Zealong Tea Estate

Purveyors of the finer things in life, Zealong Tea Estate has well and truly stepped outside the box when it comes to supplying New Zealanders with a hot beverage to be enjoyed daily. With somewhat of a national obsession with coffee, it’s refreshing to see the only commercial tea estate in the country is finding just as much favour with its fans.
 
Producing 100% organic and award-winning tea, the estate started when founder Vincent looked over his neighbour's fence many years ago to see a flowering camellia tree and was instantly reminded of tea plants. Following that ‘aha’ moment, 1,500 tea cuttings were imported from the best tea-growing regions in Asia, but due to strict quarantine laws that number was reduced to a mere 130, making the formation of this now 1.2 million plant estate all the more impressive.

Learn about the dedicated team behind Zealong Tea Estate on one of their specialty walking tours, as well as the long and hardy history behind tea itself. Finish off your wander around the pristine grounds, dotted with impressive sculptures, with a tea ceremony led by your tour guide at the beautiful tea house, or book in for a fine-dining experience (their signature high tea is a favourite) where local, seasonal food is served up by first class chefs.
 
Looking for a suave place to host your next event? Zealong Tea Estate doubles as a destination for those wanting a function room to rival all others. Your guests will be well impressed by the array of famous framed faces in the hallway – proof that this place is as much loved by the rich and famous as it is by the neighbouring locals.