Tea and cake at Zealong estate
It is all thanks to a flourishing camellia bush spotted in a neighbour’s Waikato garden. Seeing it growing so well there, Vincent Chen decided, in 1996, to launch himself into the tea business, creating the Zealong Tea Estate.
Only 130 of the hundreds of Camellia sinensis seedlings imported from Taiwan survived quarantine but, after years of persistence and patience, Zealong has more than 1.2 million bushes.
Each one is harvested by hand, three times a year, just the tender top leaves and buds selected for the careful process of sun drying, withering, tossing, oxidising and rolling to produce three types of tea: green, oolong and black.
The whole process takes place onsite and is totally organic.
Why go?
Because it is closer than Harrods. You can buy Zealong’s tea in that upper-end London store and, of course, around New Zealand but it is always satisfying to go to the source.
In the Retail Boutique, looking appropriately like a science laboratory, you can sample and select from a range of teas to find the one that is perfect for you, all with expert guidance. There is beautiful teaware on sale too. There is more to enjoy outside. The neatness of the tea plantations continues in the manicured gardens surrounding the Tea House, which feature copper sculptures, all connected with the history of tea and its place in New Zealand. A wander there is a lovely way to relax.
Insider tip
The regular tours of the estate are suspended, but will be starting again soon.
On June 18, there will be a special Explore Zealong behind-thescenes tour of the estate and factory, plus a tasting.
There is also new accommodation available on the estate.
On the way/nearby
In summer, it is fun to visit the Taupiri Sunflower Farm for a blast of yellow, or Whitbourne Lavender for some scented purple.
Clandon Daffodils is nearby too, selling flowers and bulbs of many varieties. In July, August and September Clandon offers tours through its fields.
The Cornerstone Alpaca Stud is a Gordonton attraction where you can get up close to these chubbyfaced, friendly creatures on one of a variety of tours, as well as buy goods made from their super-fine wool – from a beanie to a duvet.
Nearby Woodlands Estate is a historic homestead with a cafe, set in lovely gardens where a wander is always a pleasure, and where occasional events are held, such as antique fairs and
scavenger hunts.
How much?
The Signature High Tea is $65 a person. Changing seasonally, it features a tiered stand with sweet and savoury treats, such as a curried roast chicken sandwich, smoked salmon tart, Mexican corn roll, panna cotta and opera cake.
Best time to go
Throughout winter, the restaurant and shop are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Book your table beforehand, and request an outdoor one if the weather is good. Visit zealong.com.
Staying safe:
New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.