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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property
4-star hostel near Lake Wakatipu

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Mountain view
Outdoor spa tub
Front of property
View from property

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372
  • Place, Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Glenorchy Wharf
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Routeburn Track
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    ‪79 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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 Single Beds, Shared Bathroom

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

Double Room, Ensuite | View from room

Double Room, Ensuite

  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

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

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Basic Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

Twin Room

Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Romantic Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Lake view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

  • Sleeps 5

Bed In Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Superior King Room With Shared Bathroom

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Superior King Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for Triple Room With Shared Bathroom

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Triple Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Romantic Room

  • Sleeps 2

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Double Room Ensuite

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Double Room Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Twin Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Deluxe Twin Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Deluxe Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Basic Double Room With Shared Bathroom

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Basic Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout drapes, WiFi

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

About the area

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

  • Glenorchy Golf Club - 35 min drive - 31.6 km
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 35 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 35 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Routeburn Track - 42 min drive - 21.1 km
  • Routeburn Shelter - 43 min drive - 21.5 km

Getting around

  • Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN) - 98 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mr. Glen’s Taphouse & Tapas - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Glenorchy Cafe - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Akin - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Casa Jaguar - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Mrs. Glen’s Café - ‬33 min drive

About this property

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4-star 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 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.

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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 within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 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 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 49 mi (98-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 Apr 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on Apr 27, 2026 start from CA $117, 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. 74 out of 147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 147 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Janet

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was surprised when they asked for a credit card at check-in as this is really just hostel type accommodation and we had paid in full. We ate dinner at the restaurant and paid in full after dinner, including a tip. A few days later, I was billed an extra $184. When I queried it, they said it was for dinner for both myself and my friend. However, they also billed my friend for both our dinners. They then said I had to prove I had paid for dinner. I sent them the transaction receipt showing I had paid for my part of the dinner and my friend had paid separately. I still have not had a refund.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Stefani

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The property spa was extremely hot almost unbearable. There was no towels, no water or refreshments. For $260 it was definitely a waste of money. When asked for assistance, most of the staff had blank faces which was quite frustrating as you paid almost $600 for an isolated retreat. Everything was a “add on” when booking activities, which can become costly. The facilities where pretty average and the wifi was weak. Couldn’t watch movies or wind down by the fire as staff said we were to “do it ourselves”. Food was average and small quantities. The only plus side was T the yoga teacher, great class & location is quiet and peaceful. Located near the glacier. Overall we wouldn't stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

PETER

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alicia

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An incredible retreat that is off the beaten path. A quiet and peaceful location with excellent staff and service.
Stayed 12 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Corie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kritika

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lachlan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Absolutely fantastic retreat close to all the great hikes on the South Island!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning location with stunning staff. We felt so far flung from the haste and the noise of life. A magical stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at Kinloch was one of our favorites during our long visit to NZ. The restaurant staff were engaging, the food excellent and the atmosphere for dining and sitting to enjoy the gorgeous lake and mountain views was a wonderful way to start and end each day. It was also nice to stay close to the Routeburn track and Glenorchy, but yet out of town in a quiet sanctuary.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lukasz

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Good ratuo price to qiality, nice share area. Quite nice dining options. Small rooms with toilets otsode wantn't rhe most comfortable option, but for a price we paid was acceptable
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kok Hong

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

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

Enjoyable visit

Pretty location and nice staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Leonie

Travelled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Nedra

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled 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

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

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