Hook Wānaka - Lake to Plate

Fast becoming ‘the thing to do in Wānaka’, Hook provides a unique lake-to-plate experience where locals and visitors can catch their own Chinook salmon from spring-fed waters — without needing to get too Bear Grylls about it. Owned by long-term locals Graham and Hayley Lee, the couple decided to transform their 12-hectare home in Albert Town into an outdoor adventure for all to reap the benefits of.

Hook offers two ‘catch your own’ experiences: a low-key one where you can hire and cast your rods out for a sweet ten bucks, or a more premium option for those wanting to learn all the tricks of the fishing trade. What’s more, their Chinook salmon is rated ‘Best Choice’ by Seafood Watch, is fed a high-quality diet and boasts endless health benefits. The slippery guys usually come out of the water weighing around 1.8kg.

Luckily, you’re not going to have to dirty your hands with fish guts to enjoy your catch. A team of expert chefs are always at the ready to prepare your salmon. Opt for a complimentary clean and fillet or have your fish hot smoked, cold smoked or prepared sashimi-style to eat in the beautiful courtyard or take away.

Not a keen fisher? That’s okay. Hook won’t judge you (much). In fact, they’ve got plenty of reasons to visit that don’t require a rod in hand. The eatery has a fantastic menu featuring small plates like bruschetta and smashed fried spuds, barbecued salomon or meat with slaw, salmon (five ways!) platters and summertime sourdough pizza straight from the wood-fired oven. Thirsty folk will be well taken care of with local craft beers from Altitude, Rhyme x Reason and Crimson Badger and wine from Maude. A kids' menu, sandpit, lawn games and mini golf course make it an especially good time for the whole clan, with plans to expand the children’s adventure area and connect up to nearby walking tracks.

Graham and Hayley are committed to upholding a high standard of eco-friendly practices to ensure having fun doesn’t come with an environmental cost. Fish waste is either composted or made into pet food. A swampy wetland full of native species thrives off fish droppings (yum) and cleans the water flowing out of the property. Watch this space as an aquaponics operation is set to be installed to grow vegetables for the restaurant. Now that’s off the hook.