Book
Book
Kinloch: A Luxury Base in New Zealand’s Adventure Capital
Located above the shores of Lake Taupō, Kinloch Manor & Villas is a luxury lodge destination in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island. The property sits beside the internationally recognised Kinloch Club Golf Course, the only golf course in New Zealand designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Surrounded by rolling farmland, native bush and panoramic lake views, Kinloch Manor offers a refined countryside retreat within easy reach of some of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions.
Just 20 minutes from Taupō, Kinloch is known internationally for trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking and lake activities. Nearby highlights include the powerful Huka Falls, one of the country’s most visited natural attractions, and the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes. The park is home to the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing, widely regarded as one of the world’s best one-day hikes. Here, guests can experience steaming craters, emerald lakes, and expansive alpine scenery—an unforgettable contrast to the tranquil setting of Kinloch Manor.
The geothermal destination of Rotorua is also within easy driving distance of Kinloch Manor. Rotorua is known for its dramatic geothermal landscapes, steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools and rich Māori cultural heritage. Visitors can explore geothermal parks such as Te Puia, home to the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.
For international travellers looking for a luxury base to explore New Zealand’s North Island, Kinloch Manor offers both privacy and access to world-class experiences. Guests can play championship golf at the Kinloch Club Golf Course, enjoy fly fishing on Lake Taupō, explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, or hike through the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park before returning to the tranquillity of the estate.
A world class lodge, golf and estate destination on Lake Taupo
Kinloch is a luxury lodge, golf, and estate destination located on the shores of Lake Taupō in New Zealand. It is internationally recognised for its design, setting, and world‑class golf, and is home to New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
The Kinloch Golf Course was personally designed by Jack Nicklaus and is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive championship layouts in the world. Combining traditional links principles with parkland features, the course delivers a strategic, mentally engaging playing experience that rewards thoughtful play rather than power alone. Since opening, Kinloch has earned global recognition and continues to rank among New Zealand’s leading golf courses.
Kinloch entered a new era in 2011 when it was acquired by John Sax, executive director of Southpark Corporation and owner of Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate. His vision was to create a truly world‑class lodge and estate, integrating championship golf, refined accommodation, and exceptional hospitality within one of the country’s most scenic environments. Under this ownership, Kinloch has been carefully developed as a premium destination for both golfers and luxury travellers.
The Kinloch Lodge is a modern interpretation of classic baronial architecture, inspired by Scotland’s Kinloch Castle. Designed by award‑winning architect Andrew Patterson, the lodge is built from locally sourced materials and positioned to overlook Lake Taupō and the golf course. Interior spaces were created by internationally respected designer Virginia Fisher, whose work is known for combining natural textures, warmth, and understated luxury. Guest accommodation includes opulent lodge suites as well as two‑ and three‑bedroom villas located directly on the course.
Kinloch offers a complete estate experience. Guests enjoy fine dining that emphasises seasonal, estate‑reared, and locally sourced produce, an onsite spa specialising in therapeutic and wellness treatments, tennis courts, and direct access to the natural attractions of the central North Island. Activities include golf, trout fishing, lake sports, geothermal experiences, scenic flights, and curated outdoor adventures.
At its core, Kinloch is defined by care, integrity, and long‑term stewardship. Every aspect of the estate—from architecture and landscape to service and experience—is designed to feel authentic, considered, and enduring. Guests choose Kinloch for its proven pedigree, its sense of privacy and scale, and its commitment to delivering an experience that is quietly exceptional, consistently refined, and unmistakably Kinloch.
Kinloch Manor & Villas delivers an exceptional luxury lodge experience overlooking Lake Taupō, combining championship golf, refined accommodation, estate-to-plate dining, and immersive nature encounters in one destination. Guests enjoy priority access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, concierge planning, and a setting that balances seclusion with adventure. The lodge also offers the unique opportunity to create a multi-lodge itinerary with Treetops Lodge & Estate near Rotorua, allowing travellers to experience both an alpine-lake retreat and a native forest wilderness sanctuary within a single journey. Whether travelling as a couple, family, executive team, or celebrating a milestone occasion, Kinloch Manor provides a tailored and deeply memorable New Zealand luxury escape.
A minimum stay of three nights is recommended to fully enjoy the golf course, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and the many activities available around Lake Taupō. However, a five-night stay or longer allows for a more immersive North Island experience, including hiking, water-based adventures, cultural excursions, geothermal exploration, and you are welcome to extend further with the option of combining your stay with Treetops Lodge & Estate for a dual-destination luxury itinerary.
Kinloch Manor & Villas offers a collection of elegant suites and spacious residences designed for privacy, comfort, and extended stays. The Manor Suite provides luxury accommodation for two guests with premium amenities and sophisticated interiors. The One-Bedroom Manor Residence offers additional space, featuring a separate lounge, dining area, full kitchen, and laundry facilities, making it ideal for longer stays. The Two-Bedroom Manor Residence is well suited to families or couples travelling together and includes generous living spaces, a full kitchen, and laundry. For those seeking even greater flexibility, the Two-Bedroom Manor Residence with Den provides expanded living areas and enhanced privacy.
Nightly rates are inclusive of GST and are based on two guests sharing. Each stay includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a four-course Estate-to-Plate gourmet dinner, and a full breakfast. Guests also receive full concierge service, priority access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and use of tennis courts, mountain bikes, e-bikes, and private walking trails. Access to the onsite Solar Spa is included, with treatments available at an additional cost.
Kinloch Manor is equally suited to non-golfers seeking a luxury lifestyle retreat. Guests can explore guided or self-guided hiking trails, including the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing, enjoy scenic Lake Taupō cruises and water sports, or unwind with treatments at the Solar Spa. Additional experiences include horse trekking, mountain biking, fly fishing, skydiving, jet boating, and whitewater rafting. Culinary experiences and Māori cultural encounters further enrich the stay, ensuring the lodge offers far more than a traditional golf escape.
Guests are encouraged to combine Kinloch Manor & Villas with Treetops Lodge & Estate to create a seamless multi-lodge experience. It is possible to check in at one property and depart from the other, with logistics coordinated by the lodge teams. This pairing allows travellers to experience two distinct landscapes within one journey: the alpine-lake elegance of Kinloch Manor overlooking Lake Taupō and the secluded forest wilderness of Treetops Lodge & Estate near Rotorua. The result is a balanced itinerary blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Kinloch Manor welcomes families and offers accommodation suited to guests travelling with children. Children under three years stay is complimentary, and child rates apply for those under twelve years when sharing a Residence. Cots are provided at no additional charge, and bedding configurations vary by residence type to accommodate family needs comfortably.
Guests staying at Kinloch Manor & Villas can enjoy an extensive range of on-site and nearby experiences designed for adventure, relaxation, and luxury. On the property, guests have access to the championship golf course at Kinloch, designed by Jack Nicklaus, a private tennis court, electric bikes (e-bikes), and mountain bikes for exploring the estate or nearby trails. The lodge also offers lakeside walking paths, kayaking on Lake Taupō, and private fine dining experiences.
In the surrounding central North Island region, guests can explore hiking and biking trails, scenic boat cruises, trout fishing in Lake Taupō, and Māori cultural experiences, all within easy reach of the lodge. Hobbiton is approximately 115km from Kinloch. Guests staying at Kinloch also enjoy reciprocal access to Treetops Lodge & Estate, located 50 minutes away. At Treetops, visitors can experience 2,500 acres of native forest, guided wilderness safaris, waterfall walks, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, and wildlife spotting, all set within private rolling hills, streams, and forest trails.
Whether seeking luxury, outdoor adventure, nature immersion, or cultural exploration, Kinloch Manor & Villas provides a comprehensive, immersive central North Island experience, combining premium accommodation with access to world-class landscapes and curated activities.
Prior to arrival, guests are invited to share their interests and preferred experiences. The lodge concierge team then curates a personalised itinerary tailored to individual preferences. Most activities are confirmed upon arrival, while any experiences requiring advance coordination are arranged by the lodge team ahead of check-in to ensure a seamless stay.
Check-in begins at 2:00 pm, and guests arriving earlier are welcome to store luggage and enjoy the lodge facilities. Check-out is by 11:00 am. Private vehicle transfers and helicopter transfers can be arranged upon request, and early or late arrival times may be accommodated subject to availability with advance notice.
Kinloch Manor & Villas provides an exceptional setting for luxury weddings, private celebrations, and executive retreats in Taupō. The lodge offers bespoke event planning services, including tailored catering, décor coordination, and curated guest experiences. With panoramic views over Lake Taupō, refined accommodation, and highly personalised service, the property creates a sophisticated and unforgettable backdrop for significant occasions.
Yes. Guests staying at Kinloch Manor & Villas enjoy reciprocal access to the experiences and amenities at Treetops Lodge & Estate, allowing visitors to experience two distinct luxury lodge environments within New Zealand’s central North Island. Located within a 2,500-acre private wilderness estate near Rotorua, Treetops offers guests access to native forest trails, guided wilderness safaris, waterfall walks, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fly fishing, and seasonal estate-to-plate dining experiences. The property is known for its conservation-focused landscape, extensive walking tracks, and opportunities to explore native flora and fauna in a private natural setting.
Guests staying at either lodge also receive priority tee time access to the championship golf course at Kinloch, designed by Jack Nicklaus, overlooking Lake Taupō. Transfers between the properties can be arranged, making it easy to enjoy the unique experiences offered by both lodges during your stay.
