Pinkies out: A guide to high tea in Wellington

High Tea at Artisan in the Bolton Hotel is all class. The plush and elegant dining experience is in the heart of Wellington’s business district. Enjoy a sweet and savoury selection of snacks paired with world-class TWG tea. Classics like smoked salmon blini, scones with jam and cream, and opera gateaux make for a highly traditional and sophisticated experience. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are available. High tea is served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Sitting between the waterfront and the city centre, the InterContinental is a luxury Wellington hotel. It’s fitting then that its high tea experience is equally luxurious. Take a seat in the cosmopolitan charm of The Lobby Lounge on the ground floor. There’s a delicate and indulgent mini feast awaiting you. Choose from savouries like parmesan profiteroles or caramelised onion quiche. The sweets might include baked cheesecake or pandan lamingtons. Depending on your tastebuds, you can opt for tea, coffee, sparkling wine, or Champagne. It’s a timeless tradition with a contemporary New Zealand twist.

The taste of Sri Lanka comes to Wellington in this straight from the source high tea. The founder of Dilmah had a soft spot for New Zealand, which is why this is the only Dilmah-owned tea lounge outside of Sri Lanka. Tastings are taken seriously; coloured sand hourglasses measure brew times precisely. The menu is extensive, with premium white-leaf teas, ice teas, tea mocktails, and all the familiar classics. The two-tiered high tea stand features fusion flavours. Try samosas, vol-au-vent, curried lamb sliders, and jackfruit bruschetta. On the upper tier, you’ll find macarons, tea-infused truffles, cupcakes, and plenty more.

High tea at the Hippopotamus Restaurant is a bubbly affair. It’s located in QT Wellington hotel, with harbour views and a playful Parisian fit-out. The Hippopotamus has become an iconic Wellington dining experience. Its high tea menu is inspired by and celebrates the Champagne of Perrier-Jouët. Think crème brûlée choux, raspberry and Champagne macarons, and chaource cheese puffs — hailing from the very same Champagne region. For the ultimate indulgence, add a Champagne tasting to your visit and bask in the restaurant’s old-world glamour.

Sip sip hooray – it’s time for high tea at Zephyr Café. Based inside Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, Zephyr Café provides a contemporary atmosphere for your celebration. Despite the modern interior you’ll still sip your tea from traditional, fine bone china cups. Delicate club sandwiches, savouries, and petite treats complete the experience. The pot of tea will have Libertine or T2 tea inside and the coffee will be barista-made. The menu caters for gluten free and vegetarian diets while vegans can still select from the café’s à la carte menu.

A brick-clad building just off Cuba Street serves a cup of nostalgia for lovers of high tea. Martha’s Pantry has been serving high tea in Wellington since 2007. Its variety of handmade sweet treats and savouries make any occasion special. The huge selection of teas will keep you returning so you can try them all. There are 25 fabulous T Leaf Teas. If coffee is more your thing, then there’s a barista who can grind up some People’s Coffee. There’s a courtyard out the back for sunny days and a wall of sun hats inside. You can borrow some shade for the duration of your stay.