Four of the best: Mother's Day high teas on May 8

High tea at the Langham Hotel in Auckland. Photo / Dean Purcell

1. Heritage Auckland's Grand Tearoom
35 Hobson St, 2.30pm-4.30pm, $65 per head or $600 for a table of 10

Heritage Auckland and the Make-A-Wish Foundation have teamed up for a high tea with Allyson Gofton, taking you through her new Recipe Journal. Tickets include a glass of bubbles, decadent tiers of cakes, scones and delicacies plus a Bake Box. Ph Make-A-Wish on (09) 920 4760, or email events@makeawish.org.nz

2. Stafford Villa
2 Awanui St, Birkenhead, 2.30pm-4.30pm, $37

Step back in time in the Victorian dining room, drawing room garden or conservatory with a glass of French bubbles and dainty treats on tiered plates. Ph (09) 418 3022 or email: rest@staffordvilla.co.nz

3. Bracu Restaurant
49 Main Rd, Bombay, 11am-3pm, $55

A country drive to the olive groves of Bracu for bubbles, tea and a complimentary gift, all just 45 minutes from Auckland. Dainty sandwiches and cakes served with infusion teas. Ph (09) 236 1033

4. The Peace and Plenty Inn
6 Flagstaff Tce, Devonport, 11am-6pm, $45

A great afternoon outing: combine a ferry ride to Devonport with a Victorian high tea at the heritage waterfront villa. Relax and enjoy the scenic views and stroll around the beautiful gardens, and then potter into the village to browse the second-hand bookshops. Ph (09) 445 2925