High Country Salmon
High Country Salmon
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Drop in for a rest stop on your travels and look over a working salmon farm on the glacial waters of the Mackenzie High Country -and its free to drop in and feed our beautiful salmon. Try our farm fresh sashimi and a whole range of delicious salmon cafe items at our floating shop. Or buy a fresh fish or smoked salmon packed on ice to take home and prepare yourself. We're a family run business focussed on growing the best freshwater king salmon and getting it to you fresh. Our floating cafe menu also includes sushi, chowder, curry, burgers, smoked salmon platter, grilled teriyaki salmon, hot pies, quiche, salmon eggs benedict, sandwiches, miso noodle soup and more! We look forward to seeing you. We're easy to find on the main road 3km south of Twizel.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- alessandramummyWainuiomata, New Zealand17 contributionsGreat wee outingReading a few of the reviews I booked not having any high expectations and I’m so glad we did! We had a wonderful time shown how to cast and catch a fish. The staff were so patient and informative regarding the fishing giving us some great knowledge while we fished. The staff at the fish shop were also very helpful while trying to decide on what condiments to buy We will most certainly be back and I am glad I went to experience myself despite any review I read priorThanks for visiting us! We're thrilled you had a great time and we look forward to seeing you again.Written 25 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 April 2024
- nzp0ppyNew Zealand27,346 contributionscaters for the massesWe use to always visit here when in the area - but now it just caters for the masses of tourists. Salmon sushi was small rolls of salmon and rice and some seaweed wrap. It was chilled and wasnt good sushi. its been the same for the last two visits so we will sadly give it a miss now. Even the sashimi wasnt as good as the competitior.Thanks for taking the time to write a review. Sorry you feel we cater for the masses - we are one of the smaller venues in the area, but we have been very busy recently which may have made you feel this way. I'll pass your feedback to the F&B Manager.Written 25 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 April 2024
- Janet MCordova, Tennessee818 contributionsGreat Fish Shop for Hot Smoked, Cold Smoked, and Cured SalmonA nice place to visit. It's a salmon farm, cafe, and shop located in one area. The Cafe and Fish Shop both close at 5:00pm. We arrived just shortly before 5:00pm and were able to walk around the salmon farm and buy some Manuka cold smoked sliced salmon. We actually went the next morning to purchase some Hot Smoked Salmon.Thank you for the review and very glad you popped back in the next day.Written 1 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
394 reviews
Excellent
148
Very good
145
Average
61
Poor
25
Terrible
15
Inha
Christchurch, New Zealand1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Friends
Im not one to really leave reviews, but felt compelled to do so after this shockingly bad experience.
I get that they’re a big tourist stop and receive tons of foot traffic, but the customer service was beyond poor!
Visited the shop to pick up some fresh salmon on our way to Queenstown. We were very excited and looking forward to trying some High Country salmon after reading some highly rated reviews (we’re huge lovers of Akaroa salmon). Came slightly earlier than opening. We outside for about 15 mins and when we they opened the doors we were barely acknowledged by the two staff that were working in the shop. It seemed like they had no clue what they were doing - we asked for a price list for the different salmon varieties they had and were told they didn’t have one? We asked for fresh sashimi which we then waited whilst they prepared it, only to be presented with a standard fillet from yesterday’s harvest. We waited some more to find then out that the had no fresh harvested salmon available... They then brought out a day old fillet from out back saying that this particular fillet is good for sashimi, raw consumption while the other (same day old) fillets were not, but could not explain to us why?
Probably some of the worst customer service I’ve experienced. Staff had no knowledge of the product they were selling and had very little willingness to help. Extremely disappointed, will not be back.
I get that they’re a big tourist stop and receive tons of foot traffic, but the customer service was beyond poor!
Visited the shop to pick up some fresh salmon on our way to Queenstown. We were very excited and looking forward to trying some High Country salmon after reading some highly rated reviews (we’re huge lovers of Akaroa salmon). Came slightly earlier than opening. We outside for about 15 mins and when we they opened the doors we were barely acknowledged by the two staff that were working in the shop. It seemed like they had no clue what they were doing - we asked for a price list for the different salmon varieties they had and were told they didn’t have one? We asked for fresh sashimi which we then waited whilst they prepared it, only to be presented with a standard fillet from yesterday’s harvest. We waited some more to find then out that the had no fresh harvested salmon available... They then brought out a day old fillet from out back saying that this particular fillet is good for sashimi, raw consumption while the other (same day old) fillets were not, but could not explain to us why?
Probably some of the worst customer service I’ve experienced. Staff had no knowledge of the product they were selling and had very little willingness to help. Extremely disappointed, will not be back.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, thanks for taking the time to write a review. I will pass this on to our Cafe/Retail manager as this is not an acceptable standard of service. As with many businesses, we are struggling managing staffing post-COVID but I will make training a priority.
Written 23 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
floridaherbie
Marco Island, FL216 contributions
Feb 2020
We stopped there on our way back from Mount Cook to have so e sushi/sashimi. The salmon sashimi was OK, the rest - salad and kind of sushi rolls was below average. The restaurant is apparently now for Asian costumers only with all the plastic and the prices are more Japanese style.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time for your review. All of our packaging is recyclable or biodegradable and we have the appropriate receptacle for customers to use. Our prices are similar or less than other businesses so maybe Japanese pricing is cheaper?! Our menu caters to all nationalities - burgers, chowder, curry, tacos, sandwiches, platters, salads as well as asian-style dishes to give a well-rounded menu. Thanks again for your review.
Written 19 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GrantandSheryl D
Dunedin, New Zealand143 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Stopped for a look. Very busy with pushy tourists in the restaurant decided to leave to many rude tourists for me sorry. Visited there shop on the way out much better. Great selection yummy salmon.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. New Year is a very busy period for us, and we do have plans on how to manage this better. Hopefully next time you visit these will be in place.
Written 3 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BazJackSalisbury
New Forest National Park Wiltshire, UK336 contributions
Jan 2020
A commercial fish farm with a small cafe tagged on. It was rammed with Japanese and Chinese tourists when we called mid-morning presumably sashimi.
Two large dead salmon floating in the pond next to the cafe which looked like they had been there a while. Not a great advert. I'd give it a miss.
Two large dead salmon floating in the pond next to the cafe which looked like they had been there a while. Not a great advert. I'd give it a miss.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. As we are a working salmon farm, inevitably some of our salmon die - they are a very nervous breed of fish and some of them don't cope with being in the public pen. When they die, they sink to the bottom of the net so we aren't aware when this happens. They float to the surface after a period of time, and yes they don't look in great shape. We can't control when this happens and I apologise for this occurring during your visit.
Written 19 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shane B
Te Awamutu, New Zealand811 contributions
Nov 2020
Stopped here for about 20 minutes if you are not going to eat at the cafe probably long enough able to feed salmon for free and get some photos. Has good toilet facilities obviously geared up for tourists. You can buy salmon here in various forms. Definitely worth a stop and I would say children would enjoy the salmon feeding experience.
Written 26 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WayneAP
City of Greater Geelong, Australia3,583 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great way to see responsible farming of salmon, the interaction of being able to feed them is good for the young ones.
The price is reasonable and you know it’s fresh. The cafe does a great morning coffee and bite to eat so definitely worth a visit.
The price is reasonable and you know it’s fresh. The cafe does a great morning coffee and bite to eat so definitely worth a visit.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. We operate under 'best practice' guidelines that are best for the salmon, the environment, our staff and our customers. I love the morning coffee too!
Written 19 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
qumath
Brisbane, Australia22 contributions
Jan 2020
We stopped at this place on the way from Queenstown to Christchurch. Admittedly, it is a perfect mid way stop off point for lunch and a break. Being Asian, I was lured by the Japanese style dishes. I'm not sure if it's owned by Japanese people but the food served is definitely Japanese styled - think Miso soups, noodles, sashimi, Teriyaki salmon and rice etc. They also have pies and salmon chowder on the menu as well.
We ordered 250g box of sashimi (NZ$22.50) and 2 plates of Teriyaki salmon 'wings' and rice (NZ$15 each).
My 16 year old son loved the sashimi as he is a massive fan of raw fish. However my husband and I found the salmon 'wings' extremely fatty and inedibile. Neither my husband nor I could finish it. I wouldn't recommend that dish specifically.
We ordered 250g box of sashimi (NZ$22.50) and 2 plates of Teriyaki salmon 'wings' and rice (NZ$15 each).
My 16 year old son loved the sashimi as he is a massive fan of raw fish. However my husband and I found the salmon 'wings' extremely fatty and inedibile. Neither my husband nor I could finish it. I wouldn't recommend that dish specifically.
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NinaG
Auckland Central, New Zealand85 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We loved our stop at High Country Salmon. You can feed the fish for free and book to catch a fish if you like ($15 plus you have to purchase what you catch). My boys loved it and we had the most amazing sashimi and salmon steaks for a couple of nights. Can absolutely recommend!!
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nina, thanks for taking the time to write a review and we're glad your boys enjoyed our Catch-A-Fish experience.
Written 21 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Juliet F
Athenree, New Zealand205 contributions
Feb 2020
Friends traveling in the South Island had recommended we call in here on our way down to Arrowtown and we were not disappointed. We had a lot of fun feeding the salmon, and trying to capture that on the camera, with very mixed success. So it was good when one of the men working there held up a couple of salmon for a photo opportunity. We bought a large fillet of salmon for a much better price than we would pay in the supermarket, and it was enough for two delicious dinners. Lovely weather helped the experience, and we would certainly call in there again.
Written 9 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Whakapapa, New Zealand8 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
We booked to catch 2 salmon and duly caught them with expert assistance from Sam. They were processed to a high standard of packed fillets ie. vacuum packed and iced to transport. Awesome dinner. Thanks to Cheryl who organised everything for us. Great coffee to be had 😁
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Peter, glad you enjoyed your Catch-A-Fish experience and your yummy salmon!
Written 21 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HighCountrySalmon
Twizel, New Zealand
Feeding the salmon is free - we just love how much our visitors enjoy seeing the big fish up close! We hope you can drop in and see.
Written 18 September 2017
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