Kinloch Lodge - Backpacker

What People are saying

Lovely location - Worth the drive down the dusty gravel road

Chris M on 24/01/2018 07:42

We booked the double ensuite - and it was roomy and clean. Outside the door we had a bench and table that overlooked the river and mountains. That and a bottle of NZ wine are all you need for a lovely stay.

Quiet and Quaint- relaxing!

TamiTam on 22/01/2018 14:45

For a relaxing stay, look at this lodge! Really nice place with 100 year-old character. The old and creaky floorboards added to the charm. Sure, we had to share bathrooms, but that wasn’t a big deal. What made it special was the quiet surroundings and the setting away from Glenorchy. Our morning breakfast and amazing lake-front and mountain view make this place special. And the food served on site is impressive as well. The one knock was the camp ground across the road. A few campers came across the road and used our shared bathrooms, even though the signs say bathrooms are for patrons only.

A hidden paradise

MichelleC42 on 06/01/2018 08:52

Due to an awful bout of stomach flu, what was meant to be a 3 night stay either end of the Rees Dart, became a 7 night stay with ample day walks after recovery. However, due to the season (Christmas) we had to move rooms a lot. Therefore, I feel I am now somewhat of an expert on the rooms in this wonderful place so should be of some help to prospective guests. Read on...
Our first room was a wilderness super king. We paid $145 per night. This room was lovely - huge king bed, plus a single bed, so this would suit a couple with a small child, or just a couple. The views from the room were incredible, and these rooms have chairs outside so you can sit and take in the extraordinary vista with which you are presented.
Our second room was a wilderness double. We paid $115 and this gave us a small room with a double bed and again, those same amazing views! This room was quite small, and I would pay the extra for a king if you are a couple, but for one person this room is perfect.
We then moved to the Heritage Lodge. This is a house with about 6 or so rooms and two shared bathrooms, and a lounge area. We paid $175 and had a very small room with a double bed and no views from the room - only two of the rooms have direct views - but for the extra $30 you get some lovely little touches - like bath robes, shampoo and conditioner in the far superior shower, tea and coffee and biscuits. So if you are after a little bit of luxury this would be a good choice, although keep in mind that the room itself is very small. Having said that, this really isn't the kind of place where you spend much time in the room! There is a balcony at the front of the house where you sit and gaze at a view, which, in my opinion, never gets boring.
The fourth room we stayed in was a budget room. We paid $105 and this room does not have views but has a bunk bed with a double on the bottom and single on top, and a small sofa, so it's actually quite spacious. We really liked this room for the extra space, and again, you really don't spend much time in the room. This room is quite near the kitchen, so we were worried about noise of people coming and going, but it really wasn't an issue.
So the only rooms we didn't experience were the dorm rooms, so I can't be of help there, but I am sure they are just as lovely as the rest.
Turning to the facilities - if you want to cook there is a kitchen with a spacious living area. It is fully equipped and has everything you need. There is also an outdoor area for those denied the views from their rooms - you can sit out here to eat as well. Just beware of sandflies - the little buggers are everywhere! So come prepared!
There is also a TV room which no one uses because why would you!? But this is an option for kids or a rainy day.
The shower rooms are shared and have two cubicles in each set to a timer of 10 minutes. The hot water is iffy - it didn't always work, but we just switched to another shower when that happened.
The place also has a hot tub that is DIVINE. It has magnificent views and what better way to unwind after a day's hike? Speaking of which, there are plenty of really great short walks you can do around here, so the disappointment of not being able to do the Rees Dart was quickly replaced with awe in what we were able to do. I recommend the Lake Rere loop (take a dip in the lake! It's lovely!), and climbing Mt Alfred for some amazing views (this latter a very tough, steep climb, but so worth it), and also the easier option of Lake Sylvan provides more great views.
Finally - the restaurant and bar: the restaurant has a couple of menus - a cafe menu and a fancier option with two or three courses. If you are going to eat there they like you to pre-order so they can prepare exactly what they need and not waste anything. I recommend the venison stew. Also the vegetarian nachos were the best I've ever had. The only thing I would say here is that in summer the restaurant closes a little early - at 8. Since daylight is so long, staying open until 9 would be a good option, as it would allow guests to relax over dessert or enjoy a digestif. Also, happy hour is from 5-6, but as only a dollar comes of the beer it didn't seem so "happy".
To sum up - this fabulous place is really an upmarket backpackers - so if you want five star luxury with an ensuite and flat screen TV, do not stay here. But if you want amazing views, a comfortable bed, caring and dedicated staff, and friendly management, this is the place to stay. I hope to return one day to finally do the Rees Dart, and this will be the place I stay. Thank you so much to all the staff who were so sympathetic to my illness, and did what they could to ensure we had a wonderful time.

Extremely disappointing

Diggitydag on 04/01/2018 00:46

Make sure you know what you are booking at Kinloch Lodge. The "Inn" has lovely rooms overlooking the lake, comfy-looking double beds, etc. The "hostel" has small rooms with uncomfortable, thin mattresses on the beds. Ours was a hostel room, right beside the kitchen door, which was slammed regularly until late at night and from very early in the morning. The fridge was right against the wall with the bed, with the motor turning on throughout the night. Our "window" looked out onto the hallway, so our room was flooded with light whenever anyone turned on the light to enter the kitchen. The room should NOT be rented out, but used as a storage closet.

As for shared facilities, the shower was freezing cold (others had hot water, but the one I used was broken - no sign or warning), and the hot tub scummy with leaves and debris - unusable, really.

Such a disappointment after a long hike.

Such a special corner of the world

vickscooper on 12/12/2017 08:49

I still feel after all these years, I still want it to be hidden! It is a retreat from the busy-ness of Queenstown, a mere stones throw away. John and Toni are always so welcoming, the food is great - and the spot is very special. The hot tub with a view a huge drawcard. I am never disappointed..Vicky Cooper