Aoraki Mount Cook: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots (Te Wahipounamu)

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area, is just a dream place, seriously known for its awesome scenery. It features very big mountains and so the bluest of skies. While you might go there initially for hikes and amazing views, it’s also very important to know where to find amazing food and places to get a drink to chill. I think the restaurants and cafes around Mount Cook offer so really hearty meals after spending a long day walking those trails, anyway it’s nearly guaranteed. So, this is actually your guide to just about the top places that’ll feed your body and soul around New Zealand’s highest peak.

1. The Old Mountaineers’ Cafe Bar & Restaurant

The Old Mountaineers’ Cafe Bar & Restaurant has some serious charm to it, is that right? Very conveniently situated in the heart of Mount Cook Village, so it really isn’t just a spot to eat; this is a place with character. You almost feel like you’re walking into a bit of history, you know? The place has a warm, very cozy feeling, as a matter of fact it makes you want to stay put and soak everything in, actually.

It seems that the menu kind of is a love letter to people who climb mountains; offering seriously hearty breakfasts. It helps get one ready to conquer some trails as well as pretty pleasing dinner options which bring a feeling of warmth. The coffee, so especially good after you get back from the Hooker Valley Track, actually really does taste like it’s exactly what you wanted.

What actually sets this spot apart has to be its very special tribute to the mountain climbing history that’s unique to the area. Is it the photos of climbers from way back or could it be the little bits of stories of success dotted everywhere, anyway there is lots of inspiration hanging there on those walls. So, have a look, will you?

Read our full review: Old Mountaineers Cafe Bar & Restaurant Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve a Table)

2. Chamois Bar & Grill

Chamois Bar & Grill offers really gorgeous views along with its very good food. You may see great sights of Aoraki Mount Cook so as you have a drink or bite into some seriously tasty food, alright. What a stunning view, honestly!

The Grill serves food, typically traditional classics, such as just about anything from very juicy burgers through so that the more complex seafood meals all perfectly grilled. They are cooked simply so as you will find exactly what you’re after from just about those comfort type of eats. Not just for dinner but it’s just as amazing at lunchtime to give your batteries some charge for those amazing trail to hike. The local’s choice really!

So, don’t leave before checking out that bar. Honestly, there’s really something for just about everyone from locally produced craft beers, a slightly refined selection of regional New Zealand wines, together with other tasty cocktails. So the staff might offer some helpful guidance. Great for hanging back following that very energetic day while getting warmed right beside their open fires! Now, isn’t that fantastic, really?

Read our full review: Chamois Bar & Grill Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (View Menu & Book)

3. Panorama Restaurant

As its name suggests, so the Panorama Restaurant located at The Hermitage Hotel has views, in some respects anyway, very dramatic ones. Seriously set on offering the kind of dining experiences that stick with one, anyway.

You may dine, is that right, from their fantastic menu choices, arguably each meal plated in the most tasteful way possible, while simply experiencing so many majestic glaciers and then mountain heights beyond words; could it become more picturesque? Every dish has some style while reflecting so many authentic regional ingredients. Is this very special or what? Expect to come away having savored exactly some unique culinary gem as its tastes do justice even when competing up against so many jaw dropping backgrounds! The spot almost makes you gasp.

Do think about what you drink. Anyway, the drinks they provide are great! Each option perfectly goes nicely along the meal selections, from local wines as well as something different to try in beverages too! Do remember reserving ahead particularly if trying to see those breathtaking alpine sunsets as their backdrop goes beyond price when it comes to just about remarkable moments worth experiencing over some very good meal.

Read our full review: Panorama Restaurant Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)

4. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Cafe

You might be able to grab a quick refreshment at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Cafe is that right. Basically, ideal whether rushing to start adventures for that morning or taking mid afternoon breaks, right? In the Centre itself lies the cafe.

The setting is friendly to families as you drink either cappuccinos/lattes along with snacks plus just about light meals at midday making it just right with just about all hikers that might visit, seriously from some hearty soup so that the super yummy sandwiches too. That staff always do their very best to ensure everyone leaves ready whatever is waiting just out those entry doors outside.

Not just its drinks/treats make visiting them great: You too may wander nearby the display areas which celebrate alpine legends. It is educational plus fascinating to have refreshments following having gained appreciation regarding local climbing story achievements done centuries ago; thus adding very deep perspectives throughout any holiday breaks from just walking outside. Honestly, what a bonus!

Read our full review: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Cafe Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Visit the Cafe)

5. Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Shop

Are you ready to eat some world class salmon? Then you might try the Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, is that right. A short trip starting right outside that village and is very famous among fish enthusiasts of just about any level or standard whatsoever.

As I was saying here expect exactly that! Salmon dishes are provided! One needs explore unique options like sashimi or cured kinds served as one views such pristine fish being prepared on site itself, almost magical is it not?. Any product reflects some intense responsibility/sustainability taken given exactly these salmon swim within such super pristine waters from alpine sources making things special, isn’t this somewhat interesting and worth just visiting right this minute here even if not an passionate sushi type, still anyway!. That’s some great flavor you could sample and relish while knowing its from near totally incredible origin sites. How can anyone decline seriously perfect!

They stock great take away, I believe you could get what has interested your hunger right along. They may take something back into where everyone are accommodationing or go elsewhere in destination enjoying that, honestly memorable foodie pleasure in surroundings worth coming back for again then plus again.

Read our full review: Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Shop Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Buy Fresh Salmon)

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