Where to take her this Mother's Day
by Avya Hlavac | Photos by SommMother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures who’ve helped to shape our lives. There’s no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate - it might look like a long brunch, a beautifully set high tea, or simply carving out quality time together.
Falling on Sunday, 10 May this year - Mother's Day is set to be a busy day across New Zealand, with families and friends coming together to mark it in their own unique ways. Venues across the country are getting into the spirit with festive events, menus, and promotions to make her feel extra special this year.
Whether you’re planning something relaxed or a little more elevated, dive into our 2026 Mother's Day Guide to find the best places to take her this Mother's Day.
Table of contents
Mother's Day at Milford Motel
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed, share-style dining experience at Milford Motel, designed for easy, all-day enjoyment. Start with dishes like snapper ceviche, blue cheese arancini and garlic bread to share, followed by your choice of mains including pork belly, market fish or corn fritters, before finishing with a pear dessert.
Pricing: $59 per person
Inclusions: Shared starters, choice of main, and dessert to share
Mother's Day at Trivet | JW Marriott
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a vibrant Kai Moana Pasifika buffet at Trivet, where a shared-style feast brings together the flavours of Aotearoa and the Pacific. From fresh seafood and umu-style meats to Kiwiana favourites and traditional dishes, it’s a generous and memorable way to gather.
Pricing: $95 per person
Inclusions: Buffet lunch featuring seafood raw bar, Pasifika-inspired dishes and desserts, plus a complimentary cocktail for Mum on arrival
Mother's Day at Harbourside
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a long lunch or dinner at Harbourside, set against sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour. The experience centres around a refined three-course set menu, with the option to dine à la carte for a more flexible celebration.
Pricing: $89 per person
Inclusions: Three-course set menu with choice of entrée and main, dessert, plus a glass of Church Road Gwen Rosé on arrival
Mother's Day at Amador at Press Hall
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a vibrant brunch or lunch at Press Hall, bringing together flavours from across the globe in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. From Syrian and Malaysian dishes to European favourites, there’s something for everyone - plus plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Pricing: $49 adult | $23 (under 12)
Inclusions: Complimentary bubbles for Mum on arrival, kids menu, family photo booth, games, and Mother’s Day crafts for little ones
Mother's Day at Somm
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Somm with a relaxed three-course dining experience, designed to be enjoyed over a long lunch or cosy dinner. With a focus on seasonal flavours and shared moments, it’s a simple and thoughtful way to mark the occasion.
Pricing: $80 per person
Inclusions: Three-course set menu (entrée, main, dessert), kids menu available, and G.H. Mumm Marlborough Brut Cuvée available for $13 per glass
Mother's Day at Tantalus Estate
Set among the vines on Waiheke Island, Tantalus Estate offers a thoughtfully curated Mother’s Day high tea with a refined, modern edge. This one-day experience blends classic elements with a contemporary menu, led by Executive Chef Axel Curtet-Latreille.
Guests begin with a glass of Tantalus Méthode Traditionnelle, followed by a seasonal high tea featuring a balance of savoury and sweet, plus a choice of main. Premium teas and coffee are included, with optional Champagne or caviar upgrades available.
Pricing: $125 per person
Mother's Day at Hilton Auckland
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a limited-time afternoon tea at Hilton Auckland, where K-Beauty meets Aotearoa in a thoughtfully curated experience. Set within Bellini Bar overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, this collaboration with Lemon & Beaker blends refined flavours with a modern take on self-care.
Expect a balance of savoury and sweet, from Korean-inspired bites to locally influenced creations, served alongside tea, coffee, or optional Champagne and cocktails. Guests dining over Mother’s Day weekend will also receive a curated skincare gift.
Pricing: $110 per person | $125 with Champagne or cocktail
Inclusions: Afternoon tea, with the option for a signature Lemon Glow cocktail or a glass of Pommery Champagne, plus a Lemon & Beaker wrapped mask and live violinist entertainment.
Mother's Day at The Boat House
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed riverside buffet at The Boat House in Riverhead, where a seasonal spread of favourites is served in a beautiful waterfront setting. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to gather, unwind, and enjoy quality time together.
Pricing: $60 adult | $25 (3–12) | Under 3 free
Mother's Day at Tiger Bar & Restaurant
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed lunch or dinner at Tiger Bar & Restaurant, within SOHO Hotel Auckland - where a curated three-course menu showcases bold, modern flavours. Each booking includes a house beverage, making it an easy, all-in-one dining experience.
Pricing: $79 per person
Inclusions: Three-course set menu, one house beverage (bubbles, wine, soft drink or juice), plus entry into a draw to win a SOHO Hotel stay or dining experience.
Mother's Day at Nineteen Restaurant
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a relaxed high tea at Nineteen Restaurant, set against sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf. Expect a classic selection of sweet and savoury bites - from buttermilk scones to mini sausage rolls and sandwiches - designed for an easy, indulgent afternoon.
Pricing: $54 per person
Mother's Day at Rydges Auckland
Start Mother’s Day with a laid-back breakfast on the Rooftop Terrace, overlooking the Auckland Harbour. A pastry basket is served to the table before a curated buffet of breakfast favourites, with barista coffee and a glass of Mumm Rosé or mimosa for adults.
Pricing: $75 adult | $45 (12–17) | $25 (5–12) | Under 5 free
Mother's Day at Holiday Inn Auckland Airport
Treat Mum to a relaxed, family-friendly Mother’s Day buffet lunch at Vapour Restaurant, within Holiday Inn Auckland Airport. From 12-2pm on Mother's Day - enjoy a generous spread of seasonal dishes, hearty mains and sweet treats, plus thoughtful extras like a welcome cocktail for adults and special perks for the kids.
Pricing: Adults $65 | Children (0-5) Free | Children (6-12) 50% off
Inclusions: Complimentary cocktail on arrival (adults), kids dining offers, each mum receives a 20% off dinner voucher
Mother's Day at The French Café
Mark Mother’s Day with a refined Sunday lunch at The French Café, where a carefully considered four-course menu showcases seasonal ingredients and precise technique. The experience begins with signature snacks and Parker House rolls, followed by standout dishes including Ruakaka kingfish and confit duck leg, finishing with a layered chocolate dessert.
Pricing: $125 per person | $50 per child (under 14)
Mother's Day at Chapman’s Restaurant
Gather the family for a generous Mother’s Day brunch at Chapman’s Restaurant within Rydges Rotorua - featuring a buffet of seasonal dishes and well-loved classics. From pastries and seafood to carvery selections and desserts, it’s a relaxed way to celebrate, with a glass of bubbles for Mum on arrival.
Pricing: $45 adult | $22.50 (5–12) | Under 5 free
Inclusions: A glass of bubbles for Mum on arrival
Mother's Day at Atrium Restaurant
Enjoy a relaxed buffet brunch at Atrium Restaurant within Arawa Park in Rotorua, where seasonal flavours and generous spreads set the tone for an easy Mother’s Day celebration. Expect antipasto, salads, hearty mains and classic desserts, with a glass of bubbles on arrival for Mum.
Pricing: $45 adult | $22.50 (5–12) | Under 5 free
Inclusions: Arrival bubbles for Mum
Mother's Day at Portlander
Celebrate across the weekend at Portlander with a long, indulgent lunch designed to be savoured. Set within Rydges Wellington, Portlander will be serving its signature menu and specials, with a glass of G.H. Mumm Rosé on arrival to mark the occasion.
Pricing: From $79 per person (Kids under 12 may order from our kids menu)
Inclusions: A glass of G.H. Mumm Rosé upon arrival
Mother's Day at Whiskey Lima Golf
Jet setting come Mother's Day? Treat Mum to a generous buffet at Whiskey Lima Golf, at Rydges Wellington Airport. A glass of Poppies Rosé and a curated treat box add an extra touch, with free parking and family-friendly options to complete the experience.
Pricing: From $80 per person | Kids under 10 free (one per paying adult)
Inclusions: A glass of Poppies Rosé and a curated treat box for Mum
Mother's Day at Bloody Mary’s
Start the day with a classic breakfast buffet at Bloody Mary’s at Rydges Latimer in Christchurch. Mum will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbles to kick things off, followed by a generous buffet including everything from fresh fruit and pastries to hot favourites like pancakes, bacon and house-made hash browns.
Pricing: $49 adult | $25 child
Inclusions: Complimentary glass of bubbles for Mum
Mother's Day at ilex
Set within the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, ilex is hosting a refined Mother’s Day high tea featuring sweet and savoury favourites. Enjoy a glass of prosecco on arrival alongside bottomless tea and coffee, all inspired by locally sourced, seasonal produce.
Pricing: $75 per person
Inclusions: Prosecco on arrival, bottomless tea and coffee
Add-on: Hand-tied bouquet by Linden Grove Floral Design
