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Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Kinloch Wilderness Retreat

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

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
862 Kinloch Road, Kinloch, Otago, 9372
  • Place, Glenorchy Golf Club
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Glenorchy Waterfront Reserve
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Glenorchy Wharf
    ‪35 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 | 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

Double Room, Ensuite | View from room

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

Similar properties

Exterior
Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge
Glenorchy
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.9 out of 5, Exceptional, 34 reviews
The price is €454
includes taxes & fees
26 Jun - 27 Jun
Headwaters Glenorchy Eco Lodge

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
  • 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
  • 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
This property uses some solar energy
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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Sandeep

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place should not be there on Expedia. For the price it is it’s a no go to anyone. Most unhygienic place I have stayed in my entire life with shared bathroom experience. The towels were with smells and stains ( not sure if they were just dried and rolled back), sometimes there were no towels. The hand soap was a manual squeeze type and with 10 people sharing it I expected it to be hands free. The toilet did not have any seat paper or disinfectant towels to wipe them before use. I have been having skin rashes after using them though I wiped off the seats with paper. The rooms are so cramped and the power plugs don’t work. The place isn’t a distinct one to be honest and New Zealand has so many of those trails and spots for outdoor activities. Total disappointment and waste of money and they are just waiting for people to book and with a no refund policy or a no cancellation policy. If the place is really good it would be booked all the time or even in last minute and they still had empty rooms. Not worth going that far on a unpaved road for a disappointmentz
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

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

10/10 Excellent

Libby

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

10/10 Excellent

Marik

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

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