Review The Pinnacles Restaurant - Tongariro National Park

Tickets tip: Sky waka ticket only includes one return, while day-pass can go unlimited. Much better than expected, especially when check the price even cheaper than auckland zoo, and very friendly stuff, awesome view inside and outside. Might be queue for restrooms, but not a problem Not too much snow in July, only happy valley open for skiing, so we went up early and grab a nice seat, quite busy around 12-2.

We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch at Pinnacles. The food was excellent (Caesar salad, and pork ribs with potato bake & coleslaw). Because of covid levels it’s a la carte at the moment, no buffet. Maybe it’s just because we’re used to Auckland prices but this was much better value! And great service from Dawson. The Sky Waka ride was fun with such stunning views. Next time we’ll do one of the walks too.

The buffet lunch at the restaurant is very good with really fresh meat and vegetables (all sourced locally apparently). The food tastes excellent. While some may complain about the selection of food, for us it is perfectly fine. It is fine dining on top of of the world ! The pricing might be a bit steep for individuals but is very family friendly. A family of four for the Sky Waka and buffet lunch at $175 is real value for the money. Highly recommended !

Simple buffet but deliciously good food with such amazing views! Buffet included on the day we went: Starters - Breads and soups, Miso & Pea & ham. Mains - Poached fish with dill, beef sirloin, chicken thigh with tomato and herbs, cauli and broccoli bake, roasted potatoes and vegetables. Greek, couscous and tossed salad. Rice and massaman curry. Desserts - caramel slice, brownie, apple crumble w/ custard, meringues and peach trifle. Cheese platter - assorted cheeses with crackers and sauces e.g cranberry. Definitely worth it and the ride up there ! Please note that drinks are not included in the price - soft drinks & coffee can be purchased from $5.

Came on sky waka up to the restaurant on hot summers day, enjoyably and relaxing atmosphere, food was delicious, different meats to choose from and fresh breads, also yum desserts from the dessert bar..and definitely cant complain about the amazing widow seat views..will definitely be back in the winter $59 for sky waka return ride and restuarant buffet deal.

For $25 a great lunch. Don't expect a Valentines type menu but there was enough variety to satisfy most. Views of course were spectacular. Two tips: As you pay $39 for the Gondola up there make sure you add a walk on and then have lunch. It costs $10 pp extra to sit by the window but when we were there this included a free drink.

Coolest place to have a buffet lunch. Spectacular views and location. Great staff.

Great food and exceptional service. Our waiter was extremely helpful and courteous. It is a buffet, so there is something there for everyone. There's also a good view. We took the Sky Waka to get up there which was fun too. Then there are lots of hikes you can do while you are up there. Beautiful views!

Great service provided by Dawson and the team welcomed me and the family. Rescheduled our booking for earlier. As we have preferred diet requirements the chef took us through all the buffet options with ingredients. Foods great , variety of options and there prices are competitive. The team was amazing. I would highly recommend Pinnacles Restaurant. Keep up the excellent service. Well done.

What a wonderful surprise 🍽🎉A great dining experience with stunning views and even better service! Dawson, the manager is amazing. Warm and friendly and welcoming just added the cherry on the top to a great experience. The staff are all great! A shout out to the chefs who keep the quality of this buffet 👌 perfect. Have had other buffets and I was not a fan of a buffet until now. This takes first prize for quality and preparation and presentation and freshness and most of all taste! Thank you Pinnacles ❤🙏

I had a fantastic time at the Pinnacles. Even with the clouds it was a beautiful experience. Made even better by the good food and brilliant service. Big thank you to the staff and particularly Dawson who made it such a 5 star lunch. Would recommend!

Wow …. Friday Matariki Day caught the Gondola up to the Pinnacles Cafe and was very pleasantly impressed , firstly the upgraded window seat looking out over the Vally Chairlift , the excellent service ( Mr Dawson ) was of a very high standard, the buffet food was superb. Would highly recommend…..

Great selection of food at the restaurant. very tasty and fresh. Dawson was very attentive, professional and friendly. They kept the buffet open for us until 2.30 (30 minutes later than usual) as we’ve arrived late. View from the restaurant was superb! Would absolutely love to come back during winter and see the snow.

Nice complex at top of Gondala for meal, coffee and spectacular views

Expensive to get to, but the buffet was good value at $20 pp.

Used to ski up here a few years ago. Enjoyed our ride up on Sky Waka and thought the buffet lunch at The Pinnacle's Restaurant was very good value for the price. A great selection of food and staff very friendly and helpful. Only complaint was the fact that we weren't told of the over 65 or gold card sky waka rates, but still an enjoyable experience

Thank you so much to the staff of this amazing restaurant. The view was incredible, the food was totally fresh and delicious and they kindly presented me with a birthday dessert, with a trio of staff merrily singing Happy Birthday to me. Thoroughly recommend this experience: we are telling everyone and ?we will return!

Visited Knoll Ridge Cafe to experience the Buffet lunch today... Bookings we're recommended prior to arriving and glad we had done so. Wonderfully priced and it was absolutely superb - highly recommend a double helping of the poached white fish! Lovely salads, bread and soup selection, sirloin beef and lamb stew.... GF, Vege and delicious-ness options for the whole family! Berry Crumble, custard, choc mousse and peach ambrosia were highlights at dessert table (and M&M sprinkles from the make your own mini pav station!!!) . Staff were so attentive and offered to bring some fries through for our 4yo if he wasn't keen on the food - just amazing!