Kinloch is a hamlet with a historic lodge and DOC campsite at the northwest end of Lake Wakatipu, and a 30-minute drive west of Glenorchy. The lodge has a range of accommodations for different budgets and a cafe/restaurant. Although the location is relatively remote, the accommodation makes it an excellent alternative to Glenorchy for exploring the top of the lake and the surrounding hiking trails. It is also an excellent option for a night after completing one of the multi-day hikes, such as the Routeburn, Greenstone Caples, or Rees Dart Tracks. If you stay the night, dawn is a treat, with the sun rising over the Richardson Mountains on the far side of the lake.
From Kinloch, there are multiple hiking options in easy reach. Explore the historic wharf and river gravels next to the campsite and Lodge. The hamlet was originally developed in the 1860s on the lake's edge, just south of the mouth of the Dart River. However, over the last decade, the river has shifted direction, and substantial amounts of gravel have accumulated near the shore. This has marooned the historic wharf, but you can walk out onto the gravels to the new river mouth about 100 metres southeast of the campsite and wharf. You can also still participate in on-water activities, including swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating.
There is also the easy Kinloch Nature Walk through the beech forest that starts from Greenstone Station Road, a few minutes walk south from the lodge. Driving south to the end of Greenstone Station Road takes you to the start of the Greenstone and Caples Tracks and access to the scenic 5 to 6-hour Rere Lake Walk. Heading north from Kinloch provides access to the rugged day tramps that go high into the Humboldt Mountains, including the Glacier Burn Track and Scotts Creek Track. Continuing to the end of Routeburn Road provides access to the easy Lake Sylvan Track and a day walk option on the Routeburn.
Kinloch also has a fascinating history. For Māori, it was a waypoint on the tracks that provided access to the Hollyford Valley and then to Westland. These tracks provided early access for European explorers and eventually morphed into the modern hiking tracks. The first Europeans at Kinloch focused on forestry and were connected to Queenstown and Kingston by steamboat. The first lodge, established as the Glacier Hotel by Richard Bryant and his family, was designed to support local workers. By the 1880s, tourism was becoming a thing, and steamboats were regularly bringing people to the top of the lake to explore the Routeburn and Lake Rere. Around 90 years later, the bridge over the Dart River was the final road link, and the steamboats were confined to tourist cruises on the Earnslaw out of Queenstown.
To reach Kinloch, take Glenorchy Paradise Road from Glenorchy, then turn onto Priory Road at the intersection with Paradise Road. After a short drive around the south end of Mount Alfred, follow the highway right onto Glenorchy Routeburn Road until you reach gravel Kinloch Road. Follow this south to Kinloch.
Be aware that Kinloch Road is prone to flooding and may become temporarily inaccessible during heavy rain.
