Discover the Irresistible Salmon from Mount Cook, A True Taste of New Zealand

New Zealand’s freshwater king salmon is often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of the salmon world. This National Day, we made our second trip to New Zealand, determined to make up for the missed opportunity to dine at the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop by the stunning Lake Pukaki during our last visit.

Last year, we only reached Pukaki in the afternoon, and to our dismay, the salmon from Mt Cook was already sold out. We ended up dining at the nearby High Country Salmon, which, while enjoyable, left us a bit unsatisfied. This time, we were on a mission to experience both places! Here’s a quick comparison of our experiences:

– High Country Salmon
This charming salmon farm offers a unique, hands-on experience where you can feed the fish, go fishing, and even buy what you catch right on the spot. The fish are said to be freshly caught and cut, ensuring unparalleled freshness. The store provides a variety of ways to enjoy the salmon, including sashimi, sushi, and cooked dishes.

You can choose to dine indoors (P2) or outdoors (P3), and the place is open from 9 am to 5 pm. While the prices are slightly higher than at the other location, they are still more affordable than what you might find in China. This year, with the weather being a bit chilly, we opted for indoor dining.

We sampled 100g of the salmon, and the meat was firm with a subtle, milky aroma that melted in our mouths. The shop provides soy sauce and wasabi, along with chopsticks or disposable chopsticks, adding to the authentic experience.

– Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
Nestled by the picturesque Lake Pukaki, this shop offers a breathtaking view while you dine (weather permitting). Last year, when we visited, it was a sunny day (P5-P6), and the lake water shimmered in a mesmerizing blue-green hue. The glass house next to the shop was also a perfect spot for some memorable photos!

This year, we purchased 250g (P4) of salmon here. The packaging was a bit simple, requiring a bit of effort to open the bag. The shop also provides soy sauce, wasabi, and disposable chopsticks. Perhaps because it wasn’t freshly cut, the meat didn’t seem as tender as the one from High Country, but it was still delicious.

This shop also offers smoked salmon for takeaway. A friendly reminder: after enjoying your meal by the lake, please remember to clean up your trash and be a responsible traveler!

Overall, if your primary goal is to savor the best salmon, I personally recommend High Country. However, if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty and take some fantastic photos while tasting the salmon, then Mt Cook Alpine is an excellent choice.