Why stay in Glenorchy or Kinloch instead of Queenstown: 6 reasons why the top of Lake Wakatipu is the place to be



Travelling south in New Zealand, you're heading to Queenstown, right?


Wrong. Read this and you'll switch the dial on your sat-nav to Kinloch or Glenorchy. Still on the banks of Lake Wakatipu but away from the hustle and bustle. 

Oh, and it's one step closer to Paradise. No really, it is.  

Below are five reasons why the top of Lake Wakatipu is the place to be:


Quiet Kinloch - the gateway to Paradise - or busy (albeit beautiful) Queenstown?

The sound of silence:

 Queenstown is great but it’s busy, really busy. Kinloch Lodge offers tranquility but not isolation. 

We're nestled in the northeast tip of Lake Wakatipu but are only a 25-minute drive to cosy Glenorchy and just over an hour to Queenstown. So, you can enjoy all the hustle and bustle of New Zealand's top tourist town while being comfortable in the knowledge you have some peace and quiet to come home too.

If the lights of Queenstown are not for you, we have an onsite bar, café and restaurant selling delicious cooked, locally-sourced produce and irresistible sweet treats.

Tempting, right?



Kinloch Lodge is tranquil but not isolate - we're a 20 minute drive to Glenorchy and just over an hour from Queenstown


A trampers' paradise:

Want to tackle the Routeburn Track - one of New Zealand's most popular walks? 

Or how about the less-walked but just as beautiful Greenstone/Caples Tracks? 

Here at Kinloch we are a 15-minute drive or less to both. And, if you don't have a car, we offer affordable, daily transfers to and from the start. So there's no need to drive all the way from Queenstown. Here, the best hikes are on your doorstep.

There are plenty more hikes, walks or tramps too for all ages, abilities and weather. The area boasts over 19 different tracks. Click here to read about just some of them.

The Greenstone (top l and r) and Routeburn Tracks are right on our doorstep

Activities galore:

Sure Queenstown has bags to do but don't underestimate little ole Kinloch and Glenorchy - there's bags to do. From kayaking to horse-riding, skydiving to jet-boating. The top of the lake has you covered. 

Below are a list of some of the companies operating exciting adventures in the area:


Kayak Kinoch - our sister business offers guided kayak tours and fishing trips. Set off early to catch the sunrise or watch the sunset over the mountains. Summer only

Dart River Adventures - jet-boating, funks and horse-riding

 High Country Horses - horse riding; day and overnight trips

 HeliGlenorchy - scenic helicopter trips

 Glenorchy Air - flights to Milford Sound and cruise packages 
Enjoy a sunset or sunrise from the seat of your kayak with Kayak Kinloch

Cracking coffee:

You might be away from it all but you're spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee in Glenorchy or Queenstown. 

 Join us in our Kinloch Lodge restaurant and café for cup of our finest - using only the clearest glacial water from Lake Wakatipu...

 Or, if you're Glenorchy, pop into The Trading Post. Our boutique café sells a range of sweet and baked treats, unique gifts and the BEST coffee in town. Ask anyone. 

On the doorstep to Paradise:

In Kinloch you really are on the doorstep to Paradise - one of the most beautiful places in the South Island.

It's no wonder some of Hollywood's top movie directors have chose this location - less than a 30-minutre drive from Kinloch - as the setting for their films. 

Take a walks around the beautiful Diamond Lake and see if you can recognise the sights from films such as Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Mission Impossible 6, Wolverine and the Chronicles of Narnia. 

Diamond Lake, Paradise
Location: Glenorchy 9372, New Zealand

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