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Welcome to Kinloch Manor & Villas, New Zealand

Your Luxury Lodge in Taupō Awaits


Serenity in the Heart of the Central North Island

Kinloch Manor & Villas is a luxury golf lodge overlooking the glistening shores of Lake Taupō. The property sits beside the internationally recognised Kinloch Club Golf Course, the only course in New Zealand designed by legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.

Surrounded by rolling farmland, native bush and panoramic lake views, Kinloch Manor offers Lake Taupō luxury accommodation in the form of a refined countryside retreat within easy reach of some of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions.


World-Class Golfing at Your Doorstep

Since opening, the Kinloch Club Golf Course has earned global recognition and continues to rank among New Zealand’s leading golf courses. It is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive championship layouts in the world, combining traditional links principles with parkland features.

Today, Kinloch has been carefully developed as a premium destination for both golfers and luxury travellers. Indulge in a lakeside retreat with luxurious amenities, featuring incredible views of the course and nature beyond.


Experience Two Unforgettable Boutique Lodges

Our Taupō lodge offers guests seasonal fine dining, an onsite spa, tennis courts, and direct access to some of New Zealand’s best natural attractions. Visitors to Kinloch can also enjoy access to the experiences and amenities at Treetops Lodge & Estate, a premium eco-lodge on the edge of Rotorua.

Across both properties, guests can delight in golf, trout fishing, lake sports, geothermal experiences, scenic flights, and more. This is luxury accommodation for those who crave outdoor adventure.


Taupō: The North Island’s Home of Outdoor Adventure

Taupō is known internationally for trout fishing, hiking, mountain biking and lake activities. Highlights include the powerful Huka Falls, one of the country’s most visited natural attractions, Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, and the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro National Park is 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.


Kinloch: A Luxury Base on the Edge of Lake Taupō

Kinloch Manor 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. The Kinloch Golf Course was personally designed by Jack Nicklaus and delivers a strategic, mentally engaging experience that rewards thoughtful play rather than power alone.

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 luxury accommodation, and exceptional hospitality within one of the country’s most scenic environments.

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.

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.

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 FAQ


Why choose Kinloch Manor & Villas for a luxury lodge experience in Taupō, New Zealand?

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. Whether travelling as a couple, family, executive team, or celebrating a milestone occasion, Kinloch Manor provides a deeply memorable New Zealand luxury escape.

How many nights should I stay to experience everything?

A minimum stay of three nights is recommended to fully enjoy the golf course, spa treatments, gourmet dining, and the many nature activities available around Lake Taupō. A longer stay allows for a more immersive North Island experience, including hiking, water-based adventures, cultural excursions, and geothermal exploration in Rotorua.

What types of rooms and residences are available?

Kinloch Manor & Villas offers an elegant collection of luxury accommodation options designed for privacy and comfort. Choose a Manor Suite for two guests or explore our larger Manor Residence villas that sleep up to four.

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 spa is included, with treatments available at an additional cost.

Are children welcome at Kinloch Manor & Villas?

Kinloch Manor welcomes families and offers accommodation suited to guests travelling with children. Children under three years stay 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.

What activities are available at or near the lodge?

Onsite, guests have access to the championship Kinloch Golf Course, 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. Kinloch guests may also enjoy reciprocal access to Treetops Lodge & Estate, located 50 minutes away.

In the surrounding central North Island region, guests can explore hiking and biking trails, scenic boat cruises, trout fishing, and Māori cultural experiences, all within easy reach of our Taupō lodge. Hobbiton is approximately 115km from Kinloch.

How do I book activities and experiences?

Prior to arrival at our Taupō lodge, guests are invited to share their interests and preferred experiences. Our lodge concierge team then curates a personalised itinerary tailored to individual preferences. Most activities are confirmed upon arrival, while any experiences requiring coordination are arranged by the lodge team ahead of check-in to ensure a seamless stay.

Is Kinloch Manor suitable for non-golfers?

Kinloch Manor is equally suited to non-golfers seeking a serene lifestyle retreat. At our luxury manor, guests can indulge in culinary experiences or unwind with treatments at the spa. Nearby, guests can partake in a wide array of outdoor adventures, including guided hiking, Lake Taupō cruises, water sports, horse trekking, mountain biking, fly fishing, and skydiving. Guests are also welcome to enjoy the nature experiences available at Treetops Lodge & Estate.

When are check-in and check-out times, and can I arrange a transfer?

Check-in begins at 2:00 pm, and guests arriving earlier are welcome to store luggage and enjoy the lodge facilities. Check-out is 11:00 am. Private vehicle transfers and helicopter transfers can be arranged upon request. Early or late arrival times may be accommodated, subject to availability, with advance notice.

Can I host events or weddings at Kinloch Manor?

Kinloch Manor & Villas provides an exceptional setting for luxury weddings, private celebrations, and executive retreats in Taupō. We offer bespoke event planning services, including tailored catering, décor coordination, and curated guest experiences. View our wedding packages for more information.

Can I stay at both Kinloch Manor & Villas and Treetops Lodge & Estate?

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.

Can Kinloch Manor & Villas guests enjoy experiences and amenities at Treetops Lodge & Estate?

Yes. Guests staying at Kinloch Manor & Villas enjoy reciprocal access to the experiences and amenities at Treetops Lodge & Estate. 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.

Transfers between the properties can be arranged, making it easy to enjoy the unique experiences offered by both lodges during your stay.

Unabashedly unique. Distinctly different.

Fire your imagination with experiences befitting an extraordinary life.

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Fortune favours the bold.