The long-lunch:
Wakatipu Grill, Queenstown
Get away from the crowds and enjoy Wakatipu Grill’s delicious three-course lunch for $45 per person, including a surprise gift for the guest of honour. Enjoy the seasonal, local menu (pictured above) and five-star service of the Hilton hotel’s luxury restaurant overlooking Lake Wakatipu. You couldn’t find a more relaxing vista.
The creative high-tea:
High-tea at Auckland Studio Potters, Auckland
Taste the latest teas from the Fine and Dandy Tea Company with bite-sized treats at the Auckland Studio Potters in Onehunga. While you sample, choose your favourite tea bowl made by one of eight of the studio’s talented potters to take home with you. Each $40 ticket enters you into the draw to win one of two beautifully handmade teapots as well. Starting at 2pm, it makes for a leisurely afternoon.
The top tier:
Mother’s Day High Tea at Ostro, Auckland CBD
Enjoy the finer things in life with a tier of treats by award winning chef Josh Emett and executive chef Cobus Klobber. Take in the harbour views over a glass of Veuve Clicquot for $75 per person or just enjoy the boutique tea for $55 per person. There are only two sittings (11am and 3pm) so get in quick.
If dinner is more your thing, Ostro will gift a free glass of Veuve to the mother at the table if you use the code ‘Mums the Word’ when booking.
The yogi:
Mother’s Day Talk and Yoga, Te Aro, Wellington
The author of Spilt Milk Yoga Cathryn Munro will give an inspirational talk about motherhood at 10.30am before an iyengar yoga class that aims to energise and yet quiet the nerves and the mind. No previous yoga experience is required at this free event that is all about honouring mothers.
The up-skill:
Mother’s Day Floral workshop, Te Aro, Wellington
Learn how to make a gorgeous hand-tied bouquet of seasonal flowers under the guidance of florist and stylist Yvette Edwards. For $75 per person you’ll also enjoy tea and scones, before taking a beautiful bouquet home with you. There are two, two-hour sessions available (at 10am or 1.30pm) for this perfect Sunday activity.
The laugh-out-loud:
The Best Comedy Show on Earth, Auckland CBD
If you’ve been meaning to see a show at the NZ International Comedy festival, this is the perfect excuse. ‘The Best Comedy Show on Earth’ showcases a sneak peak of ten of the Festival’s brightest stars including Rose Matafeo and Eli Matthewson, for $35. Starting at 7.30pm, it’s held at the Sky City Theatre in town, so make a night of it.
The street art tour:
Street Art Ride, Christchurch CBD
This annual ride around the street art murals in Christchurch helps give a new view of the city, before a coffee stop at Coffee Lovers café. An optional dress code urges the riders to dress as creatively and artistically as they like. Be ready to start at 11am, just look for the colourful bike crew gathering on Regent Street.
The meet and greet:
Annabelle White at Thistle Inn, Thorndon, Wellington
Lunch with Annabelle White at the Thistle Inn to hear the celebrity chef’s no –fuss take on cooking, and tales of her culinary travels. For $65 per person you can enjoy a drink on arrival, inspired long lunch and a chance to compare recipes and stories with White. The event runs from 12-3pm.
The walk and talk:
Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk, nationwide
Start the day right with the now annual fun walk and/or run kicking off at around 10am across the country, from Paihia to Invercargill. The event raises awareness for the ‘Heart Foundation for Women’ campaign, which hopes to help stop women dying prematurely of heart disease. General admission is $20 and includes a Dick Frizzell designed event t-shirt.
