COFFEE lunch, dinner at AORAKI MOUNT COOK. We recommend The Old Mountaineers Café Bar and Restaurant which is definitely a place of soul, with marvellous views of Aoraki in a beautifully architecturally designed building that pays tribute to a mountain hut. With open fires in the winter, it provides organic fair-trade coffee, and delicious breakfasts from 10am, lunches, and dinners. Organic wine and some organic meals are on offer there, too. Book early and if you're planning dinner there and be sure to make your booking by 7pm at the latest as they close early. Allow 30 minutes drive to get there. The drive is worth it – the scenery second to none.
TWIZEL Poppies Restaurant is a fine little spot for a coffee, lunch or delicious dinner. Located at 1 Benmore Place, in Twizel.
Shawtys is located in the town centre of Twizel and is open for breakfast and lunch.
The Ministry of Works Café and Restaurant is beside Shawtys and is also open for dinner.
The Hydro Café is also in the market-place at Twizel and open for breakfast and lunch.
– Call 027 434 2277 for a booking
JAKES HARDWARE one of those little country town miracles where if you're looking for a bulb for your bike light or a USB stick, or anything in between, Jakes is likely to stock it. Located in the Twizel marketplace.
THE BOOKSHOP this tiny little bookstore treasure that boasts an amazing selection of books for sale, new and second-hand, fiction and non-fiction. Watch out for their beautiful books on local history, too. Located beside The Hydro, it is definitely worth a visit.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES there is an excellent Visitor Information Centre in the village at Aoraki Mount Cook, which we recommend visiting. It is right next door to The Old Mountaineers Café, Restaurant, Bar and Historic Photographic Gallery.
There is also a visitor centre in the Council buildings in the Twizel Town Centre.