Reporter chronicles stay at New Zealand's tiniest abode: "Impression of the petite dwelling in New Zealand lingers strongly with me"
The Most Enchanting Overnight Stay in New Zealand: Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
The Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, nestled on Lake Wakatipu's edge in New Zealand, is a charm unlike any other. This haven is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Misty mountains, serene waters, and a tranquil aura that makes mornings pure magic.
I recently experienced this enchanting land, staying in luxury hotels, humble houses with outhouses, but the most magical was a small house near Queenstown in New Zealand.
Discover the Magic of Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
The retreat's petite houses, part of this idyllic space, offer astounding vistas of New Zealand's untouched beauty.
New Zealand, the land of Hobbits and wizards, folklore and fairies, is an exquisite reminder of untamed nature. In my summer of 2022 adventures, I was captivated by this romantic land.
Embrace the Quaintness of a Small House Outside Queenstown
This tiny retreat, hidden among magnificent scenery, features a café, eatery, two small houses, a lodge, a lakeside house, and simple accommodations for travelers. The diversity in accommodation types ensures something for every taste and budget. I opted for one of the cozy small houses, spending around $195 per night.
In June 2025, a night in the same house will cost approximately $386 for two people.
Most tourists come from Queenstown, which is approximately an hour away via the scenic Glenorchy-Queenstown road.
Journey to the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
Setting off for the retreat, I drove along winding roads that hugged Lake Wakatipu and mountains. After some time, I arrived at a cluster of buildings that would be my enchanting overnight home.
A warm welcome awaited me, as the owners' two dogs took charge. One of the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat owners then greeted me, checked me in, and guided me to my oh-so-charming house.
Upon entering the small house, I was turned away by the warmth that filled the space. The room, crafted predominantly from wood, exuded an earthy scent. In one corner of the room stood a massive, inviting bed with a panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu.
Hidden storage space transformed a padded bench in front of the window into a pull-out television screen, and a spacious living area with a small L-shaped couch and coffee tables completed the cozy space. At the back of the house was a compact yet luxurious bathroom with a heated towel rack and rain shower.
Outside, a scenic hot tub awaited visitors. The original cabin, built in 1868 for lumberjacks and tourists, still stood proudly on the property.
The Kinloch Wilderness Retreat was purchased by Toni and John Glover in 2000. In 2016, they commissioned two modern houses inspired by the surrounding views.
Dinner arrived after an evening spent admiring the stars from the hot tub. My meal consisted of a large salad brimming with fresh vegetables from the neighboring garden, crispy chickpeas, cauliflower, shallots, and dressing.
My fears of leaving this magical haven increased the next morning as I woke up to two playful puppies waiting at my door. After breakfast and packing, I reluctantly bid the retreat farewell, still pondering over what made my stay so extraordinary.
The charm lay in the thoughtful details, from the garden-fresh vegetables in my meal to the warm towel after my whirlpool bath - every facet of my experience was meticulously planned for my comfort and enjoyment. New Zealand's Kinloch Wilderness Retreat offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting visitors to pause, breathe, and revel in tranquility.
- What made my stay at the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat so extraordinary was the consideration given to every detail, from the garden-fresh vegetables in my meal to the warm towel after my whirlpool bath.
- Embracing the quaintness of a small house outside Queenstown, I opted for one of the cozy accommodations, enjoying the petite house's lavish views of New Zealand's untouched beauty, ideal for travelers desiring a unique lifestyle escape.
