Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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

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

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Room options

Basic Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Romantic Room

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

Twin Room

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

Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

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

Triple Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 3 Twin Beds

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Double Room, Ensuite

  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Kinloch

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat places you adjacent to Lake Wakatipu. This 19-room, 4-star hostel welcomes guests with a restaurant, free self parking, and a hot tub.

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

Eco-certified hostel with a coffee shop and a restaurant
Renovated in 2023, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and conference space. There's free parking and an area shuttle for a fee. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage and tours/tickets. Additional amenities include coffee/tea in a common area, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area.
Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include balconies or patios, dining areas, and refrigerators. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include a hot tub.

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

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 amenities

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

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 elevator
  • 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
  • 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

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for NZD 50 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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, 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking, along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • 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

What can I see within easy reach of Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

This hostel is located in Kinloch, just steps from Lake Wakatipu. You'll also find Glenorchy Wharf and Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve nearby.

Is there parking available at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hostel. Electric car charging and bicycle parking are also available.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a casino?

No, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

What do couples enjoy most about Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

This waterfront hostel offers many amenities for couples such as a bar and a restaurant with some rooms featuring fireplaces.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a hot tub?

Yes, this hostel has a spa tub.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at The Fernery.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, dogs can stay for free at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

Where is the closest airport to Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

The closest major airport to Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), which is about 22.7 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?

Yes, every room at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat comes with a balcony with some featuring lake or mountain views.

Does Kinloch Wilderness Retreat have a wedding venue?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.

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