Move over coffee, it’s tea time
Monday, 6 July 2026
While coffee is king in the capital, a new store in Lower Hutt that could entice Wellingtonians to switch to a new beverage of choice.
Speciality tea store Tea Atelier, now open in Petone, has has 65 different kinds of loose teas available.
Owner Catherine Brun has plans to raise this number before the end of the year, with the French-Canadian saying she is passionate about tea.
With names like White Peony, Silver Needle, Iron Goddess of Mercy, Rare Orchid, and Bamboo Dragon, these teas’ origins span all across Asia.
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“There’s so much magic in it, there’s so much to discover.”
Her favourite is Gyokuro Shizuoka - a Japanese green tea with hints of spinach and seaweed.
Brun liked it because of its uniqueness and savoury flavour profile - something she said could only be enjoyed with the proper brewing and preparation.
Brun is from Montreal, where she worked in the fashion industry for more 15 years.
Ten years ago, the city was exactly like Wellington, with coffee reigning supreme, she said.
The only tea shop available was a niche place frequented by students, as tea drinking wasn’t widespread.
“Nobody was talking about tea.”
Brun love of tea grew while working as buyer for DAVIDsTEA - a popular Canadian brand.
“It just really sparked something in me.”
It was incredible how a simple leaf could have various tastes inside, she said. For example, the Nilgiri Yin Zhen tea (Silver Needle) from India has notes of straw and tobacco, giving it woody aroma with undertones of hazelnut and cocoa.
How can one simple leaf contain so many different flavour profiles? It was due to the suppliers having mastery over it, Brun said, by using their knowledge to and skill to grow and craft the perfect tea.
“The different tastes you get from all these different teas is very fascinating, because it’s all coming from the same plant.”
Brun’s key tip is to always warm up your teapot and cup before brewing, as it unlocks the tea’s aroma and “elevated the whole thing”.
Despite friends warning her about the state of Wellington retail, particularly in winter, Brun felt confident in opening her own business.
Petone’s Jackson St was also filled with interesting little shops that Tea Atelier had slotted right in with.
“If the economy is down at the moment, it can just go up.”