Mackenzie’s Best Fireside Eateries

Unwind at the Snowline Lounge at the iconic Hermitage Hotel after a day in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you can relax by the open log fire and enjoy the majestic Southern Alps views. This lounge offers a variety of favourite and unique cocktails, along with an extensive selection of wines and beers from New Zealand and around the world.

The historic Silverstream Hotel in Kimbell, established in 1877, offers a warm and inviting experience with a fireplace, mulled wine, hot buttered spiced rum, craft beer on tap, and their famous Kimbell Burgers. With weekly specials, a kid’s menu, and takeaway options, this country pub remains a beloved spot for travellers and locals alike.

Visit Jack Rabbit Café at the Godley Hotel for stunning views of Lake Tekapo, delicious food, and organic fair-trade coffee. With spacious indoor and outdoor seating, the café caters to all tastes with gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Free parking is available, making it convenient for both hotel guests and the public.

Dining at Moraine Lodge at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat means savouring the freshest local ingredients from their garden and regional suppliers. The cuisine blends fine dining with simple whole foods, featuring specialties like local salmon, high country lamb, Fiordland venison, and NZ beef. Private dining experiences are available by reservation, and stargazing tours can be booked at the Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory on the same property.

Poppies Café & Restaurant in Twizel is a family-friendly eatery where you can cosy up to the fireplace in winter. All food, including homemade bread and pasta, is made in-house with ingredients from their garden. They offer a range of local wines, Burke’s Beer on tap and fantastic coffee. Known for their fresh food and friendly service, Poppies is a must-visit.

Discover the Blue Lake Eatery & Bar, a contemporary spot offering a diverse menu of dinner, dessert, and a variety of drinks including wine, spirits, craft beer, and specialty cocktails. As the headquarters of the award-winning Burkes Brewing Co., they constantly update their craft beer menu. Cozy up by the fireplaces with mulled wine in winter. Their menu features the freshest local ingredients.

Musterers Hut Café & Gift Shop offers a retro-style dining experience with fresh homemade fare. Enjoy meals by the fire in winter along with a fully licensed bar. The café features a retro playground and an 18-hole mini-golf course, plus a boutique gift shop with local products. Open for breakfast and lunch, they look forward to welcoming you.

Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort offers spectacular views of Lake Tekapo in a relaxed dining setting. Celebrating the region’s finest meat, fish, and organic produce, the restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy, capturing local flavors perfectly. Their wine list features a selection of fine New Zealand wines to complement your meal.

Mint Folk & Co is the place to be for fresh, on-trend food, great coffee, cold-press juice, brunch, cocktails, craft beer, and shared evening dining with live music and good vibes. Enjoy bold flavours, colourful presentations, and a mix of local craft beers and experimental cocktails in a cool, casual setting. Start your day with freshly made cold-pressed juices or barista-made coffee.

Refuel at Altitude 720 Café & Bar at Tekapo Springs, enjoying beautiful lake and mountain views. Warm up by the open fire in winter after ice skating or snow tubing. The café offers a full menu with seasonal options and a variety of beverages including their special 720 coffee blend. Fully licensed, it stocks a range of New Zealand beer, wine, and spirits, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Eat Café & Bar offers a unique culinary experience with a range of healthy delicatessen-style foods, including many gluten-free options. Located in a historic building over 100 years old, the premises feature a welcoming atmosphere with a cozy leather lounge by the fire in winter. Recent renovations include a mezzanine floor, a children’s playroom, and a covered verandah with stunning views of the Dobson mountain range.