A fire ripped through the rear of at Franz Josef Glacier restaurant early this morning, leaving the building badly damaged.
A neighbour raised the fire alarm about 2.50am after the automatic fire warning system was activated in the 88 Asian Fusion restaurant.
Volunteer fire brigades from Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier and Whataroa responded.
Relieving Franz Josef policeman constable Bruce Pearson was on the scene at 3am and said smoke was billowing from beneath the guttering and through vents at the back of the building.
A resident ran a hose through a broken window to attack some of the visible flames.
Breathing apparatus was required by all attending firefighters, Mr Pearson said.
The fire was believed to have started in the kitchen-service area at the back of the 1970s building, which was renovated prior to opening as 88 Asian Fusion in November 2013.
Co-owner Adam Haugh said it appeared that the building had suffered substantial smoke, water, and some structural damage which would keep the restaurant closed for some time.
"It's going to require structural rebuilding, replacement of ceilings ... it's going to require a wee bit of work," Mr Haugh said.
He understood a formal fire investigation would be undertaken in the next few days.
"It's sitting there but we'll have it back to life next summer, hopefully."
- Helen Lash and Brendon McMahon of the Greymouth Star
