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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property
Eco-certified hostel with a coffee shop and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
Outdoor spa tub
Living area
Cottage | Lake view
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | View from room

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
The current price is NT$2,783
NT$3,200 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 23 - Apr 24

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cottage

Cottage | Exterior

Cottage

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 Queen Beds, 2 Double Beds and 4 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Double Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Romantic Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Twin Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite | View from room

Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372

What's nearby

  • Lake Wakatipu - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Glenorchy Golf Club - 33 min drive - 25.1 km
  • Routeburn Track - 34 min drive - 17.0 km
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 34 min drive - 25.7 km
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 34 min drive - 25.7 km

Getting around

  • Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) - 113 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Glenorchy Trading Post - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Glenorchy Hotel - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Queenies Dumplings Gy - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Gallery Cafe - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Glenorchy Fur Products - ‬34 min drive

About this property

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Upscale eco-certified hostel renovated in 2023 and located near Lake Wakatipu
You can look forward to a terrace, a coffee shop/cafe, and a garden at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. Active travelers can enjoy amenities like cycling and fishing at this hostel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The on-site local cuisine restaurant, The Fernery, offers breakfast, dinner, light fare, and happy hour. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as an arcade/game room and a library.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and an area shuttle
  • An electric car charging station, gas grills, and a vegetable garden
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as separate dining areas, in addition to amenities like WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and hair dryers
  • Balconies or patios, separate dining areas, and recycling

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property grounds

EcoScapes

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 37 reviews
The price is NT$10,963
NT$12,608 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
EcoScapes

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: NZD 18 to 32 for adults and NZD 9 to 15 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Hosted evening meal available daily for a fee of NZD 90; reservation required

Restaurants on site

  • The Fernery

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Fishing
  • Hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room microwave
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living room
  • Separate in-room dining area

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 215 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas

More

  • 1 floor
  • 2 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Built in 1868
  • Communal living room
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Renovated entire property - September 2023
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Freezer
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Rice cooker
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toaster oven

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laundry detergent
  • Living room
  • Recycling
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.7 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Specific rooms only; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately NZD 18 to 32 for adults, and NZD 9 to 15 for children
  • Rollaway bed fee: NZD 50 per night
  • Hosted evening meal: NZD 90
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2.7 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Rating provided by Qualmark®, source of official star ratings for accommodation in New Zealand.

Property is also known as

Kinloch Backpacker
Kinloch Lodge Hostel
Kinloch Lodge Hostel
Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Kinloch Lodge - Hostel Kinloch
Kinloch Kinloch Lodge - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Kinloch Lodge - Hostel
Kinloch Lodge - Hostel Kinloch
Kinloch Lodge Backpacker
Kinloch Lodge
Kinloch Lodge Hostel
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Hostel
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Kinloch
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

As of 2025/4/18, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on 2025/4/23 start from NT$2,783, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this eco-certified hostel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Wakatipu and within 12 mi (20 km) of Routeburn Track and Routeburn Shelter.

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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 54 out of 115 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 115 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 115 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 115 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 115 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Leonie

The dirt road in is probably the roughest/bumpiest drive I’ve had on nz dirt roads. The location is remote and peaceful. Views are scenic and the history of the river and its ‘tide’ was interesting. We had shared amenities which were basic but fit for purpose. The room smelled of damp and walls are absolutely paper thin. We could hear every noise and whisper of our neighbours. The kitchen and shared lounge was fabulous. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Thomas

Nice secluded, historic, wilderness resort with easy access to make hiking trails. You have the option of bringing and preparing your own food or eating at their restaurant. A bit pricey but a nice place if you are a hiker.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Absolutely gorgeous area, clean rooms/bathrooms/showers and a large and well stocked kitchen. Taking a soak in the hot tub was really appreciated after a long day of hiking too! As other reviews have mentioned, the property is at the end of a long gravel road. I had a small/low clearance rental car and made it just fine by taking it slow. I only wish I had had time for another night in this beautiful area!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

It was a magical place in a magical, breathtaking setting. We had one of the 3-course dinners which was delicious and beautifully presented. The communal kitchen was very nice and inviting for when you wanted to cook for yourself. We were lucky to get to spend our two nights in the heritage cottage facing the lake. The bed was extremely comfortable and the washroom spotlessly clean and very stylish. The staff we chatted with were all very warm and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent experience

The Kinloch team is friendly and caring, especially helpful in all adhoc incident. Dishes prepared by Chef John is tasty and colorful. It was an excellent experience staying in Kinloch, highly recommend to friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara

We were here for two nights. The room was very nice, the breakfast and dinner were excellent and the owners were lively and full of suggested hikes. It is very remote so if not eating at the restaurant bring food! It is at the foot of the lake with spectacular views.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stunning views, peaceful, excellent food, helpful and cheerful staff and interesting history
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Maria

Amazing views - though shared toilets/showers/kitchen everything was very well organised - bedding was really comfortable - staff extremely friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katrina

Such a beautiful properly in an amazing part of the world.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda

I loved its views and remoteness

10/10 Excellent

Kira

The bathrooms in the buildings were amazing, food was 5 star plus
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Secluded, peaceful and beautiful views.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Beautiful Location! Great place to access the Routeburn Track. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

kenneth

Was nice place —-but no bed awful though
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wasif

If you want to be close to nature very weak network and wifi but will get some if you are desperate then this is the place. Your shared bathrooms are pretty big cozy and nice & clesn with all amenities you can imagine. Their breakfast is really good with a killer view and outdoor hot tub has a very nice view. Amazing experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Everything was excellent right done to the 2 hot water bottles
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Incredible location, quaint & comfortable retreat

Incredible location; about 30 min from Glenorchy but a small community in its own right, quaint, with spectacular lake views. The fact that they have a restaurant, cafe, hot tub, and outdoor activities available there/nearby makes it feel like a bit of a haven. Easy access to Routeburn Track and High Country Horses, along with several other tracks; plenty to do outdoors. The accommodation was clean, comfortable, simple (I was in the budget twin). They clearly care about eco-friendly habits and have a 10-min timer on shower lights, which is fine but can be stressful if you have to spend a few minutes de-layering, if you have really long hair that takes time to rinse, etc. Walking outdoors to a shared shower and shared toilets wasn't the most comfortable but is manageable. Shared kitchen available with boiling water and well stocked with dishes / cooking utilities. A few adjustments, but all in all a lovely place to enjoy the area from; would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Katrina

Historic property in excellent condition for the age. We especially liked the communal kitchen/lounge area. The rooms are compact but clean, the heating was insufficient whilst the hotties were a nice touch, an electric blanket and heat pump would have been better for the money. Need a few hooks on the walls for jackets etc. The spa was very relaxing and great views. Despite the remote location and expense of getting food we still felt $90 per adult was a bit steep for the 3 course meal that was dished up to us and we felt the courses were rushed through, no time to digest. Overall we can appreciate the challenges of running a remote lodge and can see the benefit in staying here if you love the outdoors.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Rob

The isolation and scenery are stunning. Very picturesque . Unfortunately we didn’t sleep much as the bed was too small for the 2 of us. Glad we had a ensuite though as the walk to the loo would have been fresh. Dinner and drinks were enjoyable but very expensive . May have been better off with not booking dinner and having the bar snacks. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Ian

The property was the closest accommodation to the start of the walking track we walked. The room was not exactly like the photo on the website. (The photo showed a King bed plus two single bunks but the actual room had one King bed plus a single bed.) However it suited us OK.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

There is only one option for dinner each night. More variety would be nice. Expedia needs to update it's website as it says the retreat is only 2.3 miles from Glenorky but that is only as the crow flies. It is 27 km by car some of it on gravel roads
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

2/10 Terrible

Awng San

Bad Data, bad phone line, bad internet
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Liked: Staff & service

Misleading/overpriced listing

Our stay was well below what we expected. We were checked in by Toni, who was absolutely lovely, unfortunately the remainder of our stay was below average. For the price paid basic comforts were not provided. The room was extremely hot and no fan was provided, the wifi does not work well in the rooms, the bathrooms were at average cleanliness, and the walls are paper thin. To be fair the room was very clean and the bed very comfortable. We normally do not expect these things to be top notch, but for the price paid we do expect a bit more than average. To make matters worse, the entire property is extremely loud at all times of day and resembles more of a holiday park than a “wilderness retreat”. We called management to complain about kids running and screaming directly in front of our room while we were attempting to relax, and we were told by John to handle the situation ourselves. The property is improperly advertised and overpriced as a “retreat”, and management is not willing to help make your stay more comfortable. Disappointing.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Yasuaki

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
周りの環境はとても良かったけど部屋の使い勝手があまり良くなかった
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Virginia

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024