Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so if you need a bit of inspo for treating Mum in Rotorua, check out these options, from high tea to wine tasting and more.
Breakfast buffet at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
If Mum’s an early riser, a great breakfast buffet plus live cook station for eggs your way are just the treat she needs. Atlas Café & Restaurant, at Novotel Lakeside Rotorua, offers a light, bright dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and just the kind of views you need to start your day: Lake Rotorua and the newly rebuilt $40 million boardwalk and playgrounds. For an extra special treat, book Mum in for When: Daily, 6-10.30am
Bookings: Not required
Brunch with a view at Pātaka Kai
Nothing better than a good ole, relaxing Sunday brunch, right? Well, Pātaka Kai takes it even further. Not only is their world-famous buffet back and still beautifully infused with native ingredients such as horopito, kawakawa, watercress and Akaroa salmon, but dining here is always enhanced with views of the erupting of Pōhutu Geyser in the near distance. Dining at Pātaka Kai does not require paying an entry fee to the geothermal park, but why not also spoil Mum and treat her to experience this special place!
When: Sundays, 10am-2pm
Bookings: Highly recommended
All you can eat breakfast or brunch at Barrel & Co.
Indulge in a heartwarming celebration with an exquisite brunch spread at Barrel & Co. at Pullman Rotorua. Enjoy a culinary journey of flavors, from savory delights to sweet temptations, all crafted with love.When: Sunday, 12 May, 6.30am-1.30pm
Bookings: Essential
High tea at Duke’s Bar & Restaurant
We can thank Anna Stanhope, seventh Duchess of Bedford, for her clever plan to prevent becoming hangry. The story goes that in the early nineteenth century, Queen Victoria’s court took dinner around 8pm. The duchess would often find herself hungry well before then as lunch was served midday, so she began requesting a small meal with a pot of tea late each afternoon. Thus, high tea was borne.
If your mum is a bit regal, why not indulge likewise? There’s hardly a better place to enjoy this centuries-old tradition than at the historic, 125-year-old Duke’s at Prince’s Gate Hotel. While their signature high tea is served daily, Mother's Day offers a unique version and a glass of bubbles for Mum.
When: Sunday, 12 May
Bookings: Essential
High tea at The Regent Room
Treating Mum to high tea at The Regent Room at Regent of Rotorua boutique hotel will knock her socks off. If she loves a fancy place with crisp, white linens, black accents and a bit of glam, this is her jam. Speaking of jam, be sure to try the homemade scones with jam and cream that accompany the selection of sandwiches, savouries, and other baked goods. If the weather is fine, don your sun hats and check if there’s a poolside table in the courtyard to enjoy.
When: Daily, 12-4pm
Bookings: Essential
High Tea at Distinction Rotorua
Take Mum to indulge in a delightful high tea in the relaxing garden setting Pavilion Café. Savour a selection of delectable treats from freshly baked scones to delicate finger sandwiches and decadent desserts, all expertly crafted to tantalise the tastebuds.When: Sunday, 12 May, 10am, 12pm and 2pm
Bookings: Essential
Three-course dinner and bevvies at Okere Falls Store
Known for excellent, fresh and flavourful dishes, often with a creative bent, you won't go wrong taking Mum to Okere Falls Store for a set menu of three courses and drink pairing. Two seatings are available and children 12 and under are welcome at the 5pm seating.
When: Sunday, 12 May, 5 and 7.30pm
Bookings: Pre-purchased tickets required
Dinner with bubbles at Capers Café + Store
Capers Café + Store is a local favourite. Mum will be impressed whether you take her there for breakfast, brunch or lunch, but possibly more impressed with the free glass of bubbles (or a non-alcoholic substitute) with Mother’s Day dinner bookings from 3pm onwards.
Enjoy the new menu which always includes gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto, and refined sugar-free options, and spot the recent interior updates.
An all-day menu runs from 7am to 7pm, and lunch and dinner runs from 10.30am to close.
P.S. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6pm on beer, wine and Duo Distilleries’ artisan gin made in Rotorua, so nobody feels left out.
When: Open daily, 7am-7pm
Bookings: Recommended for Mother's Day dinner from 3pm
Take a gondola to Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar
Here’s another buffet option and it’s a doozy! Plus, getting there is half the magic.Stratosfare's Gondola + Lunch package offers a sweet treat for Mother’s Day that includes a round-trip scenic route up Mt Ngongotahā via the Skyline Gondola – which is, in its own merits, a Rotorua must-do. The panoramic views over Rotorua and its namesake lake are simply beautiful.
The all-you-can-eat buffet is stacked with freshly prepared and cooked-to-order dishes that highlight locally sourced seafood, meat and produce. On Mother's Day, the package also includes a glass of bubbles or orange juice upon arrival.
When: Sunday, 12 May, 10.30am-1.45pm (lunch) and 5-7.30pm (dinner)
Bookings: Essential
Tasty wine tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery
If you’re on your way to Stratosfare, you may as well make Rotorua’s only winery your first stop once you disembark the Gondola. You can call in for a casual glass or two before dinner and enjoy the same epic views over the city. Hint: capture a special moment by snapping a cheeky selfie with your darling mum!
If you have more time up your sleeves, we highly suggest scheduling a wine tasting and let vintner Brent Park help you discover your favourites. In his eyes, it’s all about the individual’s taste buds and he loves to help everyone find a type they’ll enjoy; it’s not what the latest influencers are preaching about. He’s a true character, too, so you’ll spend as much time laughing as you will tasting. If you’re not dining at Stratosfare, order a platter of nibbles to accompany your tasting.
When: Daily, 11am - 6pm
Bookings: Recommended
What’s Mother’s Day without flowers and gifts?
If you’d like to really spoil Mum with an extra treat – and doesn’t she deserve it? – you can hardly go wrong with a bouquet of flowers. In in the city centre, you have Kānuka Boutique Florist and Juniper Art + Home creating amazing floral arrangements. They’re works of art! Best to pre-order yours as these folks get crazy busy.
If Mum’s on the current houseplant craze, one of the best places to shop is just a bit north of the city, in Ngongotahā Village. The ladies at Curiosity Blooms are plant-mad and have a great selection to choose from, as well as loads of other gorgeous gifts Mum would love.
