Brunch in style this Mother's Day

To all the mothers in New Zealand: you deserve to be spoiled and pampered. We’ve made a list of Sunday brunch events across the country which will treat you like the Queen you are.

North Island

Cordis Hotel, Auckland
Hear this: there’s a ‘make your own mimosa’ bar at Eight restaurant – with non-alcoholic options so the whole family can get in on the fun. If that isn’t enough, all mums receive a handcrafted chocolate bar, on top of an interactive dining experience with each of the eight specialist kitchens.

Take a trip down ‘Silk Road’ over at the Lobby Lounge. Begin your journey with an exotic Mother’s Day champagne cocktail – a concoction of fragrant silk road tea jazzed up with bubbles. Then enjoy the dreamy selection of savouries and sweets at high tea. Trust us when we say your inner sweet-tooth will win – who can resist a vanilla crème tart with fresh raspberries and champagne gel (more champagne)? And the fun doesn’t stop there – you’ll get a special gift bag so you can take home the great memories.

Howick Historical Village, Auckland
Journey into the past this Mother’s Day at Howick Historical Village. Enjoy a cream tea in the Puhi Nui Parlour with the Steam Punk group, then attend a perfume making class with Fleurs du Mal. Pack a picnic for lunch and enjoy the quaint 19th-century village grounds or try someone else’s hearty home cooking at the Homestead Café.

Augustus Bistro, Auckland
On the site of the old Ponsonby post office, Augustus provides an intimate setting to relax in this Mother's Day. There are dishes such as scampi ravioli, slow cooked beef short rib, and yoghurt cheesecake to salivate over, plus a Rosé Ruinart champagne on arrival. A pristine building, a beautiful garden oasis, and an enticing three-course set menu makes Augustus the perfect way for mum to sample the luxury life.

Pullman Hotel, Auckland
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the City of Sails in style at the Pullman's Tapestry restaurant. The fine dining experience draws on the international flavours and techniques of modern brasseries and delights the senses. It's all style and chic at Pullman. 

The Topp Twins Mother’s Day Special, Morrinsville (Sat 11 May)
We’re aware it isn’t on Sunday, nor is it for brunch. However, we think the chance to see a pair of New Zealand’s national treasures in their hometown is too good to miss. Dames Lynda and Jools, aka The Topp Twins, will reinvent Mother’s Day celebrations with their hilarious entertainment. Expect the unexpected – they’re known to change characters, musical styles and gender with ease and flair. 

Wharekauhau Country Estate, Martinborough
The estate began as a sheep station in the 1840s, and it remains a working sheep station to this day. Take in the luxurious interior and enjoy a glimpse of Edwardian times, then make the trek up the hill and be rewarded with spectacular views. Enjoy a glass of Louis Roederer champagne upon arrival, followed by a 5-course degustation lunch. Sundays aren't for rushing, so finish the meal with their elegant cheeseboard for the ultimate Sunday lunch.

French Champagne Tasting and Petits Fours Class, Wellington
Perfect for bonding. Held at the Crave Cooking School, which is renowned for developing many of Wellington’s artisan producers, you'll learn how to make sweet petit fours  –the delicate bite-sized sweets you see in French patisserie shop windows. Pair that with sips of champagne from the French grower Garance et voilà – here’s your Mother’s Day sorted.

South Island

Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
The Oceano Panorama restaurant at the Heritage Hotel welcomes you to their Mother’s Champagne Brunch Buffet. Sip on a glass of sparkling delight as you take in the panoramic views. Lunch under the Nelson sunshine has never looked so good.

Hans Herzog Estate, Blenheim
Hans and Therese Herzog are the stewards of this artisan wine estate. The duo’s method of winemaking is organic and traditional, meaning they let the grapes work their magic. A glass of Sparkling Cuvée ‘Therese’ Vintage Rose on arrival, three glasses of Hans’ handcrafted wines to match the menu, coffee or tea with petit fours, and a three-course menu chosen by the restaurant’s master chefs – isn't that tempting?

Lyttelton Harbour Nature Cruise, Canterbury
Cruise the coves of the glorious Lyttelton Harbour in style on board the spacious catamaran, the Canterbury Cat. Take in the stunning scenery as you savour a rich hot chocolate from the award-winning chocolatiers at She Universe. And if you’re lucky, you might even see a Hector’s dolphin.

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch
The Bloody Mary of the Tudor era may not have been the loveliest, but the folk at Bloody Mary’s inside Rydges Latimer are a lovely bunch. They've extended their breakfast buffet to include specials such as salmon and ham benedict, waffles, and a pimped-up salad bar – because mothers deserve it. Be sure to mention the “Mother’s Day Special” when you make your reservation.