[DaveSJ]

My wife and I enjoyed mostly wonderful food and service during our recent NZ trip. Unfortunately we had a terrible experience on 17 April 09 at the Old Mountaineers Cafe in Mt. Cook Village. We waited for our food for 50 minutes -- when we tried to ask about the status of our mains, the server completely ignored us. The pizza I did receive had almost no sauce and was hard as a rock; my wife's lamb was way overpriced at NZ $37.50. I mentioned these lapses to the manager, and even bounced a piece of the pizza on the counter to show her how hard it was. Yet in a rude and surly manner, she said that the Old Mountaineers Cafe had to charge us full price for the pizza because I had eaten the part that was halfway edible. Let me get this straight -- the Cafe delays serving my food until I'm starving, then blames me for eating the small part that's edible?

I do not, emphatically do not, recommend the Old Mountaineers Cafe to visitors or locals. Eat instead at the Panorama in the Hermitage -- we dined there the next night and had an absolutely exquisite meal (fine food, attentive service) with none of the problems that plagued us at the Cafe.

[thomas r]

we ate at the Old Mountaineers Cafe of 14 august 09 and everything was wonderful. I had the sausages, my daughter the lamb, and my wife the salmon. everything was great and quite tasty.

Originally Posted by DaveSJ

My wife and I enjoyed mostly wonderful food and service during our recent NZ trip. Unfortunately we had a terrible experience on 17 April 09 at the Old Mountaineers Cafe in Mt. Cook Village. We waited for our food for 50 minutes -- when we tried to ask about the status of our mains, the server completely ignored us. The pizza I did receive had almost no sauce and was hard as a rock; my wife's lamb was way overpriced at NZ $37.50. I mentioned these lapses to the manager, and even bounced a piece of the pizza on the counter to show her how hard it was. Yet in a rude and surly manner, she said that the Old Mountaineers Cafe had to charge us full price for the pizza because I had eaten the part that was halfway edible. Let me get this straight -- the Cafe delays serving my food until I'm starving, then blames me for eating the small part that's edible?

I do not, emphatically do not, recommend the Old Mountaineers Cafe to visitors or locals. Eat instead at the Panorama in the Hermitage -- we dined there the next night and had an absolutely exquisite meal (fine food, attentive service) with none of the problems that plagued us at the Cafe.

[Harriet T]

I recently visited Mount Cook National Park and was delighted to find The Old Mountaineers' Restaurant in the village. We have travelled all over the world and have rarely found a place like this that ticks all the boxes. The food was organic - even the milk used in the organic (trade aid) coffee was organic(!) and the service was friendly and welcoming. (Double shots were generously served as the norm.) It was raining the day we were in the village, but there were fresh flowers, the open fire created a lovely ambiance and the historic gallery just topped it all off. It sounds like a bit of a rave, but we really were impressed. We decided to stay for dinner and were not disappointed. It offered a range to suit all budgets, the pizza was delicious (not too doughy) and the organic roast with organic vegetables was like going home to Mum's for a Sunday Roast. Thanks a mill guys. We'll be back!

[Harriet T]

Just trying to reply to that old thread by those people who dined at this restaurant earlier in the year. Our experience was the opposite; warm friendly staff, great organic food - even organic milk in the organic trade aid Hummingbird coffee; double shots! The roast dinner was awesome, the atmosphere really genuine and special. Thanks a lot guys. You're bringing something really special to this area. The spirit.