Where to take her this Mother's Day
by Avya Hlavac |Mother’s Day has different meanings for different people. For some, it's a chance to celebrate the incredible mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures in their lives. For others, it's a moment to honour chosen families and close friendships. It can even be a chance to slow down and enjoy a day of self-care.
When is Mother’s Day in New Zealand in 2025?
Mother’s Day in New Zealand falls on Sunday, 11 May 2025—it’s celebrated on the second Sunday in May each year.
Is Mother’s Day widely celebrated in New Zealand?
Absolutely. It’s a widely recognised occasion here, with families, friends, and communities coming together to honour mothers and mother figures in meaningful ways.
What are some meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day?
Ideas range from a relaxing brunch or high tea, to a winery visit, spa day, or even a weekend away. Thoughtful experiences and quality time tend to go a long way.
What are some thoughtful Mother’s Day gift ideas?
Gifts don’t have to be extravagant. A shared experience, a handwritten card, or time spent together can be more meaningful than anything bought. Consider brunch, high tea, a local getaway—or simply being present and intentional with your time.
Table of contents
Rydges Auckland – The CUT Restaurant
📍 Auckland CBD
What’s On
Celebrate Mum with a rooftop breakfast above the city. The CUT Restaurant at Rydges Auckland is serving a special Mother’s Day buffet breakfast on their Rooftop Terrace, complete with a glass of G.H Mumm Rosé for every guest.
Rydges Formosa – Nineteen Restaurant
📍 Beachlands, Auckland
What’s On
Enjoy High Tea with a view at Nineteen Restaurant, nestled within Rydges Formosa. This Mother’s Day, indulge in a decadent spread and toast with a glass of G.H Mumm Rosé (for mums).
Arawa Park Hotel – Rotorua
📍 Rotorua
What’s On
Celebrate Mother’s Day with relaxed dining at Arawa Park Hotel. Their standard à la carte menu will be available, with a complimentary glass of G.H Mumm Rosé for all mums.
Rydges Rotorua - Champman's Restaurant
📍 Rotorua
What’s On
Chapman’s is known for its epic buffets—and Mother’s Day is no exception. Enjoy lunch or dinner seatings with extra-special dishes added to the lineup, plus a glass of G.H Mumm Rosé for all mums.
Rydges Wellington Airport
📍 Wellington Airport Precinct
What’s On
Treat Mum to a lunch buffet at Rydges Wellington Airport, complete with a complimentary glass of G.H Mumm Rosé.
Atura Wellington – Frankie’s
📍 Thorndon, Wellington
What’s On
For something relaxed and easy, Frankie’s at Atura Wellington is serving up their standard menu, with a glass of G.H Mumm Rosé gifted to all mums on the day.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch – Bloody Mary’s
📍 Christchurch Central
What’s On
Bloody Mary’s is going all out with a buffet breakfast featuring a few extra dishes just for the occasion. Guests can enjoy either a glass of Mumm Marlborough or a crafted coffee with their meal.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch – Market Place Restaurant
📍 Christchurch
What’s On
Enjoy a classic Mother’s Day High Tea with sweet and savoury delights, a glass of pink prosecco, and time to relax in Market Place Restaurant’s warm and welcoming setting. Bookings are 1.5 hours.
Tantalus Estate – Waiheke Island
📍 Waiheke Island
What’s On
This Mother’s Day, Tantalus Estate invites guests to a high tea experience with bold seasonal flavours, sweeping estate views, and a glass of Méthode Traditionnelle on arrival. Expect beautifully curated bites and a touch of Tantalus magic.
Onslow – Auckland
📍 Auckland CBD
What’s On
Celebrate Mum with a luxurious Mother’s Day High Tea at Onslow. Expect gourmet finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and an assortment of premium teas—all served in a refined, relaxing atmosphere. A glass of sparkling wine is available for those who wish to toast the occasion.
Lume – Peppers Clearwater Resort
📍 Christchurch
What’s On
Treat Mum to a relaxing afternoon at Lume Restaurant, nestled within Peppers Clearwater Resort. Their special Mother’s Day High Tea includes gourmet treats, a selection of fine teas, and a glass of sparkling wine. It’s a beautiful way to slow down and savour the day together.
Markovina Estate – Kumeū
📍 Auckland, Kumeū
What’s On
Make it a full-day celebration at Markovina Estate with an all-ages Mother’s Day buffet lunch. Guests can explore the gardens, enjoy a generous canape and buffet spread (including dessert), and relax throughout the afternoon with live service times and drinks on hand.
Bracu
📍 Auckland, Bombay Hills
What’s On
Celebrate Mum with an elegant five-course dining experience at Bracu Restaurant. Head Chef James Welch has curated a menu designed to honour the incredible women we celebrate. With bubbles on arrival and a tranquil estate setting, it’s a refined and heartfelt way to mark the day.
TreeChurch and Gardens – Ōhaupō
📍 Waikato
What’s On
Wander the vibrant autumn grounds of TreeChurch and Gardens at their Mother’s Day Autumn Garden Festival. With garden access, family pricing, and local refreshments available on site, it’s a serene way to connect and celebrate the day outdoors.
🔗 [Book now]
📍 North Auckland
What’s On
Lone Pine is hosting an Elegant Mother’s Day High Tea like no other. Guests are treated to a rosé on arrival, an estate tour, high tea, live music, gift bags, a raffle, photo ops, and more—all in a luxurious country estate setting.
Cordis – Auckland
📍 Auckland CBD
What’s On
Celebrate in style with High Tea by Cordis with TWG in the Chandelier Lounge. Indulge in handcrafted savouries, autumnal desserts, and freshly baked scones served on elegant three-tier stands. Guests on Saturday will enjoy a mimosa on arrival, while Sunday bookings include Louis Roederer Champagne, a special gift, and a cocktail for 4pm guests.
Somm – Auckland
📍 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD
What’s On
Celebrate with a long waterfront lunch at Somm, featuring a seasonal three-course menu designed just for Mother’s Day. A complimentary house-made treat will be gifted to all mums, and a dedicated kids’ menu ensures little ones are well looked after too.
Aston Norwood – Kaitoke
📍 Upper Hutt, Wellington Region
What’s On
Celebrate with a serene Mother’s Day High Tea set in the beautiful gardens of Aston Norwood. Guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbles before enjoying a delicious spread of sweet and savoury treats designed to honour mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures alike.
Wellington Racing Club – Trentham
📍 Upper Hutt, Wellington
What’s On
The Mother’s Day Afternoon Soirée at Wellington Racing Club promises a relaxed and lively celebration. Enjoy live music, drink specials, grazing platters, and a mimosa on arrival—all served to your reserved table. Every mum receives a gift bag to take home.
Whether you’re clinking glasses over a vineyard lunch, sharing high tea with someone special, or taking the day for yourself—there’s no one way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
This 11 May, take a moment to honour the people who show up, care deeply, and make life feel like home. From seaside brunches to elegant city spreads, these events are a beautiful excuse to connect.
