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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property
Travelers find a peaceful wilderness retreat on Lake Wakatipu's shores, where nature views accompany local cuisine at The Fernery restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat near Lake Wakatipu offers an eco-certified experience. Enjoy coffee at the café, relax in the garden or spa tub, and enjoy cycling and fishing nearby. The Fernery restaurant serves local cuisine, and free WiFi in public areas keeps you connected.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
The current price is ￥13,115
￥15,253 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2026

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

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 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
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 | 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 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 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 Twin Room

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

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 refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Fireplace
Heating
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Renovated in 2023
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
9372, Otago, Kinloch, 862 Kinloch Road

What's nearby

  • Lake Wakatipu - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve - 39 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Glenorchy Wharf - 39 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) - 113 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Sugar Loaf Cafe - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Akin - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Glenorchy Cafe - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Mr. Glen’s Taphouse & Tapas - ‬33 min drive
  • ‪Queenies Dumplings GY - ‬33 min drive

About this property

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

Upscale hostel remodeled 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 travelers can enjoy amenities like 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/game room and a library.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike rentals, and an area shuttle
  • An electric car charging station, coffee/tea in the lobby, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as separate dining areas, in addition to amenities like WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Eco-friendly toiletries and hair dryers
  • Balconies or patios, separate dining areas, and recycling

Similar properties

Front of property
Pinewood Queenstown
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry
7.6 out of 10, Good, 646 reviews
The price is ￥12,013
￥13,815 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 26 - Jan 27, 2026
Pinewood Queenstown

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
  • Limited onsite self parking

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
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets stay 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 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

  • 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

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, 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

We should mention

This property does not have 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

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 Dec 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on Jan 16, 2026 start from ￥13,115, 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.

How much is parking?

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?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kinloch Wilderness Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this 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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Reviews

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.6

Staff & service

9.2

Eco-friendliness

7.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 127 reviews

Reviews

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

Alicia

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

Jane

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

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

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

Rosalie

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

4/10 Poor

Stefani

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adrian

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

kenneth

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was nice place —-but no bed awful though
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024