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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property
4-star eco-certified hostel near Lake Wakatipu

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | View from room
Outdoor spa tub
Front of property

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372
  • Lake Wakatipu
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Glenorchy Wharf
    ‪41 min drive‬
  • Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    ‪90 min drive‬

Room options

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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Romantic Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

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

Twin Room

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite | View from room

Double Room, Ensuite

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Kinloch

On waterfront.You'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Lake Wakatipu and 12 miles (20 km) of Routeburn Track. Routeburn Shelter and Greenstone Track are also in the region.
View more Hostels in KinlochOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Lake Wakatipu - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Glenorchy Golf Club - 41 min drive - 19.7 miles
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 41 min drive - 19.9 miles
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 41 min drive - 19.9 miles
  • Routeburn Track - 42 min drive - 13.1 miles

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

4-star eco-certified hostel near Lake Wakatipu
There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. Event space at this hostel measures 215 square feet (20 square meters) and includes conference space. A hot tub, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the eco-certified Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. The hostel can provide concierge services and wedding services. Self parking is free. A complete renovation of Kinloch Wilderness Retreat was completed in September 2023.

This 4-star Kinloch hostel is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 2 buildings
  • 215 sq ft of conference space
  • 20 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1868
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Game room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers 19 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and hair dryers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate dining areas. Full-sized refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and rice cookers are provided. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.

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
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, 38 reviews
$339 nightly
The price is $390
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Total includes taxes and fees
EcoScapes

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

Things to do

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

Accessibility

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

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 are welcome and stay free
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to 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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts major credit cards, Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay, debit cards, and cash. This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • 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

How close is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat to the airport?

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is 48.9 mi (113-min drive) away from the Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 5, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on Jun 6, 2025 start from $86.13, 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.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between NZD 18 and 32 for adults, NZD 9 and 15 for children. It's available every day from 8 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

No, there is no casino at this hostel.

What time is check-in at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

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

Is there free parking at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

This hostel offers free self parking.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a pool?

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat does not have a pool.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a restaurant?

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is home to The Fernery, which features local cuisine, happy hour, and light fare.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat to downtown Kinloch?

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is 4 mi away from Kinloch.

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 117 reviews

8.4/10

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

Nedra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay a Kinloch Wilderness Retreat was wonderful. The setting is magnificent and the staff were friendly and accommodating. The meals were pretty ordinary and the bathrooms are shared but the room was clean and the bed was very comfortable and we really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Thomas, Evanston

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Rosalie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A delightful place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Virginia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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

10/10 Excellent

Cian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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

6/10 Okay

Katrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Maria

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

4/10 Poor

kenneth

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was nice place —-but no bed awful though
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Maggie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stunning views, peaceful, excellent food, helpful and cheerful staff and interesting history
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Location! Great place to access the Routeburn Track. Thank you.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Awng San

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

10/10 Excellent

Wasif

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

Katrina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautiful properly in an amazing part of the world.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Francis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Ian

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

8/10 Good

Rob

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Secluded, peaceful and beautiful views.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023