thecuriouskiwi

High Tea


Along with two Kiwi girls I enjoyed a memorable afternoon tea at The Savoy Hotel in London in the 1990's. The Savoy reopened on 10 October 2010 after a £220,000,000 makeover. Hotels might not be so grand in New Zealand but there are some lovely venues where you can experience the long tradition of high tea. There are more than 40 high tea options listed around New Zealand, please note that unless otherwise stated, the price (subject to change) is per person, do book in advance. If you have any comments or suggestions of venues to add, feel free to contact me or post your comments below.

High Tea
High tea
High Tea

PS. It's 2020 and it's been a while between high teas but this guide is still very popular so an update was in order. Trip Advisor and Zomato may be able to help if you're looking for high tea reviews. (Updated March 2020)


What's New? Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua CBD; Penny Black Victorian Tearooms, Christchuch, and new Auckland options.

North Island


High Tea in Auckland

Stamford Plaza, 22 - 26 Albert Street, city
High tea is served every day at Stamford Plaza between 11.30am and 4pm, from $45pp.

Cordis (formerly The Langham Hotel), 83 Symonds Street, city
Five star service in the Lobby Lounge is part of the high tea experience at Cordis. High tea is available 7 days (check the link for booking times), $59 or $82 with Champagne, note that prices increase on weekends.

Ostro, Seafarers Building, 52 Tyler Street, city
www.seafarers.co.nz
The Veuve Pink High Tea comes with a harbour view at Ostro. Sunday is high tea day and bookings can be made 12pm - 4pm, from $55 with a pot of Kiwi brand Noble Savage tea or $75 with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Brut or Rose.


Cup & Saucer  Bluebells Cakery can cater for your next tea party, or you can have high tea at the two Bluebells Cakery Cafes.


Hotel DeBrett, 2 High Street, city
Roaring 20's High Tea is on the menu at Hotel DeBrett every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4pm, $55pp includes an 'Easy Street' cocktail on arrival.


Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, city
Sofitel Auckland offer high tea every day from 12pm-3pm, choose a traditional afternoon tea from $45pp, or the Champagne option from $59pp.


Heritage Auckland, 35 Hobson Street, city
High tea at Heritage Auckland is served every day in Hectors Restaurant between 12 noon and 4pm, from $45 (there's also a vegan high tea option from $45). Select your choice of tea from the tea menu that includes unusual flavours like white peach, decaf hot cinnamon and pomegranate oolong.

 
Heritage Hotel Restaurant
Heritage High Tea
Heritage High Tea


Bellini at Hilton Auckland, Princes Wharf, 147 Quay Street, city
Choose from a Refined High Tea ($49), Mixologist's High Tea ($69) or Bubbly High Tea ($79) at Bellini. 48 hours notice is required for high tea which is served Thursday - Sunday from 12.30pm - 3.30pm.


Cup & Saucer  All About T and The Vintage Table organise tea parties in your home or venue in Auckland.


Wintergarden Cafe, Kiosk Road, Auckland Domain
www.wintergardenpavillion.co.nz
Have High Tea at The Pavilion on the first and third weekends of the month between 10.30am and 3pm, $39pp or $48 with a glass of bubbles. Bookings are required with a minimum of two days notice and a deposit is payable.


Eden Garden, 24 Omana Avenue, Epsom
www.edengarden.co.nz
Three days advance notice is required for high tea at Eden Garden. High tea is served every day from 10.30am - 2.30pm, $45 including garden entry. The gluten free or vegetarian option is $50 including garden entry.


Cornwall Park Bistro, Michael Horton Drive, Cornwall Park, Epsom
www.cornwallparkeateries.com
High tea at Cornwall Park Bistro is offered 7 days a week and costs either $49 or $59 including a flute of NV Cloudy Bay Pelorus. A deposit of $20pp is required to secure a reservation.


Alberton, 100 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert
Alberton is a historic mansion dating back to 1863. Regular high tea isn't offered but tea parties may be held as part of the annual Auckland Heritage Festival. Alberton is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am - 4.30pm, it can be booked for weddings and special occasions.

Alberton
Heritage Festival Devonshire Tea
Alberton

Cup & Saucer  Shamrock Cottage and Howick Historical Village both host high tea as special events.



Grand Mercure, 8 Customs Street East, city
www.grandmercureauckland.com
I can vouch for the panoramic view of Auckland harbour from a window-side seat at Vue restaurant at the Grand Mercure. High tea is served on Saturday and Sunday between 1pm - 4pm, last bookings at 3pm. High tea is $49 or choose high tea, bottomless bellini's and unlimited scones for $69 (two hour limit). 48 hours booking notice required, bookings of 10 or more require a deposit. 10% Accor Plus discount applies.


Hotel Grand Windsor, 58/60 Queen Street, city
www.hotelgrandwindsor.com
Cooke's Restaurant & Bar at Hotel Grand Windsor dates back to the 1930's when it operated as a tea room. The hotel was refurbished in 2017 and today you can have high tea on weekends from 2pm-4pm, or during the week for groups of 10 or more. High tea costs from $49, up to $68 with a glass of Champagne. Gluten free and vegan high tea on request.


La Fourchette, 8c Turua Street, St Heliers
www.lafourchette.co.nz
A Tahitian Maitai and Mango Margarita are options with a cocktail high tea ($52) at La Fourchette in St Heliers. Bookings are taken Wednesday to Sunday from 3pm - 5pm, 48 hours advance booking required.

Peace and Plenty Inn

Peace and Plenty Inn, 6 Flagstaff Terrace, Devonport
www.peaceandplenty.co.nz
Peace and Plenty Inn hosts Victorian High Tea on Saturday and Sunday between 12 noon - 4pm, $45 including a glass of bubbles. Fine china, vintage tablecloths and elegant silverware complement the 1880 heritage Victorian villa. Victorian dress is optional, hats welcome or you may like to choose one from Peace & Plenty's collection.




The Brigham Cafe, corner Brighams Creek & Sinton Road, Whenuapai
Quiche, savouries and brandy snaps are on the high tea menu at The Brigham Cafe, from $25 (minimum 4).


Cup & Saucer   High Tea at the Victorian Room by Jill Jones-Evans and Joe Gambacorta explains the traditions behind high tea and includes over 100 recipes.


Auckland's Waitakere Estate, 573 Scenic Drive, Waiatarua
www.waitakereestate.co.nz
Auckland's Waitakere Estate serves high tea on Saturday and Sunday, midday to 3pm, from $38.


Fisher House

Fisher House, 117 Kerwyn Avenue, Highbrook
www.fisherhouse.co.nz
High Tea, Royal High Tea and Majestic High Tea are your choices at Fisher House, from $29. Kids High Tea is also offered from $14.50.


High Tea in Hamilton

The Olde Creamery, 317 Kaipaki Road, Ohaupo (12 minutes from Hamilton)
The Olde Creamery is in a rural setting and hosts high tea from $35pp. Bookings for high tea parties for little ladies most welcome, $17.50 for children under 10. I visited The Olde Creamery for a potted scone with jam and cream, and a pot of tea, I recommend it, particularly on a sunny day when you can sit in the garden. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am - 4pm (closed public holidays). (You can stay onsite at Rose Cottage B&B).


The Olde Creamery - potted scone and tea
The Old Creamery - high tea setting

Willowbrook Park Private Country Estate, 15 Vaile Road, Newstead, Hamilton
www.willowbrookpark.co.nz
Local Zealong tea is served with high tea at Willowbrook Park Private Country Estate. High tea from $35pp, bookings essential.


Zealong Tea Estate, 495 Gordonton Road
www.zealong.com
Signature High Tea and Sparkling High Tea are options at Zealong Tea Estate, from $49. High tea includes your choice of one of five Zealong teas grown onsite at New Zealand's only tea plantation. It's a high tea experience we recommend - High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate via thecuriouskiwi/blog.

Signature High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate
Zealong Tea Estate
Tea at Zealong Tea Estate



Trinity Wharf High Tea



High Tea in Tauranga
Trinity Wharf, 51 Dive Crescent
www.trinitywharf.co.nz
Halo Restaurant at Trinity Wharf sits over the sea, so if weather permits it's lovely to dine outside. It was windy during our high tea visit so we sat inside with our three tier tray of treats. The macarons were especially good and we thought at $20pp (now $30pp) including hot drinks the high tea was value for money. The restaurant was busy with birthday parties so the staff could have been forgiven for neglecting our table of two, but they returned to top up hot water and were cheerful despite the crowds. High tea is served from 2pm - 5pm, bookings essential.


High Tea in Rotorua

Mokoia Restaurant at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort, 77 Robinson Avenue, Holdens Bay
www.mokoiarestaurant.co.nz
Swan choux pastry, lemon and coconut macaroons, and apple and hazelnut cake are part of High Tea at Mokoia Restaurant, from $25pp.

The Regent of Rotorua, 1191 Pukaki Street, city
www.regentrotorua.co.nz
Egg salad, butterfly cakes and chocolate eclairs are on the high tea menu at Regent of Rotorua, from $29pp or $49 with champagne. Bookings essential.


The Prince's Gate Boutique Hotel, 1057 Arawa Street
www.princesgate.co.nz
High Tea is served daily in Memories Restaurant at Prince's Gate Hotel. Traditional High Tea from $29, Savoury High Tea from $34.

Memories Restaurant
Princes Gate Lounge

Cup & Saucer    High tea in Taupo - Enjoy a Timeless High Tea, Bubbly High Tea or Mar-tea-ni High Tea at Bistro Lago at The Hilton, from $39.


High Tea in Whakapapa Village
Chateau Tongariro Hotel, State Highway 48, Whakapapa Village
www.chateau.co.nz
Have high tea with a view at the grand old Chateau Tongariro Hotel. We think it's worth the detour for high tea if you're travelling through the central North Island, see High Tea at Chateau Tongariro via thecuriouskiwi/blog.

Chateau Tongariro High Tea
Chateau Tongariro

High Tea in New Plymouth
Tea House On The Lake, Pukekura Park
You can combine a guided tour of Pukekura Park with high tea at Tea House On The Lake in New Plymouth.


Oruawharo Homestead

High Tea in Hawkes Bay

Oruawharo Homestead, 379 Oruawharo Road, Takapau
You can take tea at Oruawharo Homestead just like the former owners Sydney and Sophia Johnston would have done in the late 1800's. Take a seat on the verandah, in the garden, the wood panelled dining room or elegant drawing room.



Cup & Saucer   The County Hotel in Napier hosts special event Premier High Tea.


Port'O'Call, 9 Nelson Quay, Ahuriri, Napier
www.portocall.co.nz
Port'O'Call is half design store, half cafe. Devonshire cream tea ($9.90) is on the menu and you can select your own china cup and saucer; and nice napkins, flowers and cute tea cosies make this a port'o'call for those who like something pretty with their tea. Open 7 days.

Port'O'Call
Port'O'Call Devonshire Tea
Port'O'Call


High Tea in Palmerston North

Petit Fours, 249 Cuba Street
Petit Fours show their cup cakes and specialty cakes on Facebook, keep an eye on the page for special event high teas.

Distinction Coachman, 140 Fitzherbert Avenue
www.coachman.co.nz
Follow the link to see Distinction Coachmans high tea dates.

High Tea in Wairarapa

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park, High Street, Masterton
www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
High tea is served in The Grill, choose Traditional High Tea or Bubbly High Tea, available daily from 2pm - 5pm, from $21.50. High tea for children is also available, from $11 (3-10 years), children must be accompanied by an adult (minimum two adults and two children).


High Tea in Wellington

SESU Eatery / Martha's Pantry, 276 Cuba Street
www.marthaspantry.co.nz
I haven't been to the new look SESU Eatery / Martha's Pantry but high tea is now offered on weekends only, standard high tea $35 and vegan/dairy free $40. (The photos below were taken prior to Martha's Pantry becoming SESU Eatery).

Martha's Pantry
Martha's Pantry
Martha's Pantry

Cup & Saucer   If you live in Wellington and you're keen on high tea check out High Tea Honeys, they have a meet up group and organise get togethers for women.

InterContinental Wellington, 2 Grey Street
www.ihg.com
The Lobby Lounge is the venue for high tea at the InterContinental Wellington. Adults high tea from $39, kids under 12 from $19, under 4 - complimentary.


QT Museum Wellington, 90 Cable Street
www.qthotelsandresorts.com
High Tea at QT Museum Wellington is served in the fabulous Hippopotamus and there are a few high tea choices including The Hip High Tea (includes a cocktail), and Elegant High Tea (includes a glass of bubbly). High tea is available Wednesday - Sunday from 2pm - 4.30pm.

Hippopotamus Bar
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamus Bar

Cup & Saucer   Ladies, A Plate - Traditional home baking by Alexa Johnston has recipes for popular afternoon tea treats like lamingtons, scones and butterfly cakes.


James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, 147 The Terrace
www.grandchancellorhotels.com
Visit the website to check for special high tea events like Mad Hatters High Tea.



Cup & Saucer   The Gardens Cafe at Aston Norwood in Kaitoke has high tea on the menu.


South Island

High Tea in Nelson

Melrose House, 26 Brougham Street
www.melrosecafe.co.nz
Melrose House was built around 1879, in the mid 1940's it was used as a rest home for rural women, a place where they could rest away from the demands of country life. In 1973 the rest home was closed due to high maintenance costs. Thanks to the Melrose Society the interior of the house has been refurbished and maintained, Nelson City Council looks after the exterior of the property and gardens.

Melrose House Devonshire tea
Melrose House
Melrose House

Melrose House operates as a cafe and high tea can be accompanied by French Champagne. Sunday is a special day as antique tea sets decorate the tables. Melrose House is a grand old lady, take tea either inside, on the verandah, or on the lawn.


Warwick House, 64 Brougham Street
www.warwickhouse.co.nz
Warwick House is a B&B that also offers high tea for groups of 15 or more, high tea is served in the ball room (photos below).

Warwick House
Warwick House ball room
Warwick House ball room

High Tea in Christchurch

Terra Viva, corner Wairakei Road and Roydvale Avenue, Burnside
www.terraviva.co.nz
You'll find a garden centre, homeware store and cafe at Terra Viva. High tea is served every day in Terra Viva Cafe & Deli, from $28.50, cream tea and afternoon tea are also options. Canterbury Charity Hospital will receive $1 for every high tea ordered.

50 Bistro at The George Hotel, 50 Park Terrace, city centre
www.thegeorge.com
If high tea at a 5 star boutique hotel sounds good, check out high tea at The George. High tea from $45, sparkling wine option from $57.


Cup & Saucer   High Tea for two at the Crowne Plaza, 764 Colombo Street is $64, add a glass of bubbly for $10pp.


Seven Cafe, corner Riccarton Road and Hansons Lane, Riccarton
www.sevencafe.co.nz
Seven Cafe high tea is $27.50, the gluten free option is an extra $2.50pp. 72 hours notice is required for bookings on Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 4.30pm, a deposit is needed.

Eliza's Manor Boutique Hotel, 82 Bealey Avenue
www.elizas.co.nz
Eliza's Manor can cater for high tea functions and children's high tea parties. High Tea from $40pp, Devonshire Tea from $20pp.

The Store @ Tai Tapu, 687 Christchurch Akaroa Road
www.thestoretaitapu.com
Have high tea at The Store @ Tai Tapu Monday - Sunday from 9am - 3pm. See the online menu, adults high tea $35, Le Petit high tea for kids $20.


Cup & Saucer   Want to host your own tea party? The China Cabinet in Christchurch can supply you with the pretty things you need.


Penny Black Victorian Tearooms, Shop 37, The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, Woolston
www.penny-black.co.nz
Looking for a high tea experience fit for a Queen (or King)? Check out Penny Black high tea options including Ladies Who Lunch High Tea ($40) and Gentleman's Hour - sweet and savoury treats with craft beer or whiskey ($44).

Penny Black Victorian Tearooms
Penny Black Victorian Tearooms

High Tea in Ranfurly area

Clachanburn Garden, Patearoa, RD 4, Ranfurly
www.clachanburn.co.nz
Clachanburn garden is endorsed as a Garden of National Significance, the garden can be visited by appointment. Bookings can be made for Devonshire tea, high tea and lunch. (Accommodation is available at Clachanburn Garden Cottage).


Cup & Saucer   There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea. Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady


High Tea in Dunedin

Larnach Castle, 145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula
www.larnachcastle.co.nz
The Ballroom Cafe is the venue for high tea at Larnach Castle. Note that you need to pay an entry fee for either the Castle, Gardens & Grounds and high tea ($64), or Gardens and Grounds only with high tea ($47).

Larnach Castle Ballroom
Larnach Castle Devonshire Tea

Larnach Castle

Cup & Saucer   A website visitor recommends Tasse Cafe in Dunedin for high tea.


Comments to date: 19. Page 1 of 1.

Jo

The best high tea i’ve Found in Christchurch is The Store -Tai Tapu absolutely amazing food great setting and service and the gluten free one was excellent too.

Admin:  Thanks for the recommendation Jo.

Hannah

I just wanted to say thank you so much for putting this together!! It saves me a great deal of time on research for putting on my tea party. Blessings!

Admin:  Hi Hannah You're most welcome.

Rachael

Thanks Kelda, they've got an informative and attractive website too, I've added a link in the Dunedin section.

Kelda

Great list! Just missing Tasse Cafe in Dunedin. Best high tea I've experienced (except for Savoy) in London!)

Julia Scanlon

Hi, sorry for not getting back quickly- High tea is actually served early evening- its the evening meal usually for the working class and would comprise either a hot meal followed by cakes, bread and jam, or cold cuts of meat.

Rachael

Hi Julia
I take your point, Sofitel and Camellia Tea House refer to afternoon tea and tiffin respectively, possibly acknowledging the difference. Although it seems high tea and afternoon tea are often used interchangeably, especially outside England.

julia Scanlon

Its afternoon tea, not high tea- high tea is a very different thing. It would be great if these places actually looked into the history behind what they are advertising

Rachael

Hi Wendy
Thanks, I think the inability to post urls is to help stop spam, but urls can be added manually - http://louissergeant.co.nz/

Wendy

Love your site but can't post urls here, check out Louis Sergeant on Featherston Sy Wellington for French high teas

Rachael

Hi Samantha,
You're welcome, it looks like you have lots of fun. Thanks for the recommendations, I had a look at the Louis Sergeant Sweet Couture Facebook page - wow and yum.

Samantha Bovey

Hi Rachael,
Thank you for including the High Tea Honeys here.
A couple of other Wellington places to visit would be Louis Sergeant Sweet Couture, Wellington and Stonestead Devonshire Tea, Upper Hutt. Both magical in their own unique way.

Tonya

Thank you for including All About T :)

Admin:  You're welcome.

Jennifer Sloots

Hi Rachael... You must have been at Tophouse in the last few months, as I only took over the business in october 2012. I recognise the plate and silver holder! Hope ypu enjoyed your experience there.

Admin:  Hi Jennifer, Yes, we visited late November. We really enjoyed ourselves - it was like stepping back in time. I wish I'd written down the name of your staff member, she was so hospitable and made the experience even better. We'll be back one day to have a drink in your little bar. Best wishes for your new venture - TopHouse is a gem. Rachael

Rachael

You're welcome Christina, I have sent you an email.

Christina Windram

Thank you for including Stafford Villa, I found your web site by accident and was very impressed with the selction of high Teas in New Zealand.Please when you are in Auckland come along to a Stafford Villa High Tea we would love to have you.

Rachael

Hi Catherine
Apologies for the delay in responding, thanks for your comments. I sent you an email but it was returned, if you stop by again, feel free to email me so I can re-send the email. Rachael@thecuriouskiwi

Catherine

Hi Im the reviewer you mentioned in your review of Rotorua's Princes Gate, the price came from a public holiday surcharge and I should have said two stands of food, but by the looks of it you had a better day than we did, as we certainly did not get 14 treats and grapes. I also took my husband and son, not a good idea. My objection was that the picture used in their web site was nothing like what was served, to their credit they have since changed this and now an actual picture of their tea app... read more »

Rachael

Thanks Gloria, I've really enjoyed putting the information together and experiencing the different venues and types of high tea offered. Enjoy the tasting trail, a good high tea is a real treat. If you'd like to, feel free to come back and comment on your experiences. Rachael @thecuriouskiwi

Gloria Poupard-Walbridge

What a wonderful selection of places to go - In Auckland alone a great choice! Passionate about high teas, will go on the "Tasting" trail and recommend the experience to everybody.

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