OLD VERSION, please use mothers-day-auckland
We think you'll agree when we say that mums should be treated to nothing but the absolute best come Mother's Day, which if you didn't realise, is fast approaching on Sunday 9 May!
That said, we've taken it upon ourselves to suss out some of the most epic spots in Auckland to spoil the mama in your life this Mother's Day, whether that involves an over-the-top high tea in the city or an afternoon amongst the vines complete with pizza and sangria (say what now?).
Whatever option you choose, one thing's for sure: your mum's going to love you even more than she does already.
Park Hyatt Auckland
Auckland Viaduct
Treat mum to a day of decadence at the always-elegant Park Hyatt Auckland. This stunning waterfront hotel has no shortage of options to show your appreciation this Mother's Day, starting with lunch at Onemata where mum will work her way through three courses of lavish dishes like cauliflower caponata, roasted Ōra King salmon and citrus roulade while sipping on Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV ($95 per person).
Or perhaps she'd rather get amongst the extravagant afternoon tea happening at The Living Room, where she'll indulge in treats like crayfish with brazil nuts and finger lime, strawberry and buttermilk scones, and an apple and granola tart washed down with Akarua Rosé Brut NV ($85 per person).
Now if you REALLY wanna make your mother's day, may we suggest also booking her in for a spot of TLC at the Park Hyatt's gorgeous in house spa, or perhaps even an overnight stay (complete with breakfast and late checkout, no less). Failing that, you can always pick her up one of the incredible celebration cakes on offer from The Pantry which—if you're lucky—she'll be happy to share.
The Hunting Lodge
Waimauku
The Hunting Lodge are keeping things relaxed this Mother's Day with an afternoon of live music and top-notch refreshments enjoyed within the gorgeous surrounds of their Lawn Bar. Swing by mum's place then make the trip out west to this award-winning winery in Waimauku where from 1pm, soulful tunes from Petra Rijnbeek, platters and woodfired pizza await, washed down with The Hunting Lodge's world-class vino or perhaps a jug of sangria if mum's feeling game.
Reservations for this one are recommended due to the fact that the Lawn Bar has limited undercover seating if it rains (though if the sun's shining, you're more than welcome to rock up without a booking, picnic rug in hand).
And that's not all. The Hunting Lodge are also dishing up a lush three-course meal across two sessions inside their namesake restaurant ($65 per person), as well as a delightful morning and afternoon tea ($45 per person).
Kingi
Britomart
Treat your mum to a day out downtown this Mother's Day, starting with brunch at one of Britomart's most talked-about new eateries, kingi. The latest venture from Orphans Kitchen/Daily Bread duo Tom Hishon and Josh Helm will send mum's tastebuds into a legit spin with mouthwatering options like their Southland cheese roll (an OK fave)—oat hotcakes with walnut, banana and raspberry—and for the more adventurous mamas, smoked kahawai with pickled egg on sprouted quinoa loaf, all served in the beautifully refurbished Masonic Building.
Furthermore, Isadia Floral will be outside in the laneway selling their gorgeous bouquets to make mum's day even more spesh.
Esther At QT Auckland
Auckland Viaduct
QT Auckland's signature restaurant is pulling out all the stops this Mother's Day with a sumptuous, Mediterranean-style feast inspired by one of the leading motherly figures in chef Sean Connolly's own life—his grandmother, Esther (after whom, of course, the restaurant is named).
Mum will enjoy a shared meal boasting many of Esther's most popular dishes, including their famous puff bread, salt-roasted beetroot with burrata, and taramasalata with baked saganaki for starters. Te Anau saffron linguine, Leigh line-caught snapper and Coastal spring lamb will be on the menu for mains, followed by a top-secret dessert that promises 'tableside theatrics' (ooh la la).
Of course, every mum deserves a cheeky tipple on Mother's Day so they have that sorted, too, with a glass of prosecco and sorbet-heavy Sgroppino ($99 per person).
Alberton
Mt Albert
Grab your mum and get all Downton Abbey for the day with a trip to the delightfully historic Alberton homestead, which will be hosting a special Mother's Day Devonshire Tea across two dates (Saturday 8 May and Sunday 9 May).
They're busting out their best vintage china and antique silverware, then treating Mum to some of the fluffiest scones imaginable (decked out with whipped cream and jam, no less) alongside Harney & Sons tea, served in their grand Victorian ballroom or if the weather's behaving, on the verandah overlooking their storybook garden ($9 per person, $10 house admission per person may also apply).
Cordis Auckland
CBD
If your mama likes the finer things in life, a visit to the CBD's gorgeous Cordis hotel may be just the ticket. They've put together a number of next-level options to help your mum live her absolute best life this Mother's Day and that includes their decadent high tea in association with TWG (which, btw, is hands down one of the best in Auckland).
Running across two days (Saturday 8 May and Sunday 9 May) inside their show-stopping Chandelier Lounge, mum will feel like absolute royalty as she makes her way through tier after tier of delicious treats including shredded duck cannelloni, mandarin and coffee slice and a lush creme caramel mocktail, all while listening to the heavenly sounds of their harpist (from $79 per person).
Head along for Mother's Day official and there'll also be free gifts for mum (think handcrafted chocolate, a celebratory glass of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne and a stunning red rose), plus a pop-up photo booth with the chance to win a $100 Cordis dining voucher when you post your pics to social.
Or perhaps mum would prefer a family get-together at Eight, Cordis' fabulous buffet-style restaurant which is again, one of the best in Auckland and celebrating Mother's Day this year with plenty of food for both lunch and dinner.
Mum will be in her element with eight different kitchens to choose from, slinging everything from seafood and freshly-rolled sushi to a dedicated dessert staion and a make-you-own mimosa bar, where her first drink is on the house—while she'll also receive a free chocolate bar to take home (from $99 per person).
Again, you might consider throwing in an overnight stay for extra brownie points.
Euro
Auckland Viaduct
Euro aka one of Auckland's most beloved restaurants is holding nothing back for the leading lady in your life this Mother's Day, with a luxe, six-course lunch that she's sure to remember for both the food, and the views.
Mum will be one happy lady indeed as she's greeted with a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne on arrival before moving onto yellowtail kingfish, chicken liver pâté, Hawkes Bay lamb neck, market fish, Salty River Farm pascal lettuce and finally, an irresistible choccy crostata with salted caramel mousse and Koko Samoa ($95 per person).
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Auckland Viaduct
We've found one last way to spoil your mum this Mother's Day, and it involves high tea at the super swanky Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour hotel.
Their waterfront location is the perfect spot to graze away on dishes like spicy black tiger prawns with cocktail sauce, lime and yuzu tart and smoked duck breast with mandarin gel and hazelnut crackers, which will all make an appearance on the day as part of this lavish offering. Of course, there'll also be plenty of drinks available to quench mum's thirst, including tea and champagne cockails (from $65 per person, cocktails extra).
Stuck for gift ideas this Mother's Day? We have a list for that.
Image credit: Park Hyatt, kingi, Cordis.