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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
Front of property
Full-sized fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
View from room
Outdoor spa tub

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
The current price is S$160
includes taxes & fees
6 Jul - 7 Jul

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Separate bedroom
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Double Room

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double Room

Highlights

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

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Basic Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Romantic Room

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Romantic Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Twin Room

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

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

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Renovated in 2023
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

Highlights

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

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

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

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Highlights

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

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

View from room

Double Room, Ensuite

Highlights

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

Map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372

What's nearby

  • Lake Wakatipu - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Glenorchy Golf Club - 41 min drive - 31.6 km
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 41 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 41 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Routeburn Track - 42 min drive - 21.1 km

Getting around

  • Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.) - 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 travellers can enjoy amenities, such as fishing and cycling, 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/games room and a library.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self-parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike hire and a local area shuttle
  • An electric car charging station, a vegetable garden and a TV in reception
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and include comforts such as separate dining areas, in addition to amenities such as WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and hairdryers
  • Balconies or patios, separate dining areas and recycling

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property grounds

EcoScapes

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 38 reviews
The price is S$377
includes taxes & fees
6 Jul - 7 Jul
EcoScapes

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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 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 lift
  • 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
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Rice cooker
  • Separate dining area
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Spices
  • 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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2.7 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 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 for 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 on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types at the property

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 per cent

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
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 4 Jul, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on 6 Jul, 2025 start from S$159.59, including 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?

Checkout 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

8.4

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

10/10 Excellent

Heena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its all about the location absolutely stunning only wish i spent an additional night here. Views from the hot tub are amazing.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Rosalie

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

8/10 Good

Nedra

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

8/10 Good

Thomas

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

Leonie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

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

John

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

Maria

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

10/10 Excellent

Katrina

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved its views and remoteness

10/10 Excellent

Kira

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bathrooms in the buildings were amazing, food was 5 star plus
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was excellent right done to the 2 hot water bottles
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

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

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

Rob

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Awng San

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

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: 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

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

Yasuaki

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: 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

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