It¹s High Time for High Tea in New Zealand

High Tea is a popular pastime that never seems to go out of style.

The British tradition of high tea began in the mid-1700s as an afternoon tea for workmen, often taken standing or sitting on tall stools, meaning they were taking their tea “on high.” Since then, this tradition has evolved and has been refined, becoming a favourite of the “leisure classes” who would enjoy small sandwiches and bite-sized treats before attending an evening engagement. This precise art of fusing classic high tea fare and a perfectly brewed cuppa with a 21st century twist is becoming so popular that there is an annual competition to find the best purveyors of high tea in New Zealand, with the competition set to go global in 2015. Like Canadians, New Zealanders take high tea very seriously and there are several stand-out high tea establishments around the country.

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The Langham, Auckland Taking its cue from the Langham London, the first grand hotel in the world to serve high tea, the Langham Auckland offers a taste of tea that reminds visitors of yesteryear. Tiffin Afternoon Tea is served twice daily, in the Palm Court, beneath grand chandeliers and on fine Wedgewood china. Orbit, Auckland Orbit brassiere, located in the Auckland Sky Tower – 190 metres above the bustling “City of Sails” – serves the loftiest high tea in the country. High Tea at Orbit is taken in the slick modern brassiere that offers unrivalled 360-degree panoramic views of the city below and beyond. Zealong Tea Estate, Waikato Those wanting a pure New Zealand high tea experience should look no further than Zealong Tea Estate in the lush agricultural region of Waikato. High tea is taken in the Camelia Tea House, overlooking Zealong’s tea plantation – the only one in New Zealand. The tranquil and refined high tea consists of delicious eats, with an Asian-inspired flavour, accompanied by Zealong’s finest tea – an exceptional organic Oolong brewed from leaves grown on site. Oruawharo Homestead and Gardens, Hawke’s Bay Oruawharo Homestead and Gardens is a jewel in Hawke’s Bay’s heritage crown. The 1879 historic homestead is surrounded by 17 hectares of abundant English country-style gardens and woodland. Traditional high tea can be taken on the veranda, the lawn or in the wood-panelled dining room. She Universe, Christchurch Located in the stunning surroundings of Governors Bay, overlooking the blue waters of Lyttelton harbour – just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch City – She Universe offers a luxurious chocolate themed high tea. The decadent high tea is a tantalizing mixture of hand-crafted chocolates and truffles, home-baked sweet goodies and perfectly crafted savouries and local cheeses. Larnach Castle & Gardens, Dunedin In Dunedin, visitors can enjoy high tea, in traditional fashion, in a castle. The historic and imposing Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only true castle. High ceilings, intricately designed fittings and a rich history spanning over a century provide the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a taste of the past. An outstanding garden sprawls across many acres and includes a whimsical tribute to Alice in Wonderland – something to capture the imagination of guests whiling the afternoon away with classic high tea treats.