Socialising and enjoying good food away from stress and politics… a high tea may just be what you need for this. Luckily for you, we’ve listed here the top venues for the best high tea in Christchurch.

We selected those that have flavourful food and tea, a relaxing ambience, and personable staff. In addition, we looked at the client reviews to make sure others agreed with our selections.

So without any delay, here are the leading venues for the best high tea in Christchurch!

1)  Terra Viva Cafe

If you want a lovely high tea to revive your flagging spirits after work, you should book at Terra Viva Cafe.

They offer a delicious variety of savouries and sweets, along with a pot of good, strong tea. You can choose 8 or 10 items from their selection for a value price.

We suggest trying the chicken caesar vol au vent or vegetable frittata (gluten-free available). Also, you can indulge in their sweet scones with cream and berry jam.

Plus, they let you upgrade your high tea with a bottle of bubbles. And for every tea you order, they will donate $1 to the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue.

Highlights

• Delicious food and tea
• Affordable prices
• Let you upgrade with a bottle of bubbles
• Vegetarian/gluten-free options available

Customer Reviews

Rachael Haywood stated this about Terra Viva Cafe:

“Had a lovely high tea today. Lovely staff and yummy food. Best egg sandwich ever!”

2)  Penny Black Victorian Tearoom

Penny Black Victorian Tearoom offers a luxe high tea experience complete with exquisite china, classy cutlery, table linen, and beautiful tiered cake stands.

The cafe is said to be lovely with friendly and quick staff, which is partly why it’s one of the top venues for the best high tea in Christchurch.

For the food, they offer a range of fresh and tasty savouries and bite-sized treats as well as your choice of coffee or tea. A gluten-free and dairy-free set is also offered.

Their high tea is from Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30 to 11.45 in the morning and 2 to 3 in the afternoon.

Highlights

• Luxe high tea experience
• Friendly and quick staff
• Fresh and tasty meals
• Lovely atmosphere

Customer Reviews 

Here’s Genevieve’s feedback on her high tea at Penny Black Victorian Tearoom: 

“I came here for my mum’s birthday. The high tea was absolutely beautiful ?. The waiter was so lovely, he talked about what was on high tea stand. Our tea, food and water came really quickly. The atmosphere was stunning, it was so relaxing sitting in the cafe, the food and tea was absolutely delicious. The layout on the table was so lovely. We both had a great time and I highly recommend coming here!!”

3)  Seven Cafe

Seven Cafe is a terrific high tea venue for birthdays, hen parties, anniversaries, graduations, and baby showers. It is based in the Riccarton suburb of Christchurch.

They have a seasonal menu consisting of enticing cakes, healthy salads, and filling sandwiches. And let’s not forget their range of tea and coffee that satisfies!

There’s also plenty of parking outside and wheelchair access, so there’s absolutely no hassle when you come. Seven Cafe’s high tea runs daily from 2 to 4.30 PM.

Highlights

• Seasonal menu
• Serves fresh and healthy food
• Ideal for social occasions
• Has a range of coffee or tea

Customer Reviews 

One customer, Anna, commented about Seven Cafe:

“The garden scenery makes it a nice place to relax while enjoying a bite to eat from a wide selection of foods. Truly recommended.”

4)  Savoire Cafe

Situated in Merivale Mall, Savoire Cafe of Merivale offers a high tea with classic club sandwiches, savouries, scones, finger food, and the tea or coffee of your choice.

They have an outdoor courtyard where you can enjoy your coffee… or just chat with your friend about the latest happenings over a tempting dessert in the cafe.

Their food is beautifully presented in elegant tiered food stands. This makes the high tea selections even more appetising and delicious!

If you want a relaxing ambience and remarkable food, Savoire Cafe of Merivale is another of the top venues for the best high tea in Christchurch.

Highlights 

• Offer a great variety of food
• Beautiful presentation
• Relaxing ambience 

Customer Reviews 

Let’s hear about Abby’s review of Savoire Cafe: 

“Delicious cheese scones! Great interior upgrade, am very impressed with the new look. The service, food, and coffee are always a pleasure. Thank you.”

5)  The George Christchurch

At the George Hotel, they offer luxe venue choices for your high tea. Depending on the number of guests and the occasion, there surely is something for you.

For instance, you can choose to have your high tea in the Residence for a cosy and intimate space; the Library for an entertaining experience; or the Conservatory to seat up to 20 people, perfect for birthdays or bridal showers.

It’s essential to book beforehand for their high tea. Additionally, you can inform them if you have a special diet so they can prepare it for you.

Their menu consists of savouries, sweets, and tea that are exquisite and great-tasting. Thus, the George belongs in the top venues for the best high tea in Christchurch list.

Highlights

• Luxe venue choices
• Great-tasting food
• Perfect for celebrations and events
• Boutique 5-star hotel 

Customer Reviews 

On Facebook, Annette Rhind said of the George Hotel’s high tea: 

“Fathers Day High Tea. Everything fantastic, staff, food and great value for money. Thanks for a memorable afternoon for a 94yr old.”

And those were the top venues for the best high tea in Christchurch. These places are epic for celebrating a loved one’s birthday or hanging out with friends.

Did we miss a place that you think should have been on this list? If so, please let us know and we will update this post as soon as we can.

Also if you just want to have a hearty breakfast or brunch at a relaxing cafe, we have you covered. In this case, you can read about the best cafes in Christchurch!