High Tea

During the month of January I said that for #30 Visit somewhere new (full list is here) that it was actually somewhere I had been before but not really visited. This is what I ment.

A very good friend of mine, Zac, was visiting from Christchurch and we decided to do something a little different while we were having a catch up. We went for High Tea for two at the Camellia Tea House. 

High tea for two at Zealong

Well what a beautiful setting. I had been out to the Zealong Tea Estate once before for a look but at that point they still had buildings going in and the gardens were still being established. I didn’t stay for tea on that visit so I don’t really consider that a proper visit. Not having tea at a tea house seems like a non visit to me.

This proper high tea was such a lovely experience. It is very peaceful overlooking the plantation and the food was even yummier to eat than it was to look at. I forgot to take a photo of the full afternoon tea but did get one of the toplevel. The tea itself was such a treat. We got to pick our flavor (which is basically different degrees of roasting) and had a little table side burner to keep the pot hot. The tea you infused yourself and it only takes a minute. Well we were so busy talking we forgot and had an overly strong first cup. My only complaint is that maybe they should supply a little egg timer so you can time the infusion. I only really mention this as we sat and watched giggled as other groups sat down and had the same problem with timing the tea.

Zealong Plantation (photo via http://www.zealong.com/en/Camellia-Tea-House)

Also while we were there we had a little stroll along the path and checked out the neat bronze statues they had depicting various parts of the tea making process and a very impressive looking dragon made from tea pots and tea cups. (Note to self: this would have made for great novelty photos… must do next time I am there.)

(photo via http://www.camelliateahouse.co.nz/Get-In-Touch)

I throughly enjoyed the experience and am keen to do it again. It also ment I got to spend a lovely time catching up with one of my favourite people in the world.