High Country Salmon

We visited at 14:00, and the restaurant was still quite crowded. We ordered the slow-stewed lamb, which was delicious. The meat was first stewed and then grilled, giving it both tenderness and a wonderful aroma. We also tried the spicy salmon sushi—not exactly authentic, but still very tasty. The staff were helpful and quick to clean tables. The restaurant has a semi-outdoor seating area with tables of various sizes, accommodating different group sizes. Overall, we had a pleasant dining experience here.

Stopped by New Zealand High Country Salmon and it was quite busy, even with it being winter, so indoor seating was a bit limited. We tried a few things: the teriyaki salmon on a stick (6 out of 10), a salmon roll (4 out of 10), steak and chips (7 out of 10), and the seafood chowder (6 out of 10). Overall, the food was pretty average in taste for us. The salmon, in particular, was a bit chewy, which was a shame. On the positive side, the service was really good despite the crowd. It's a popular spot, but the food didn't quite hit the mark for our preferences.

I love Salmon and this place just suited my needs. Great place to stop-by when driving towards Christchurch. But do note that the place is popular and have many tour group with their limited spaces it sometimes can be hard getting a table inside and have to sit outside. We went close to winter so it started to get cold when eating outside. Food wise is nice and delicious with their teriyaki sauce alike makes the salmon dish shines. You can even fish for a salmon there if you want to.

Chanced upon this place when we saw several cars ahead turning in. There is a shop selling fresh salmon and souvenirs that you can buy and take away. There is also a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating to choose from, where you can simply buy the salmon (eg sashimi) with drinks to eat at the tables. Sauces and utensils available with dine in. Salmon of course were very fresh and nice.

We arrived early for breakfast but they don't open the kitchen until about 10:30 am so settled for what was on show at the counter. The Benedict was good, the quiche ok and salmon wings were very tender but I guess we already had high hungry expectations so we didn't get the full experience. Service was very friendly.

Forget just dining by the water – at High Country Salmon, you're dining on it. This fantastic family-run spot, perched right on the Wairepo Arm of Lake Ruataniwha just outside Twizel, offers an experience as refreshing as the pristine, cold waters it floats above. Positioned beside their own salmon farm, the connection between source and plate isn't just a concept here; it's immediate and tangible. Stepping inside, especially on a crisp winter's day as I did, you're met with a genuine, homely warmth that cuts through the chill. It's the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes you instantly comfortable, radiating the care of a family business. The star, unsurprisingly, is the salmon. Their menu showcases this local treasure beautifully, offering a variety of delicious specialties that let the fresh, high-quality fish shine. The adventure doesn't stop at the table. True to their farm-gate ethos, you can grab a rod and step outside to try your hand at catching your own lunch – an incredibly unique offering that adds to the charm. Even if fishing isn't your style, their deli shop is an absolute must-visit. It's impressively well-stocked with salmon products and more, and I can personally vouch for the hot smoked salmon being utterly delicious, a perfect take-home taste of the high country. Adding significantly to the positive experience is the staff. They are unfailingly helpful, genuinely friendly, and manage to keep smiles firmly in place even when the place gets bustling – which it often does. Be prepared for potential crowds; its popularity is well-deserved. But watch how seamlessly the team handles the flow, their good humour never seeming to waver. If you appreciate fresh fish, particularly salmon, High Country Salmon is an unmissable destination. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a uniquely South Island experience combining stunning lake views, genuine hospitality, and salmon so fresh it practically leaps onto your plate. Don't drive past – pull in, soak it up, and savour it.

Taste: Salmon tastes fresh, but salmon roll feels below average. Rice & other ingredients just so so. Price: Quite high compared to the portion and other countries, this place is just the oasis place for tourists with long drives that is why they can up the price. 90% are foreign tourists, believe that they just come to try from social/youtube. Environment/service: outside smells sour. Lack of staff to clean dirty table outside after eating. Most importantly: our group has diarrhea after finish your salmon!

Lovely staff. Good food. We ordered Soya marinated sushi, Brioche, salmon kebab. They sell generous amount of Tiramisu dessert for the whole family. :) Highly recomended! Value for money.