Room check: Kinloch Lodge, Glenorchy

There's a relaxed, friendly vibe at remote Kinloch Lodge. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

Shandelle Battersby checks into a remote Central Otago lodge that's worth the journey.

Location? Kinloch is a tiny settlement at the top of beautiful Lake Wakatipu which houses nothing else except the lodge, a jetty, a few houses and a rough area for camping. And this is precisely why you come here.

Check-in experience? A cheerful sign on the reception hut directs us to the Lodge's restaurant and bar, where we're given a quick run-down and implored (not in a bad way) to stay another night. We can see why: one night is not enough in this lovely place.

Room? We're travelling on a budget so go for the Wilderness Twin - basic but cosy with a heater, sofa, plenty of blankets and even a hot water bottle.

Price? $99 for us, though there are varying levels of accommodation here, from family rooms and bunk rooms to more luxurious rooms in the historic 19th-century Heritage Lodge. These start at $180 a night.

Who owns it? It's privately owned by John and Toni Glover. Toni seemed to be manning everything when we were there - from check-in to bar service.

What's so good about this place? Apart from its remoteness and stunning location, we really liked the relaxed, friendly vibe and were particularly taken with the hot tub on the hill overlooking the lake.

And the bad? The sandflies. The blighters are everywhere, but there is plenty of repellent about the place to help you out.

The lodge has a range of accommodation options, from family and bunk rooms to more luxurious rooms in the historic 19th-century Heritage Lodge. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

What's in the neighbourhood? See top. But not too far away is the beginning of the famed Routeburn Track and several other day walks of varying lengths. Kinloch is a one-hour drive from Queenstown via Glenorchy, but the last 9km of that is unsealed. You can also get a boat from Glenorchy to Kinloch daily at 12.30pm (bookings essential).

The bed? Nothing flash but perfectly comfy.

A room with a view? Ours overlooked a charming ramshackle area with tables and two barbecues.

The bathroom? We shared about six showers with the other guests in this part of the lodge.

Toiletries? This is not that sort of place - BYO.

The lodge's stunning setting will make you want to extend your stay. Photo / Shandelle Battersby

Noise? It's deathly quiet, except for the birds and the fellow guests.

Food and drink? The lodge's restaurant and bar is really good but you have the option of self-catering.

Perfect for? Before and after a tramp or for a complete break from the everyday grind.

Would I return? I'm changing my computer desktop picture to a shot of the lake from the lodge's restaurant so that every time I feel stressed I can pretend I'm back there without a care in the world.

CHECKLIST

Kinloch Lodge is at 862 Kinloch Rd, Kinloch, Glenorchy, Central Otago. Phone: 03 442 4900.