Image: Stefan Marks | Creative Commons
Lake Wakatipu at Kinloch.
Kinloch Campsite

Located in Glenorchy area in the Otago region

Camp on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. Explore the area along the Caples or the Greenstone tramping tracks. Swim, kayak, fish or go boating on the lake, or enjoy the scenery.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Kinloch Campsite online

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

From Glenorchy follow the Glenorchy - Paradise Rd, turn left into Priory Rd then right into Glenorchy - Routeburn Rd. Follow to Kinloch Rd. Kinloch Campsite is 27 km from Glenorchy. 

Gravel from Dart River bridge. The road and campsite are prone to flooding and can be inaccessible in heavy rain.

Location

Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1232567-N5023919
Latitude: -44.84371667, Longitude: 168.34999424

Boil water for your own protection.

Booking from the campsite might not be possible

Mobile phone coverage is patchy at this campsite. It is recommended to book and paying for the  campsite on the DOC booking system before arriving.

Choosing a safe tent site

For your safety we recommend not camping under the trees at this campsite. 

Water Safety 

Be aware that the head of the lake is a challenging place for swimming and can be dangerous. There are strong currents where the river meets the lake, and the lake is very cold.

Kinloch is in a remote area so if you get into trouble it can take a long time to get help.

Read more about safety when swimming, boating and fishing.