short!) at the end of our trip. I had requested the cheapest room, but Rachel did an upgrade and gave us the Kahu room, which has 2 glass walls with bay view. All rooms are beautiful and all have veranda with bay view, so I would be happy anywhere.
During our stay, we were the only guests, so we had the lodge just for the 2 of us and that was very nice! It was very private and romantic!
We used the fireplace in the evening as it was a little bit chilly and I got some wonderful wine [Leaning Rock - medium white] that Rachel sells in case you didn't bring your own. The kitchen is beautiful and well equipped and you should consider buying groceries for dinner, as there are no restaurants closed by. [Nearest is in Portobello, but it was bad weather and the road will not encourage you to leave, especially in the evening anyway!]. We bought some microwave dinner, which was the worst dinner we had in NZ, but at least we didn't spend much time in the kitchen. We preferred to enjoy the view, the lovely sunset and watch the changes in the bay. When it was dark, we watched the "March of the Penguins" on dvd that is available at the lodge. We hadn't seen it before and we loved the documentary, especially because the next morning we had our Eco-expedition with David McKay.
David picked us up at the lodge and brought us to his property where we had a 3hour excursion that let me feel as I was in the middle of a National Geographic expedition! :)
Believe me, all my high expectations were met!!!! We loved the excursion! We thought David was the best guide we ever had and we learned a lot! We saw blue penguins, yellow-eye penguins, sea lions, seals and laugh a lot on the sheep running in front of the car!
My husband said that this was the highlight of our trip, even though we did many great things as a helicopter flight on the Doubtful sounds, the Tongariro crossing, walked on the Fox glacier. He said that, because it was a combination of great things: good weather [sunny and warm], an amazing lodge and views, Delicious breakfast [Rachel bakes a mouthwatering bread!], a fantastic wild-life excursion with someone who really knows about it and is very passionate about his "work" [hobby] and we saw the animals we wanted to see in their natural habitat! So there was nothing left to desire. We only wished we could stay longer!
I know this place is not cheap for the most people, but it's really worth it!!! And if you decide to stay here, you should try to book the excursion with David! [Maybe it's good to mention that David only work with Kaimata Lodge's guests.]
In short: We loved the Kaimata Retreat and all it has to offer!
This place and the eco-excursion were one of the treasures during our trip that you really hope that the people that come visit know how to appreciate it and enjoy every minute what life has to offer, special the nature around it!
I had high expectations due to the compliments made on this lodge and the excursion, and I wanted to do something special for my husband that it would surprise him and be one of the highlights of our 24 days trip through NZ.
We stayed just for one night (too short!) at the end of our trip. I had requested the cheapest room, but Rachel did an upgrade and gave us the Kahu room, which has 2 glass walls with bay view. All rooms are beautiful and all have veranda with bay view, so I would be happy anywhere.
During our stay, we were the only guests, so we had the lodge just for the 2 of us and that was very nice! It was very private and romantic!
We used the fireplace in the evening as it was a little bit chilly and I got some wonderful wine [Leaning Rock - medium white] that Rachel sells in case you didn't bring your own. The kitchen is beautiful and well equipped and you should consider buying groceries for dinner, as there are no restaurants closed by. [Nearest is in Portobello, but it was bad weather and the road will not encourage you to leave, especially in the evening anyway!]. We bought some microwave dinner, which was the worst dinner we had in NZ, but at least we didn't spend much time in the kitchen. We preferred to enjoy the view, the lovely sunset and watch the changes in the bay. When it was dark, we watched the "March of the Penguins" on dvd that is available at the lodge. We hadn't seen it before and we loved the documentary, especially because the next morning we had our Eco-expedition with David McKay.
David picked us up at the lodge and brought us to his property where we had a 3hour excursion that let me feel as I was in the middle of a National Geographic expedition! :)
Believe me, all my high expectations were met!!!! We loved the excursion! We thought David was the best guide we ever had and we learned a lot! We saw blue penguins, yellow-eye penguins, sea lions, seals and laugh a lot on the sheep running in front of the car!
My husband said that this was the highlight of our trip, even though we did many great things as a helicopter flight on the Doubtful sounds, the Tongariro crossing, walked on the Fox glacier. He said that, because it was a combination of great things: good weather [sunny and warm], an amazing lodge and views, Delicious breakfast [Rachel bakes a mouthwatering bread!], a fantastic wild-life excursion with someone who really knows about it and is very passionate about his "work" [hobby] and we saw the animals we wanted to see in their natural habitat! So there was nothing left to desire. We only wished we could stay longer!
I know this place is not cheap for the most people, but it's really worth it!!! And if you decide to stay here, you should try to book the excursion with David! [Maybe it's good to mention that David only work with Kaimata Lodge's guests.]
In short: We loved the Kaimata Retreat and all it has to offer!
This place and the eco-excursion were one of the treasures during our trip that you really hope that the people that come visit know how to appreciate it and enjoy every minute what life has to offer, special the nature around it!
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Date of stay: March 2008Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
One of the most beautiful and peaceful places I have every stayed. Had the room in the main section of the retreat which doesn't have the same view as the other two but was nonetheless a lovely room. Food was of the highest quality and simply presented. Was there with three small children who soak up the calming environment and loved the beautiful beaches. Now just scheming how I can get back...
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful location, great accommodation and a personal chef, what more can I say! This place is on a remote bay by the Otago Peninsula, and only has 3 rooms so is very private. It's a good half hour drive from Dunedin but is a good base for visiting Larnach Castle or Albatross center. The rooms are fantastic, modern, well appointed, with private decks over looking the bay. Breakfast is included, made by the private chef Fillipo, who can also cook a 3 course dinner, which I would highly recommend as it was wonderful. The owner is very friendly and helpful, taking us out in the boat to see the sea lions and drop other guests off at the beach for a few hours. Perfect place to get away.
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Date of stay: November 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If your trip includes Dunedin in NZ, this is the place to stay. Only three rooms. The owner is a hoot and very nice. The added plus is the chef (Fillipo) who is a master with food. While the rooms are european small, the views are spectacular and the deck is inviting. Great yard and it goes down to the beach. The owner is very accommodating. The only knock I would give is that it is remote so exploring is a driving challenge and the wifi is spotty.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Words cannot describe just how amazing this is. If you want to escape the busy world just come to this. The scenery is incredible with the sea lions and fish visible from the high view. you can go down and have a swim in the water or just watch sunset from the veranda, before being spoilt by the chef cooking you something amazing to eat. The accommodation is just what you need, each space is furnished and in keeping with the retreat and it's all decorated to a high standard. What really makes this lovely is the peace and quiet when you want it and the owners who are some of the nicest hosts we've ever come across. One day I hope to be right here again as it really is one of the best places on earth to stay!
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â All the rooms are great.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hank you for your enquiry - yes thats correct all 3 rooms will be ready for your clients choice - best regards rachel
hi thanks very much for your question - yes, the rates are based on how many rooms are used - still sole-use of retreat and self-catering thanks very much best regards rachel
"Dont choose a room-Rent the whole place!!!!! Dont drive here at Night! You will not find your way back!"Read full review
"There are only 3 rooms--all are wonderful but only 2 have views overlooking the estuary."Read full review
"Slightly larger room has no view and backs onto the kitchen. The 2 rooms with views are quite tight."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$311 - $1,458 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandSouth IslandOtago RegionDunedin
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kaimata Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Kaimata Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Port To Port Cruises and Wildife Tours (5.5 km), The Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance (6.1 km), and Larnach Castle & Gardens (6.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Kaimata Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and room service.
What are some restaurants close to Kaimata Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include 1908 Restaurant, Portobello Hotel & Bistro, and Ballroom Cafe at Larnach Castle.
Are there any historical sites close to Kaimata Retreat?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Lime Kilns (6.4 km).
Does Kaimata Retreat have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.