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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Hot tub
  • Breakfast available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372
  • Lake Wakatipu
    1 min walk
  • Glenorchy Golf Club
    33 min drive
  • Glenorchy Wharf
    34 min drive
  • Queenstown (ZQN-Queenstown Intl.)
    113 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cottage

Cottage | Exterior

Cottage

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 12
  • 2 Queen Beds, 2 Double Beds and 4 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

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

Superior King Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

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

Basic Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Romantic Room

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

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

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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

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

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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 curtains, WiFi

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

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

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Single Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Single Beds, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom | Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, 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

Similar properties

Front of property

The Headwaters Eco Lodge

Breakfast included
Spa
Pet-friendly
Parking included
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, (21)
The price is €462
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
10 Jan - 11 Jan
The Headwaters Eco Lodge

About this property

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Eco-certified hostel with coffee shop/cafe and restaurant
A restaurant, a bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe are available at this smoke-free hostel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include Access to hot tub, coffee/tea in a common area and a microwave in a common area. Housekeeping is available on request.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers 19 accommodations with shared/communal kitchens and a hairdryer. Rooms open to balconies or patios. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate dining areas. Full-sized fridge/freezers, microwaves and rice cookers are provided. Additionally, rooms include free toiletries and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on request.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include Access to hot tub.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

During your stay at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, you're just a quick walk from Lake Wakatipu. You'll find features such as free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking, plus a restaurant.
  • Free Wi-Fi in some public areas
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy local cuisine while dining at The Fernery
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • On-site recreation includes kayaking and bicycles to rent
  • 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Wakatipu and 10.5 mi (16.9 km) from Routeburn Track
  • Local-area shuttle service available for a fee
  • Dogs welcome free of charge (restrictions apply)
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 metres) 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.

For a fee, guests can enjoy a cooked-to-order breakfast daily from 8 AM to 10:00 AM.
The Fernery – This restaurant specialises 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.
A hosted evening meal is available for a surcharge daily. Reservations are required.

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

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
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Spa tub
  • 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

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 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.

Payment types at the property

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 per cent

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

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and a first aid kit
The front desk at this property is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in information and an access code. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

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

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 108 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 32 out of 108 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 108 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 108 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 108 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Travelled with family
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

Catherine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hazel

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

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

2/10 Terrible

edward

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

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

Gary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

G

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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