Hanmer Springs Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Hanmer Springs

September 9, 2017 Leida Jutras

Both a weekend destination for locals and a magnet for tourists craving other-worldly relaxation, Hanmer Springs is the perfect spot for pampering. The tiny spa town is built around a hot spring that was discovered in the 19th century, and the crisp mountain air has restorative properties of its own.
Things to do in Hanmer Springs

1. Malabar Restaurant

5 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$47 - HK$220 +64 3-315 7745
Excellent
71%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 911 reviews

Malabar Restaurant

Malabar Restaurant in Hanmer Springs has won accolades for its food and great passion for detail. Cuisine Magazine, Zest in The Press, North & South magazine, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide have all lauded Malabar. You too can dine out on its great reputation.We serve a fusion of cuisine in contemporary style with special emphasis on flavours that incorporate the best of local produce complemented by local and international beers and fine New Zealand wines including award-winning vintages from the nearby Waipara Valley Wine region.

Reviewed By Samantha M - Christchurch

Had dinner here. Very tasty food. Duck dish was lovely along with the citrus creme brulee. Good service, very friendly

2. Isobel's Hanmer Springs Restaurant

No. 1 Conical Hill Road | The Heritage Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs 7360, New Zealand Wheelchair Accessible, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards European, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch, Drinks, Dinner, Late Night HK$86 - HK$212 +64 3-315 0064
Excellent
53%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 148 reviews

Isobel's Hanmer Springs Restaurant

Isobel's Restaurant is located in the Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel and is open every day of the year for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also have a fantastic outdoor Terrace overlooking our Gardens for amazing al fresco dining. We offer a variety of meals to suit most tastes and meet most dietary requirements and we are proud to offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.

Reviewed By ChristchurchQuality - Christchurch

The facility is at the Heritage Hotel and as expected it is quite old. It is true to character and no physical updating so expect to climb steps and open the doors yourself. It is a rabbit warren to find the restaurant but well sign posted. Starched tablecloths, great food and great service. Not pleased to have to pay credit card surcharge on meal. Ambience is dull.

3. Powerhouse Cafe

8 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Cafe, European, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Late Night +64 3-315 5252
Excellent
52%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 664 reviews

Powerhouse Cafe

Reviewed By DELTAK - England

Thursday I reserved at table for Friday night for two people.When we arrived Friday there were 4 small tables [30 inches square] against the wall and two of these were already occupied. We walked past 5 vacant tables for 4 people - and were allocated one of the empty smaller tables. We assumed it was going to be a busy night and the larger tables were reserve
We ordered a starter of scallops & prawns, which were delicious As this was our wedding anniversary, we bottle of wine but because the table was so small, the ice bucket was placed on the empty double table across the aisle.
Meanwhile another couple walked in, had not reserved, and were shown to another of the larger tables!
I was leaning across the aisle to get at the wine bottle and I knocked over my glass of wine into my lap. The waiter came over with paper towels and got me dried out.
The main course of chicken in a Martini jus & vegetables - the chicken was chewy and the veg bland. My partner had lamb which came on the bone and was also not impressed - especially as now she realised that the spilt wine had found its way into her lap as well. By this time we'd had enough and decided to miss out the dessert and leave.
It was now nearly 9pm and no other diners had arrived and I would like to know if it is the restaurant policy to give the worst tables to those of us that take the trouble to reserve a table and save the larger tables for those who can't be bothered to reserve.

4. Springs Deli Cafe

47 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Highchairs Available Cafe, New Zealand, Delicatessen, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Late Night
Excellent
28%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
11%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 189 reviews

Springs Deli Cafe

Reviewed By Lavarcham - Poulton Le Fylde, United Kingdom

There was an appetising aroma from coffee grinder in the window and the taste of our Cappuccinos lived up to anticipation and went well with the apricot and walnut biscuits. There was the added advantage of finding a parking place right outside with an awning giving shelter from pouring rain.

5. Coriander's

30 Conical Hill Road | Shop 5, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$94 - HK$149 +64 3-315 7616
Excellent
55%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 432 reviews

Coriander's

Reviewed By Julie D - Lake Country, Canada

After the great reviews, we had higher expectations. Service was slow throughout the night, with lack of communication regarding when delayed food could be expected. The vegetable pakoras were rock hard and tasteless, but good thing we ordered them. Our main courses did not arrive until 45 minutes later. We asked for medium heat, and we couldn’t eat the vegetable korma or lamb vindaloo. Lamb was tough, and couldn’t tell if it even was lamb due to the overpowering chili. Raita was subsequently ordered to counter the heat. The cheese naan was tasty though! If you are from Canada and normally order medium heat, go with mild ;-)

6. Robbies Bar & Bistro

2 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pub, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$16 - HK$220 +64 21 154 1822
Excellent
29%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
10%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 456 reviews

Robbies Bar & Bistro

Reviewed By AllanMargaret

Searched for a place for dinner and the staff were so welcoming and obliging that I couldn’t help but book a table at what was an old post office. The service, when we arrived, was efficient and more importantly cheerful and friendly. They have a good selection of beers and wines and a few cocktails, not that I’m into cocktails at all. The food, lamb shanks for her and roast for me, was delicious and the steamed veggies done beautifully but could have been enhanced with some green beans.

7. WhatEver!

5 Conical Hill Road | Unit 1, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards European, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night HK$126 - HK$220 +64 3-315 5037
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 461 reviews

WhatEver!

Reviewed By Arna K

My husband and I visited hear while we stayed hear as had a voucher we turned up and they had a full house and as we didn't book a table thought we wouldn't get to dine hear. But the manager was verry warm and friendly and got us a table. The service was amazing even though they were flat out there was no table unattended and all the staff were efficient and cheerful. As for the food it melted in our mouths I had steak and my husband had pork it was delicious will definitely be coming back

8. Saints Cafe, Restaurant & Bar

6 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pizza, European, Pub, New Zealand, Grill, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night HK$55 - HK$212 +64 3-315 5262
Excellent
45%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 379 reviews

Saints Cafe, Restaurant & Bar

This Restaurant of ours is always buzzing with tourists, locals, families and groups of friends. We've got big comfy booths, spread out tables and long outside wooden benches for those warm evenings. Relax with a drink or famous cocktail, shoot some pool, or enjoy our restaurant where you may choose from our celebrated gourmet pizzas, unique stonegrill, and classic a-la-carte menu. For those of you with children, please bring them with you as we are absolutely child friendly. Kids can choose from their own menu and colour to their hearts content. We also offer the great taste of Saints through our takeaway service offering not only our gourmet pizzas but our full a-la-carte menu. Come and join us as our team would love to look after you.

Reviewed By Mike L - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

My wife and I along with my sons family recently visited this restaurant on a Friday night, the very night they had an extended Happy Hour. The place was obviously buzzing with young and old, taking the opportunity to experience this restaurants varied menu and in our case their very tasty ribs along with some fine real ales and NZ wines. The service and atmosphere was first rate and we all enjoyed our evenings dinner. One needs to book especially on weekends

9. Rustic Cafe and Tapa's

8 Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Seating, Waitstaff, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, Spanish, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Late Night HK$71 - HK$126 +64 3-315 7274
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Rustic Cafe and Tapa's

Reviewed By madamshalet - Christchurch, New Zealand

We had come in for lunch and were pleasantly surprised at the menu range. A little bit of something for everyone. I got a pasta dish which was very generous and a friend got the fish tapas, again, a very generous serving. Definitely somewhere I will go back to.

10. No.31 Restaurant & Bar

31 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards European, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$94 - HK$220 +64 3-315 7031
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 849 reviews

No.31 Restaurant & Bar

The former "Laurels" Restaurant re-opened its doors in May 2012, as "No.31 Restaurant & Bar", an A la Carte Restaurant specializing in modern European/New Zealand Cuisine. The restaurant is set in a quaint character cottage on the main street of Hanmer Springs. French doors open out to a lovely courtyard for alfresco dining and an outside bar leaner for pre-dinner drinks/cocktails in the warmer months. Inside the restaurant it is very homely, with an open fire, wooden floors and candle-lit tables. Award winning chef/owner, Michael van de Wiel ( previous chef/owner at "The Old Post Office Restaurant", Hanmer Springs, for 12 years). Fully Licensed and NOT BYO. Reservations Recommended.

Reviewed By Richard F - Hanmer Springs, New Zealand

As motel operators we often get asked for recommendations for dining out in Hanmer Springs. "No 31" is only 50meters away but that's not why we recommend them, they have great food and a wine selection to match, and their service is spot on. We've never had a guest come back and say anything negative about their meal, on the contrary, they always comment that the food was great. Good modern NZ menu, whether its beef, lamb or fish.

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