What it’s like to stay in a Magical Little House in New Zealand

The little house is part of the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. The property, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, has a cafe, a restaurant, two small houses, a lodge, a lake house and basic rooms for travelers.

Source: Kinloch Wild Retreat

With accommodations varying in size and price, I booked one of the tiny houses during a winter special. One night including breakfast is $195. They usually start at US$250 a night.

I took the same route and as I traveled the winding road – sandwiched between Lake Wakatipu and towering mountains – I saw some spectacular views. I dreamed of the vistas I hoped to see from my little house.

I sailed through Glenorchy to the small hamlet of Kinloch. Soon the paved road turned to gravel and a flock of sheep appeared.

Finally, I approached a scattering of buildings. It was my home for the night, the Kinloch Wilderness Retreat.

But before anyone could greet me, I was greeted by the owners’ two dogs.

I followed the dogs into the property’s restaurant, where I found Toni Glover, one of the property’s two owners. She welcomed me to the retreat, checked me in and drove me to my little house.

We walked from the restaurant to the little houses and passed a little garden, where the ingredients for my next dinner and breakfast would be purchased.

Then we came to two small houses. Toni pointed to the first, which was mine for the night.

The first thing I noticed when I walked inside was how warm, looked and smelled the little house. An air control system kept it warm, and with nearly every surface covered in stained wood, the room glowed with an earthy smell.

A shelf and a wooden divider created a separation between the entrance and the sleeping area.