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.

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

  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.

  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.

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

   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.

High Tea in Hamilton

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.

High Tea in Rotorua

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.

    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.

   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.

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

   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.

   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.

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

South Island

High Tea in Nelson

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).

High Tea in Christchurch

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

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

High Tea in Ranfurly area

   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).

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

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