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.
Located in Kinloch, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Wakatipu and Routeburn Track. Routeburn Shelter and Greenstone Track are two other places to visit that come recommended. Rafting and boat tours offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and rock climbing nearby. Visit our Kinloch travel guide
Upscale hostel remodelled 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 travellers can enjoy amenities, such as 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/games room and a library.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
Free self-parking
Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), bike hire and a local area shuttle
An electric car charging station, gas grills and a vegetable garden
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and include comforts such as separate dining areas, in addition to amenities such as WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
Eco-friendly toiletries and hairdryers
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.
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 stay for 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 on 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
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
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 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
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
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.
How much does it cost to stay at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?
As of 8 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat on 1 Apr 2026 start from ฿2,942, 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 at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat?
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?
Checkout 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
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.2
Cleanliness
8.8
Location
8.6
Staff & service
7.8
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 134 reviews
10 - Excellent
67
Rating 8 - Good. 40 out of 134 reviews
8 - Good
40
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 134 reviews
6 - Okay
12
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 134 reviews
4 - Poor
7
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 134 reviews
2 - Terrible
8
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Sarah
14 Nov 2025
Absolutely fantastic retreat close to all the great hikes on the South Island!
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.
Thomas
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Lukasz
20 Oct 2025
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
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.
Nedra
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
4/10 Poor
Stefani
22 Dec 2025
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.
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.
Amazing views - though shared toilets/showers/kitchen everything was very well organised - bedding was really comfortable - staff extremely friendly and accommodating
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.
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.
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!
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.
John
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
8/10 Good
Leonie
5 Apr 2025
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.