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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property
Mountain hostel with restaurant, near Lake Wakatipu

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Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
Triple Room, Shared Bathroom | View from room
Outdoor spa tub
Cottage | Lake view
Living area
Located near Lake Wakatipu, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers an upscale eco-certified experience. Enjoy a coffee at the cafe, unwind in the garden or spa tub, and get active with cycling and fishing. With free WiFi in public areas, guests can stay connected while exploring The Fernery restaurant's local cuisine options.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free parking
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (12)

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Breakfast available
  • Hot tub
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Garden
  • Arcade/game room
  • Library
  • Communal living room

Feel at home (6)

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Separate dining area
  • Living room
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Laundry facilities
The current price is $82
$94 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4

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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$576 total
includes taxes & fees
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About the neighborhood

Map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372

Getting around

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

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

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is a great choice for a stay in Kinloch. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at The Fernery, which serves breakfast and dinner, and the hot tub makes for a relaxing end to the day. A bar/lounge and a terrace are offered, and in-room conveniences at this eco-certified hostel include refrigerators and microwaves.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 19 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Pets

    • Pets stay free (dogs only, 2 total)
    • Service animals welcome
    • Specific rooms only*
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free uncovered onsite self parking
    • Electric vehicle charging point on site
DONE

Offsite

    • Area shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 8 AM–10:00 AM
  • Hosted evening meals daily for a surcharge (reservations required)
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Gas grills
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Traveling with children

  • Children's menu

What to do

  • Kayaking
  • Fishing
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Ziplining nearby

Working away

  • Meeting room
  • Conference space (215 square feet)

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Bicycle rentals

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1868
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Television in common areas
  • Communal living room
  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle parking
  • Hot tub
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soda bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Outdoor furniture

Accessibility

  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Heating
  • Window screens
  • Laundry detergent

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated
  • Separate dining area
  • Separate living room

Freshen up

  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • WiFi
  • Free local calls

Food and drink

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

More

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Bulk dispenser for toiletries
  • Recycling

Special features

Dining

The Fernery - This restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered. Reservations are required.

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.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately NZD 18 to 32 for adults, and NZD 9 to 15 for children
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of 2.7 percent
  • Hosted evening meal costs NZD 90

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for NZD 50 per night

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay
Cashless transactions are available.

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

Are pets allowed at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Yes, dogs stay free, with a limit of 2 total.

Is parking offered on site at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Yes, there's free self parking. Electric vehicle charging is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities like kayaking and fishing. Additional recreation nearby includes hunting. Relax in the hot tub or enjoy the use of other amenities, which include an arcade and a picnic area. Kinloch Wilderness Retreat also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Yes, The Fernery offers local cuisine.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

What's the area around Kinloch Wilderness Retreat like?

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is located on the waterfront, a short 1-minute walk from Lake Wakatipu.

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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

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.
John, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Tara, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Stunning views, peaceful, excellent food, helpful and cheerful staff and interesting history
Richard, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Amazing views - though shared toilets/showers/kitchen everything was very well organised - bedding was really comfortable - staff extremely friendly and accommodating
Maria, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Such a beautiful properly in an amazing part of the world.
Katrina, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

I loved its views and remoteness

10/10 Exceptional

The bathrooms in the buildings were amazing, food was 5 star plus
Kira, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Secluded, peaceful and beautiful views.
Adrian, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful Location! Great place to access the Routeburn Track. Thank you.
Jennifer, 3-night trip

4/10 Fair

Was nice place —-but no bed awful though
kenneth, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Wasif, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Everything was excellent right done to the 2 hot water bottles
Barry, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
2-night trip

6/10 Good

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.
Katrina, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Rob, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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.
Ian, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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
Richard, 2-night trip

2/10 Poor

Bad Data, bad phone line, bad internet
Awng San, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

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.
Melissa, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Virginia, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Underbart ställe
Superfint ställe, ligger lite off, som ligger superfint ute i naturen med väl genomtänkt upplägg med rum, toaletter och kök.
Chris-Tina, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Cian, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

遺世獨立在天堂路上的美麗旅館
遺世獨立的一間旅館，非常精簡，房內佈置雅緻，厠所、浴室、㕑房、冰箱等為公用區域，也整理及規劃的很好，也有供餐，住起來非常舒適，只有半夜要上廁所比較麻煩些，但共用及環保應該是旅館的主要理念。 最重要的是當地的百萬河景，就是覺得美麗又舒服。 20240410當日剛好下雨，有不同的美感，如果天氣好，那不知有多閃亮多漂亮呢！
HSIAOMIIN, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good