Kinloch Wilderness Retreat is a remote, lakeside wilderness lodge located just a stones throw from the Routeburn and Greenstone tracks. A peaceful location with amazing lake and mountain views, only 1hr from Queenstown via a stunning drive around the head of the lake. Since 1868 there has been hospitality offered at Kinloch, with our Heritage Lodge dating back to these times. Our restaurant offers delicious food made with local and organic ingredients and can accommodate all dietary requirements. Our guest kitchen is fully equipped if guests prefer to self-cater. Sustainability and care for our environment is key to operating in our location and we try to tread as lightly we can. Over the years we have created a vegetable garden, stopped takeaway cups, installed many solar panels and batteries, switched to EVs, moved to heatpumps to keep everyone cozy, we use local suppliers and contractors as much as possible, and so much more. We have e-bikes, e-motorbikes, and fishing rods for hire. The hot tub is always on and perfect at any time of day. In warmer months we offer guided kayak trips along the shoreline. When we have a yoga teacher on staff there are yoga classes in our yurt, nestled in the beech forest, and the space can be hired by guests for personal use. Our new (in 2025) Wai Area contains a large spa pool, infrared sauna, and ice shower for some wellness relaxation.

We offer a variety of accommodation ranging from 4-share bunkrooms, private double and family rooms, through to our Heritage Lodge rooms dating back to 1868. Wilderness rooms share central bathroom facilities, with 1 room ensuite, and the Heritage rooms share 2 bathrooms. In total we can sleep 57 (including our EcoScapes) and the site has hosted plenty of celebrations over the years.

Facilities on site to enable guests to relax and enjoy their stay include a hot tub, book exchange, board games, a communal lounge and a TV room, perfect after an active day. Guests can self-cater or enjoy a meal in our restaurant full of boutique beers, award winning wine, with food from breakfast through to dinner, plus happy hour daily. All dietary requirements can be catered for and we have a kids menu for those under 12.

Local activities include hiking (there are many more than the Routeburn), kayaking, fishing, jetboating, horse-trekking, ziplining, flying or simply enjoying the magnificent natural surroundings. On site there are e-bikes, e-motorbikes, and fishing rods for hire. In warmer months we offer guided kayak trips along the shoreline. When we have a yoga teacher on staff there are yoga classes in our yurt, nestled in the beech forest, and the space can be hired by guests for personal use. Our new (in 2025) Wai Area contains a large spa pool, infrared sauna, and ice shower for some wellness relaxation.

The perfect base to enjoy and explore natural beauty with some of the freshest air and tastiest water around.