If you're looking to enjoy afternoon tea (high tea) in Wellington, one place you shouldn't miss is Martha's Pantry. In its charmingly classic cafe setting, you can sip your tea alongside a three-tiered stand of sandwiches, scones, and cakes — a genuinely special little experience.
I recently went for high tea here with a friend. The booking process gave me a bit of a scare, so I'll share that experience along with everything else you need to know.
What Is Martha's Pantry?
Martha's Pantry is a popular tea room and cafe in central Wellington. It serves British-style high tea (afternoon tea) and has become a go-to spot in the city for special-occasion lunches, catch-ups with friends, and celebrations.
The interior is naturally sweet and inviting, with floral teapots and delicate china throughout — a space that feels pleasantly removed from everyday life.
What's Included in the High Tea
High tea at Martha's Pantry arrives on a two- or three-tiered stand:
- Sandwiches: A selection of classic finger sandwiches — cucumber, smoked salmon, egg mayo, and more
- Scones: Freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam
- Cakes and petits fours: Delicate mini cakes and tarts
- Tea or coffee: Served by the pot (refills available)
The portions were just right for two women; bigger appetites might find it on the lighter side. That said, extra scones are sometimes available, so it's worth asking the staff.
What It Costs
The high tea set runs about NZ$45–60 per person, tea included. That's on the pricier end for a Wellington cafe, but the experience is well worth it — think of it as a celebratory or group lunch and the price makes perfect sense.
Booking (Important!)
High tea at Martha's Pantry is by reservation only. Weekend slots can fill up weeks in advance, so book as early as you can once your dates are set.
Reservations are taken through the official website or by phone. When I visited, we tried to walk in without a booking and were nearly turned away because they were full — a last-minute cancellation happened to open up a table for us. We got lucky, but if you want to be sure, book ahead.
Who Is It For?
- Friends visiting Wellington together on a getaway
- Birthday, anniversary, or other special-occasion lunches
- Anyone who wants to try a British-style afternoon tea
- Travelers hunting for photogenic spots in Wellington
- Anyone after a relaxed place to linger and chat
How to Eat Your Scone
The proper NZ/British way to eat a scone: split it horizontally and pile on the clotted cream and jam. Whether jam or cream goes first is a debate that still divides Britain, but at Martha's Pantry either way is fine. Personally, I recommend the Devonshire style — cream first, then a dollop of jam on top.
Tea Selection
There are several teas to choose from. Beyond the classics like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, herbal teas and decaf options are usually available too. Enjoying tea by the pot is half the pleasure of high tea.
Pairing It with Nearby Sights
Because Martha's Pantry is in central Wellington, it pairs easily with other sightseeing:
- Combine it with a stroll along Cuba Street
- Stop by after visiting Te Papa museum
- Before or after a walk along the waterfront
Essential Info
- Location: Central Wellington (check the official website or Google Maps for details)
- Reservations: Required — book via the official website or by phone
- Hours: Mainly lunchtime service (check the official website for the latest)
- Payment: Cards accepted
High tea here feels a step above the everyday cafe visit — a touch of indulgence worth building into your Wellington stay. Just don't forget to book!