6 Christmas Party Ideas for Medium-Sized Businesses

6 Christmas Party Ideas for Medium-Sized Businesses

by Avya Hlavac |

Planning a Christmas party for 50 to 100 guests? You’re working with ideal numbers — large enough to create atmosphere, small enough to curate something personal. These six venues across Aotearoa are perfect for end-of-year celebrations with medium-sized teams.

Table of contents

    Long lunching on the green

    Golf cart in front of Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort
    Christmas party at Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort

    Auckland – Rydges Formosa Auckland Golf Resort
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    Rating – 3.9 stars (747 Google reviews)

    Rydges Formosa Golf Resort is a clifftop golf destination with sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf. Ideal for a long lunch Christmas party, the venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces, resort-style service and onsite catering.

    Key features

    • Championship golf course for pre-lunch activities
    • Private dining rooms with panoramic views
    • Onsite accommodation for overnight stays

    Definite pros
    All-in-one location with golf, dining and accommodation makes planning effortless.

    Potential cons
    Located 45 minutes from Auckland CBD — transport may need to be organised.

    Pricing
    Packages available on enquiry.

    Christmas in the village

    Hoola hooping in the sun at The Historic Village in Tauranga
    Outdoor activities at The Historic Village in Tauranga

    Tauranga – The Historic Village
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    Rating – 4.3 stars (1,690 Google reviews)

    Just minutes from central Tauranga, The Historic Village offers a unique Christmas party setting across 13.5 acres of heritage buildings and manicured grounds. For medium-sized celebrations, two standout spaces are the Village Hall (seating 100 for dinner) and the Balcony Room (up to 120 for dining, 175 for cocktails).

    Key features

    • Two medium-capacity indoor venues ideal for 50–100 guests
    • Licensed bar service and full in-house catering
    • Flexible layouts for seated dinners, cocktail parties, or combined indoor–outdoor events

    Definite pros
    The mix of heritage charm, central location and turnkey catering packages makes it easy to deliver a memorable Christmas party for a medium-sized team.

    Potential cons
    Exclusive catering policy means you can’t bring in external food or beverage suppliers.

    Pricing
    Village Hall: from $1,003 full day
    Balcony Room: from $1,093 full day

    Location, location, location

    Beautiful views of Lyttelton Harbour from The Hilltop in Christchurch
    Breathtaking views from The Hilltop, Christchurch

    Christchurch – The Hilltop
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    Rating – 4.9 stars (7 Google reviews)

    Perched above Lyttelton Harbour, The Hilltop offers a luxury setting with sweeping views and catering by award-winning restaurant 5th Street. Perfect for an afternoon of lawn games followed by a gourmet dinner.

    Key features

    • Glasshouse orangery and open decks with breathtaking views
    • Catering by the acclaimed 5th Street team
    • Contemporary spaces designed for memorable events

    Definite pros
    Combines a high-end dining experience with relaxed outdoor activities.

    Potential cons
    Weather may limit use of outdoor spaces — indoor backup recommended.

    Pricing
    Custom packages available on request.

    Alice in wonderland

    Guests relaxing in Hamilton Gardens
    Celebrate with a garden party at Hamilton Gardens

    Hamilton – Hamilton Gardens
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    Rating – 4.7 stars (18KGooglereviews)

    Hamilton Gardens offers private spaces surrounded by internationally acclaimed themed gardens — a ready-made backdrop for a summer celebration.

    Key features

    • Unique themed garden settings
    • Indoor and outdoor hire options
    • Freedom to choose your own caterer

    Definite pros
    Scenic setting that requires little to no styling.

    Potential cons
    Outdoor spaces are weather-dependent; marquee hire may be needed.

    Pricing
    Venue hire from $400. External catering required.

    Countryside celebrations

    Outdoor venue with marquee in hawkes bay
    Countryside celebrations at Omatua

    Hawke’s Bay – Omatua
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    Rating – 4.6 stars (36Googlereviews)

    Nestled within five acres of countryside overlooking the Mangaone River, Omatua is a peaceful and versatile venue just 25 minutes from Hawke’s Bay Airport. With two large event spaces and expansive grounds, it’s ideal for a festive celebration that blends indoor dining with outdoor summer fun.

    Key features

    • Two flexible spaces for dining or social events (seating up to 130)
    • Expansive lawns and gardens for lawn games or BBQs
    • Onsite accommodation for up to 47 guests, plus space for campervans and tents

    Definite pros
    A secluded riverside setting with both indoor and outdoor options makes it perfect for all weather conditions.

    Potential cons
    Rustic charm over high-end luxury — ideal for relaxed teams who value nature and space.

    Pricing
    Packages available on enquiry.


    Escape to the forest

    Christmas table setting at Tui Hills, in the Waitakere Ranges
    Christmas table setting at Tui Hills, in the Waitakere Ranges

    Auckland – Tui Hills
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    Rating – 4.6 stars (201 Google reviews)

    Nestled in the lush Waitākere Ranges, Tui Hills combines award-winning architecture with a relaxed, nature-rich setting — perfect for a Christmas party that feels elevated and authentically Kiwi.

    Key features

    • Choice of Shared Kiwi Dinner, Christmas Feast, or Christmas Buffet menus
    • Festive décor packages, giant Santas, photo booth hire, and outdoor games
    • Onsite team building activities available to make your celebration interactive
    • Live entertainment coordination with DJs or bands

    Definite pros
    Turnkey packages covering catering, drinks, décor, entertainment and activities.

    Potential cons
    No BYO or outside catering permitted.

    Pricing
    Christmas menus from $89pp, with buffet and plated options from $99pp. Drinks packages from $59pp. Extras such as photo booths, outdoor games, and live entertainment priced separately. Minimum spend of $4,000 for private parties.


    Groups of 50-100 guests are large enough to create atmosphere and energy but still small enough to curate a personalised experience with tailored catering, entertainment and venue styling. That's why we love them!

    We recommend securing your venue at least 3–6 months in advance. Popular spots book out quickly for December, especially those with turnkey Christmas packages.

    Look for venues with all-inclusive Christmas packages that cover catering, décor, and AV. These reduce hidden costs and make planning easier. Weekday or lunchtime bookings can also lower costs.

    Totally. Interactive elements such as live music or team-building games encourage mingling, socialising and celebrating without it feeling forced.


    Medium-sized teams have the perfect headcount to create atmosphere without overcomplicating things.

    Whether you opt for a waterfront dinner, a garden party, or a long lunch with a twist, the right venue will make your Christmas celebration easy to plan and impossible to forget.

    Searching for Christmas party ideas for a small team? This is the guide for you.