Zealong Tea Estate
New Zealand's only commercial tea estate, offering organic teas, tours, and a renowned high tea experience amidst beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and gentle sun
Zealong Tea Estate
Best Time
Blossoms and gentle sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New Zealand's only commercial tea estate, offering organic teas, tours, and a renowned high tea experience amidst beautiful gardens.
"A truly unique farm-to-cup experience in a serene setting, perfect for tea lovers and special occasions."
Book High Tea in Advance
Essential for securing your spot, especially for weekends or special occasions. :ticket:
Allow Time for Gardens
Wander the beautiful grounds for photos and relaxation before or after your tea. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature High Tea Experience
The Tea House
Indulge in an exquisite multi-tiered spread of delicious treats paired with Zealong's finest organic teas. A true taste of luxury.
Explore the Organic Tea Gardens
Tea Plantations
Wander through New Zealand's only commercial tea estate, learning about the unique cultivation of award-winning organic teas.
+1
Tea Tasting Journey
The Tea House
Sample a selection of Zealong's diverse and fragrant teas, experiencing the nuanced flavors of this unique estate.
Beautiful Garden Strolls
Gardens
Enjoy picturesque walks through manicured gardens, perfect for photos and moments of peaceful reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your High Tea in Advance
Embrace the Estate's Tranquility
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book High Tea in Advance
Essential for securing your spot, especially for weekends or special occasions.
Allow Time for Gardens
Wander the beautiful grounds for photos and relaxation before or after your tea. :camerawithflash:
Ask About Tea Varieties
Inquire about the different organic teas available for a richer tasting experience.
Vegetarian Options Available
Inform staff of dietary needs; delicious vegetarian options are well-loved. :leafy_green:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book High Tea in Advance
Essential for securing your spot, especially for weekends or special occasions.
Allow Time for Gardens
Wander the beautiful grounds for photos and relaxation before or after your tea. :camerawithflash:
Ask About Tea Varieties
Inquire about the different organic teas available for a richer tasting experience.
Vegetarian Options Available
Inform staff of dietary needs; delicious vegetarian options are well-loved. :leafy_green:
Great for Special Occasions
Perfect for birthdays or celebrations, the ambiance and service shine. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Zealong Tea Estate's beautiful gardens, serene atmosphere, and the exquisite presentation of its high tea. The quality of the organic teas and the attentive service are frequently praised, making it a popular choice for special occasions. Some guests find the high tea pricing to be on the higher side for the overall experience, and caffeine-free options can be limited.
"High tea at a tea farm sounds like a great idea. Nice enviornment and place to sit outside. Friendly and attentive service. However for $76 a person it is too much for what you get compared to other places. They are definitely going for a high class experience, however giving the high tea experience something more would be good.
The tea you get is a single flavour so no tea tasting experience (which would of been cool given there vast collection). Limited caffeine free options but that is tough for a green tea farm.
The food was tasty, and well presented. Unclear if it was all made in house. There is a good amount per person."
James Thompson
"Went here for a bridesmaid high tea. Was beautiful and so well arranged. The staff was very kind and gave us a seat to help our friend feel special. The food was lovely. I am vegetarian and loved the food . The gardens are very beaut and great for good pics on a sunny day"
Gwen Rodrigues
"Our visit began with a stroll through beautiful gardens with statues illustrating the history of tea making. The tea plantations are in the distance. The Tea House is warm and welcoming with attentive staff, gentle classical music and restful views across green countryside. The High Tea was exquisitely presented. Each item was delicious and different. The tea was best quality. This place is for a special occasion!"
Ann Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Zealong Tea Estate is located at 495 Gordonton Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. It's best accessed by car, offering ample parking. Public transport options are limited, so driving or ride-sharing is recommended for most visitors.
While direct public transport is scarce, you can reach Hamilton city center via bus or train and then arrange a taxi or rideshare to the estate. Check local Hamilton transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The address is 495 Gordonton Road, Hamilton, New Zealand. This is the primary location for all tours, tastings, and the tea house.
Cycling is possible if you are comfortable with rural roads. The estate is situated in a scenic area, but ensure you have appropriate gear and check local cycling routes.
Zealong is located in the Waikato region, which offers various attractions. Consider visiting Hamilton Gardens or exploring the local countryside before or after your tea experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
High tea at Zealong is priced around $76 per person, reflecting a high-class experience. While tasty, some reviews suggest it's on the higher end compared to other venues.
Yes, booking Zealong tea tours in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
The Zealong Tea Tour typically includes a walk through the tea gardens, learning about the tea-making process, and a tasting of their signature teas.
Zealong offers various experiences, including tours, tastings, and the popular Signature High Tea. Check their official website for the latest offerings and pricing.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Zealong Tea Estate website for the most current information on their operating times for the tea house and tours.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is serene and welcoming, with gentle classical music, restful views, and attentive staff. It's described as a place to breathe deeply and relax.
Yes, you can purchase Zealong's award-winning organic teas directly from their shop at the estate. It's a great place to buy Zealong tea where to buy.
Absolutely! Vegetarian options are available and highly praised, ensuring everyone can enjoy the delicious food offerings.
The estate's beautiful gardens, especially during spring with cherry blossoms, and the scenic countryside views make it a fantastic spot for photography.
Zealong offers a range of 100% organic, award-winning teas, including black, green, and oolong varieties, all grown on their estate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The High Tea features an exquisitely presented, multi-tiered selection of delicious items, with each item being distinct and tasty.
While not explicitly stated for all items, the food is described as tasty and well-presented, with some reviews suggesting it's made in-house.
Caffeine-free options can be limited, which is typical for a green tea farm. It's advisable to inquire about available choices when booking or visiting.
The tuna tart with ginger and citrus salsa has been highlighted as amazing, and the overall food is described as delicious and well-balanced.
Yes, Zealong offers various function venues and can accommodate groups for events, including bridesmaid high teas, making it suitable for celebrations.
📸 📸 Photography
The manicured gardens, especially during spring with cherry blossoms, offer beautiful backdrops. The rolling green countryside views from the Tea House are also picturesque.
Yes, you are encouraged to take photos throughout the estate, capturing the tea gardens, scenic views, and the overall ambiance.
Even on a rainy day, the atmosphere at Zealong is described as incredible, and the indoor spaces offer cozy, photogenic settings.
Nature photography, landscape shots of the tea fields, and lifestyle photos during high tea or garden strolls are popular.
Generally, photography is welcomed. However, always be mindful of other guests and staff, and avoid intrusive photography during private events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The visual appeal of the tea plants and the open spaces can be engaging for children. Consider a shorter visit focused on a garden stroll and a simple tea tasting rather than the full high tea experience if you have very young children. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to where food comes from in a beautiful, natural setting. The estate's tranquil atmosphere encourages a calm experience, so managing expectations for very active children is key. Pack snacks and drinks for little ones, and check if any specific family-friendly activities are available during your visit.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Enjoying a cup of their finest organic tea while overlooking the rolling green countryside creates a truly memorable and peaceful moment. The attentive service and the estate's focus on quality and tranquility make it an ideal destination for couples looking to unwind and connect.
🍵 Tea Connoisseurs and Enthusiasts
+1 The opportunity to taste a variety of their signature teas, understanding the nuances of each, is a significant draw. Engage with the knowledgeable staff to learn about the specific varietals, growing conditions, and the art of tea making. Purchasing directly from the estate ensures you're getting authentic Zealong tea, a perfect souvenir for any tea aficionado.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Zealong Story: From Vision to Estate
+1 The journey from a bold idea to a thriving estate is a fascinating aspect of its appeal, showcasing innovation in agriculture and a commitment to quality. Visitors can learn about this unique history through tours and by observing the 'farm-to-cup' process firsthand. This dedication to authenticity sets Zealong apart, as it's not merely repackaging tea but cultivating and producing it entirely on-site. This 'true farm-to-cup' ethos is a significant draw for tea enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
+1The estate's success is also rooted in its sustainable practices and commitment to organic certification, making it a world-leading destination for ethical and high-quality tea production. This focus on sustainability and quality resonates with a growing global consciousness around responsible consumption.
Experiencing High Tea at Zealong
While the high tea is a luxurious affair, it's worth noting that it focuses on single-flavor teas rather than a tasting experience, and caffeine-free options can be limited due to the estate's focus on green tea.
For those with dietary needs, Zealong is accommodating, with well-loved vegetarian options available. The overall experience is designed to be a relaxing and indulgent escape, where guests can savor quality food and tea while surrounded by the estate's natural beauty.
The Zealong Tea Gardens: A Sensory Delight
+1 The sight of the lush green tea bushes stretching across the landscape is particularly captivating, offering a unique agricultural vista. Beyond the tea plants themselves, the gardens are often adorned with seasonal beauty, such as the cherry blossoms that were a highlight for some visitors in spring.
These picturesque surroundings provide ample opportunities for photography, with statues illustrating the history of tea making adding an element of cultural interest. +1Whether you're on a guided tour or simply exploring at your own pace, the tea gardens offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to connect with nature. The gentle classical music often played in the Tea House further enhances the serene atmosphere, making a walk through the gardens a truly restorative experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit