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.

Includes Sauna

ADDRESS

Ritchie Road, Dunback 9483

DIRECTIONS

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.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with arrival instructions and your host's details 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].

OpenStreetMap

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

If the stay length doesn’t quite match what you’re after, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and preferred length of stay, and browse other great options that might be a better fit.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

The indoor galley kitchen has a 4-burner gas stovetop for cooking - and outdoors is a BBQ. There's a small underbar fridge (with a freezer compartment) and a wine fridge for cool storage.

A toaster, microwave, and stovetop kettle are also provided. A stovetop coffee maker and a coffee plunger are available. All the pots, pans and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided.

You have the option of indoor and outdoor seating.

Some pantry basics are supplied - olive oil, salt, pepper, tea, coffee, sugar and complimentary milk.

The Wild Irishman is fully off-grid with a solar system providing electricity. The system has excellent battery storage.

If it’s sunny, the system will be generating power. If it’s not sunny, you’ll be using power from the bank of batteries. While there should be plenty of electricity for your stay, you will need to practice sensible power conservation to avoid running out. Some small appliances, especially hairdryers and straighteners, have a large power draw so use should be avoided. Devices can be charged via wall sockets and charged with no concerns.

If there is a power outage, a backup generator can be used in emergencies.

The hot tub is filled with fresh water prior to your arrival. It's wood-fired, so you'll need to light this when you arrive and stoke it for at least a couple of hours while it heats through. It takes a little bit of skill with lighting fires and patience.

If you ordered the hot tub lighting service when you booked online, the tub will be alight and heating when you arrive, but it does take a while to get to fully hot and ready to soak in. It's important to note that this will not be hot and ready to jump into immediately on arrival and it may be later in the evening before you get to hop in.

The good news is that the hot tub does hold the heat well and it will only take a little bit of heating from time to time during the remainder of your stay.

The sauna is heated by a wood fire stove. You'll need to use the firelighters and kindling supplied to start a fire. A small log will be sufficient for the fire to reach and maintain heat for each use. The sauna takes approximately 45 minutes to heat the rocks, with no further stoking required.

Once the rocks in the sauna are hot enough, you trickle water gently over them to create wonderful steam to sit back in and enjoy.

You'll need to make sure you carefully read the safety tips provided before enjoying your sauna experience.

Yes, your dogs are welcome at The Wild Irishman with a $20 fee per dog, per night. We kindly ask that you adhere to a few doggy rules:

Max 2 dogs allowed.
Although the property is fully fenced, please continue to keep an eye on your dog.
Dogs must be up-to-date with vaccinations and either regularly wormed or dosed at least 48 hours prior to arrival (find out more about Ovis Management in NZ).
Please pick up all droppings (please bring doggy pick-up bags).
Any dogs that are not 100% toilet trained are to be kept outside or in a crate while inside the hut.
Please bring your own crate and/or dog bed and do not allow your dog on any furniture or soft furnishings.
If your dog hasn't been around sheep and cattle before, please keep them inside or on the lead while walking to gauge their reaction before letting them off, to ensure the safety of the stock.
Please be aware that there may be poison in the area intended for possum control.

The Wild Irishman is set on a farm, so for the safety of all concerned, it’s very important to follow the safety guidelines and terms that you’ll find in our booking terms and in your Welcome Guide on-site. These terms and guidelines include:

Visitors stay at their own risk, the property has hazards both farm-related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural.
Leave gates as you find them.
Animals are unpredictable - best to avoid them.
Please be cautious driving in and out of the property
For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter any buildings on the property.

Please be mindful whilst on the deck area as the hut is perched on a steep cliff.

Wood-fired Hot Tub Lighting Service - $40

The wood-fired hot tub is free to use, however, some people do find it tricky to light and get going. Once lit, it takes around 4 hours to heat up the first time.

If you're uncertain, we highly recommend selecting this service during the booking process. Your hot tub will be lit and heating up when you arrive. Note that you'll need to keep feeding the fire after you get there for it to be nice and hot for an evening soak.

The minimum stay for a particular day or date can vary depending on factors such as the day of the week, the time of year and the host's preferences.

The easiest way to check what's available is to use the online calendar for this escape—it’ll show you the current options for your dates.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

To find out if single nights are available at this escape, check the online calendar and see if your preferred date is available to book.

If this escape isn’t available, head to Find Your Escape, enter your check-in date and length of stay, and browse all one-night options available for that day.

Please note that the minimum stay rules are set by the host and can’t be adjusted, so we’re not able to make exceptions.

**1.1** Canopy Camping Limited (**Canopy Camping Escapes**, also referred to as **we**, **our** and **us**) has a curated collection of unique nature-based properties throughout New Zealand, independently owned and operated by individual owners of the properties (**Hosts**). **1.2** By making a booking through our website ([here](https://www.canopycamping.co.nz/)) (**Website**), you, as the person making the booking, agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (**Booking Conditions**). **1.3** Canopy Camping Escapes enters into these Booking Conditions as an agent for the Host. That means that you are making an agreement with the Host for the use of its property. Anything Canopy Camping Escapes does (including enforcing any of the Host’s rights), it does so as agent for the Host and is not a party to your agreement with the Host. **1.4** In these terms: - “Day” means a period of 24 hours; and - “check-in time” means the check-in time specified [in the booking confirmation email we send you / specified on the Website for the property you have booked]

**2.1** If you book within 28 Days of your check-in time, full payment via credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) is required at the time of booking. If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, a deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) at the time of booking. A credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge of up to 2.1% will be applied to all credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payments. **2.2** Bookings are considered confirmed once you have made your online booking and payment and we have sent an email to the address provided to us which confirms both the payment and your booking details. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as soon as possible. However, we (as agent for the Host) reserve the right to cancel any booking within 12 Days of the confirmation email where we discover that you, or any of your guests, has previously breached these Booking Conditions in relation to a previous booking. In that case, you will receive an email advising you that the booking has been declined, and the full amount paid by you at the time of booking will be refunded to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) you provided during the booking process. **2.3** If you book more than 28 Days prior to your check-in time, the remaining balance of your stay will be due 28 Days prior to your check in time. An email reminder will be sent to you at this time requesting payment for the outstanding balance. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by A2A (Internet Banking) or credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). If your payment has not been received within 24 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.1% credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard). Credit/Debit Card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment. **2.4** If any amount is not paid when due, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

**3.1** Your 10% deposit (or 10% of the value of your stay if you have paid in full) is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within 12 months of the date of confirmation of your original booking, if you cancel your stay more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time. **3.2** Cancellation or date changes by you that are between 3 and 21 Days prior to your check-in time will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation or date changes made 3 Days (72 hours) or less prior to your check-in time will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged. **3.3** Date changes made more than 21 Days prior to your check-in time are allowed without forfeit of any amounts paid. **3.4** Force Majeure You are entitled to a full refund if you need to cancel for the following reasons: - **Road closure**. If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, a road on your route to your accommodation is designated by [Waka Kotahi](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) as closed or for essential travel only, and there is no detour, or the detour adds more than two hours to your travel according to the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner. - **Metservice RED Weather Warning.** If at 1pm on the day before your arrival, the [Metservice](https://www.metservice.com/) has issued a RED warning/forecast in either your home region or the region of your accommodation, for either the day of your arrival or departure. - **Natural disasters in New Zealand.** Natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other severe and abnormal natural events causing large scale disruption of essential services and/or transport, specifically impacting your travel to or from your accommodation.

**4.1** Exceptional or unforeseen circumstance Hosts reserve the right to cancel a booking at any time in the event of exceptional or unforeseen circumstances. This right will only be exercised in good faith and in exceptional circumstances such as: (a) Any alteration to the property or its surroundings which may pose a safety risk for the guest. (b) Unexpected damage or destruction at the property. (c) A death in the Host family. (d) Our relationship with the Host ends for any other reason. In the unlikely event a Host cancels under this clause, the guest may elect to receive a full refund or to credit the booking to another available date or Escape. The Host’s liability will be limited to the refund of amounts paid for any part of your stay that is cancelled. **4.2** Cancellation for breach Hosts may terminate a booking at any time if they, or we, reasonably believe that there is, or has been, a breach of these Booking Conditions by you or any guest or visitor. Where a Host cancels under this clause, all amounts paid are forfeited and, where such termination occurs during the rental period, you and all guests and visitors must immediately leave the property.

**5.1** Accommodation is often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you, and any guests or visitors, enter the property at your own risk. 5.2 Participation by you and any guests or visitors in activities, such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property, is done so at your and their own risk. **5.3** To the extent permitted by law, neither we nor the Host accept any liability for accident, loss of property or personal injury during your stay.

**9.1** Guests have a licence to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only. You are responsible for ensuring that you and they arrive no earlier than the check-in date, and leave no later than the check-out time, specified on the Website. **9.2** You are required to, and must ensure that all guests and any approved day visitors, observe the rules and procedures in relation to the property: - Specified on the Website. - Contained in the information folder provided at the property. **9.3** You must, and must ensure that all guests and any approved visitors, take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period. Where the property has not been left in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period, you will be required to pay an additional cleaning cost of $100 which may be charged to the credit or debit card used at the time of booking. **9.4** You are required to inform Canopy Camping Escapes of any damage or breakage occurring during the rental period in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next booking. You must reimburse the Host for the reasonable costs of replacement or repair of any damage caused by you or any guests or visitors and such costs may be charged to the credit or debit card (VISA/Mastercard) used at the time of booking. **9.5** You must ensure that any access information in relation to a property (including any access codes, location of keys, etc) is kept confidential and not disclosed to any person. **9.6** Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the properties. **9.7**The Host may access the property during the rental period to the extent reasonably necessary to undertake repairs or replacement or where we or the Host have reason to believe these Booking Terms are not being complied with. **9.8**The number of guests staying at the Escape overnight must be the same as the number of guests included in the booking. Any day visitors must be approved by the Host prior to your stay. No overnight visitors are permitted. **9.9**You and all guests and any approved day visitors must behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Host, the Property, other guests and neighbouring properties and neighbours, and Canopy Camping Escapes’ staff and representatives.

If you encounter any issues or problems during your stay, you must first contact the Host to try to resolve the issue. The Host should be given the opportunity to address and fix the problem before any further steps are taken. If you decide to leave the accommodation early due to an issue without first contacting the Host to resolve it, you will not be entitled to compensation. Essentially, if you don’t give the Host a chance to fix the problem, you cannot expect financial reimbursement for leaving early. If you have a complaint that you'd like to alert Canopy Camping Escapes about after your stay, please contact us promptly at [\[email protected\]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection) with details of the complaint. As an agent, we will be the initial contact between you and the Host but may need to put you in direct contact to resolve any issues.

To the extent permitted by law, as agent for the Hosts, we have no liability, to you or any other person, in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: - for the acts or omissions of the Hosts; or - under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay, Your rights are against the Host, not Canopy Camping Escapes. If, for any reason, Canopy Camping Escapes has any liability to you under or in relation to these Booking Terms or your stay, to the extent permitted by law, our liability is limited to the 20% of the amount paid by you in relation to the relevant booking. Any liability the Host has to you under or in relation to these Booking Conditions or your stay is, to the extent permitted by law, limited to refund of amounts paid by you for the relevant booking and shall not extend to any other costs or loss incurred by you or any guest or other person.

As the person who completes the Booking Form, you certify that all information provided is true, accurate and correct and that you: are authorised to agree to the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; are over eighteen years of age; agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property and shall ensure that they (and any approved visitors) comply with these Booking Conditions; and will notify us if you are not present at the property for the rental period.

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

“ Awesome location. Loved the sauna, hot tub, and the design of the place. ”

Maria Crequer- 2026-01-12

20 / 20

“ It was a lovely stay and we left feeling very relaxed. The combo of the hot tub and sauna, and the cosy cabin made it perfect. And we absolutely loved that we could bring our dog! ”

Grace Coombs- 2026-05-25

1 / 20

“ Such a fabulous spot! Thank you for sharing your beautiful slice of NZ with us. ”

Grace Brown- 2026-05-23

2 / 20

“ We had the most relaxing and fun stay over three nights at The Wild Irishman. The hot tub, night sky, and sauna were highlights for us, along with total privacy and modern facilities. We could not fault our stay and will be back again! ”

Sharee Hamilton- 2026-05-16

3 / 20

“ Loved it, awesome place and great atmosphere. ”

Sam Clydesdale- 2026-05-04

4 / 20

“ Beautiful spot to unwind. ”

Kate Passmore- 2026-05-02

5 / 20

“ Incredible views, peace and quiet, just what the doctor ordered! ”

Anna Sutherland- 2026-04-28

6 / 20

“ Perfect spot to spend quality time and reset! ”

Kate Crawford- 2026-04-21

7 / 20

“ A wonderful night away, very quiet and secluded. Great not to have cell phone coverage or a TV. We played card games and Connect Four. ”

Kate Murdoch- 2026-04-16

8 / 20

“ Best accommodation I've ever visited! ”

Katie Kertesz- 2026-04-06

9 / 20

“ The view is epic! It’s so nice and secluded with adorable cows and sheep to watch! ”

Sian Leitch- 2026-03-23

10 / 20

“ The Wild Irishman is an absolute delight to stay at, it exceeded our expectations in every way. A truly magical experience! ”

Craig Walters- 2026-03-03

11 / 20

“ The Wild Irishman, what a location! The view, the hot tub, the sauna, and the tranquillity. An off the grid experience everyone should try. Go and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed. ”

Dave Hofman- 2026-02-26

12 / 20

“ Rob and Helena and have have done an amazing job here! Beautiful place, peaceful and quiet! Will be coming back. 10/10. ”

Emma Leslie- 2026-02-25

13 / 20

“ We stayed at The Wild Irishman for our honeymoon and it was perfect! The hut itself was immaculate, warm and calming. The hot tub and sauna were incredible! The host, Rob, was super helpful. And there was the added bonus of no reception so we had an amazing chance to switch off and relax. ”

Sophie Wood- 2026-02-24

14 / 20

“ We had the most perfect stay at The Wild Irishman. It was clean and came with everything we needed for a comfortable stay! We also got engaged on our stay, which made it even more special. We will be back again! Highly recommend! ”

Georgia Walsh- 2026-02-09

15 / 20

“ Amazing views, warm and cosy. Perfect place to relax and unwind away from day to day life. Highly recommend. ”

Jannay Hall- 2026-02-06

16 / 20

“ This is a very special place. A beautiful spot. ”

Jane Hamilton- 2026-01-29

17 / 20

“ Amazing communication with the host, very helpful and lovely. The place was clean and the view was amazing. I love this place and would go back again 100 times over. ”

Jessika Faumuina- 2026-01-18

18 / 20

“ First of all, the hosts had great communication and were always warm and welcoming. The actual house was clean, beautifully decorated and had everything you needed. The landscape was stunning. Waking up to those views, you can’t beat it. ”

Lisa McKillop- 2026-01-17

19 / 20

“ Awesome location. Loved the sauna, hot tub, and the design of the place. ”

Maria Crequer- 2026-01-12

20 / 20

“ It was a lovely stay and we left feeling very relaxed. The combo of the hot tub and sauna, and the cosy cabin made it perfect. And we absolutely loved that we could bring our dog! ”

Grace Coombs- 2026-05-25

1 / 20

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape