The elegant dining room is within the restored historic landmark building now occupied by the Heritage Hanmer Springs Hotel. While it doesn’t appear to be well advertised, the public is welcome to dine in this lovely room with its fireplace, lounges, palms and outdoor terrace. It is a wonderful location for lunch.

Despite the classy ambience, prices were reasonable. Soup was available for NZ$6, while Garlic mussels were NZ$10. My wife had a smoked chicken and garden salad (NZ$12) and I had the red Thai lamb and kumara curry on a ginger couscous with sweet fruit chutney, riata and naan bread (NZ$12.50). I highly recommend this. We were happy to drink water (free).

We were very happy to be in the lovely room near a window overlooking the terrace. In warmer weather a table on the terrace would be great.

We didn’t eat here at night but some friends did and they thoroughly enjoyed it. They strongly recommend the grilled salmon crusted with tomato dill pesto and topped with mussels Kilpatrick (NZ$24).