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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
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
The current price is P5,640
P6,487 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
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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 cycling and fishing 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, barbecue grills, and a TV in the lobby
  • 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

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.

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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 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, 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.

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 May 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on May 28, 2026 start from P5,640, 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

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 149 reviews

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

Yu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Rob

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
Verified

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
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