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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

View from property
View from property
Outdoor spa tub
A white building with a black roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a white picket fence.
A bedroom with a bed, a window with a view, a door, and a chair.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services

Explore the area

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

Room options

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

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

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

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

View all photos for Double Room, Ensuite

A bedroom with two windows, a bed, a lamp, and a view of mountains and greenery.

Double Room, Ensuite

  • Mountain 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 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

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

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Double Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Double Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

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

Twin Room

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

View all photos for Romantic Room

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Romantic Room

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

Family Room, 1 Bedroom, Shared Bathroom, Mountain View

  • Sleeps 5
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bed In Standard Room, Mixed Dorm, Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Superior King Room With Shared Bathroom

Individually decorated, individually furnished, blackout curtains, WiFi

Superior King Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free Wi-Fi

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4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,586 reviews
The price is CHF 118
includes taxes & fees
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About this property

Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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 a 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 a 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 bicycles to rent and kayaking
  • 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Wakatipu and 10.6 mi (17 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 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.

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
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
  • Built in 1868
  • Communal living room
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Locally sourced food prioritised
  • 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
  • Some LED lighting used
  • 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
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.

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 credit cards, debit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
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
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 at the property.

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

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 150 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 150 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 150 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 150 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 150 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a stunning spot, and the Retreat is really well set up. Whether you are looking for a bit of luxury retreat, or a base for outdoor activities. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location, clean comfortable room, great food and friendly and welcoming staff
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I had 2 nights in the heritage lodge
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Libby

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Warm welcome, stunning setting, local business, luscious food, spotless.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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

10/10 Excellent

Yu

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fancy and clean
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room was a bit cramped and tired for the price but the facilities were excellent. Sorry to hear about Wilbur
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lyrol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We arrived for a late-night check-in after the office had already closed, but a quick call to the property's service line changed everything. The staff was incredibly accommodating, greeting us with such warmth and professionalism that any travel stress immediately vanished. They handled our after-hours arrival seamlessly, making the entire process feel effortless despite the late hour. To top it off, we absolutely love our room—waking up to the stunning view of the river and mountains was the perfect start to our stay. We had such a wonderful experience that we will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Rosalie

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Elds

The stay was okay because of the nice view, but overall, I’d rate it 3 stars. The road leading there is very rocky and unpleasant, especially if you have a low-clearance car. There were no instructions or details mentioning that the town is quite far or that you can’t get food anywhere except for their on-site restaurant. Finally, for $243 a night, standard coffee should be provided—especially in cold weather. Even basic motels provide that.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Wilfred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We got a small room with somewhat uncomfortable mattresses. Access to the shared bathroom required us to go outside at night. The shared kitchen was large and well equipped, but it needed a deep clean, and there was no hot water to wash the shared dishes. We were satisfied with our stay, but we expected more for the price we had paid.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The wilderness retreat is a beautiful and peaceful little oasis on the dart river and the drive in/out is stunning. The kitchen had everything you needed and it was nice to make some connections in the common area. The showers have a 10 min light timer on them for the sake of sustainability which I understand but is just something to note after a long day of adventuring. We stayed here in the midst of doing van life on S Island and the bathrooms were similar to the holiday parks. Public, lots of bugs and kind of stinky but there were enough that I never had to wait for one when needed.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

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

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
Verified

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