Exploring Kinloch: A Remote Retreat by Lake Wakatipu
Kinloch is a small settlement located at the northwest end of Lake Wakatipu near the mouth of the Dart River, just a 30-minute drive west of Glenorchy. This remote hamlet is an excellent base for exploring the top of the lake and its surrounding hiking trails. The historic lodge in Kinloch offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and includes a café and restaurant. It's an ideal spot for a restful night after completing multi-day hikes like the Routeburn, Greenstone Caples, or Rees Dart Tracks. If you stay overnight, you'll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise over the Richardson Mountains across the lake.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Kinloch provides easy access to numerous hiking options. You can explore the historic wharf and river gravels near the campsite and lodge, The Dart River has shifted over the years, depositing gravel near the shore and marooning the historic wharf. You can walk across these gravels to reach the river mouth, about 100 metres southeast of the DOC campsite and wharf. Water activities such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and boating are also available.
The Kinloch Nature Walk is an easy trail through beech forest, starting from Greenstone Station Road, a short walk south of the lodge. Driving to the end of Greenstone Station Road leads to the start of the Greenstone and Caples Tracks, as well as the scenic 5 to 6-hour Rere Lake Walk. Heading north from Kinloch, you can access challenging day tramps into the Humboldt Mountains, including the Glacier Burn Track and Scotts Creek Track. The end of Routeburn Road offers access to the easy Lake Sylvan Track and a day walk option on the Routeburn.
Historical Significance
Kinloch has a fascinating history. For Māori, it served as a waypoint on tracks leading to the Hollyford Valley and Westland. These routes later facilitated European exploration and evolved into modern hiking tracks.
Originally developed in the 1860s, the first Europeans in Kinloch focused on forestry, connecting to Queenstown and Kingston by steamboat. Richard Bryant and his family established the first lodge, the Glacier Hotel, to support local workers. By the 1880s, tourism was growing, with steamboats regularly bringing visitors to explore the Routeburn and Lake Rere. About 90 years later, the Dart River bridge completed the road link, and steamboats were limited to tourist cruises on the Earnslaw from Queenstown.
How to Get There
To reach Kinloch, drive from Glenorchy along Glenorchy Paradise Road. 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 the gravel Kinloch Road. Continue south on this road to arrive at Kinloch. Be aware that Kinloch Road can flood and may be temporarily inaccessible during heavy rain.
