photos by Smoke Photography

The Best Christmas Party Venues in New Zealand

by Avya Trotter-Hlavac | 05 May 2023

Hosting a Christmas party for the workplace offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond festive celebrations. It's an opportunity to foster a sense of camaraderie within your team, toast to the year's victories and reflect on a job well done! Such an occasion calls for an adaptable and fully equipped venue. Wherever your team is based, we have beautiful Christmas party venues all over New Zealand. From relaxed BYO venues to grand hotels - these event venues will set the scene for an unforgettable celebration.

Rydges, Auckland

Image by Rydges Auckland

Elevate your Christmas celebrations this year at Rydges Auckland. The venue boasts 12 event spaces, including The Rooftop Terrace - an impressive space overlooking Waitemata Harbour and Auckland Harbour Bridge. With party-starting drinks packages and beautiful catering from The Cut Restaurant, Rydges is a festive setting for your Christmas Party.

Man O War, Waiheke Island

Image by Smoke Photography

Celebrate this Christmas with a long lunch at Man O' War - Waiheke's most extensive seaside vineyard estate. Perched by the water, Man O' War boasts a light-filled Pavilion, Restaurant and a charming cottage for overnight stays. Discover the best of Waiheke hospitality, food and wine at Man O' War.

Rydges Latimer, Christchurch

Bloody Mary's

This Christmas, why not celebrate at Rydges Latimer? A refined venue in the heart of Christchurch - Rydges Latime presents light-filled spaces, a premium steakhouse, party-starting drinks packages and all the amenities you could possibly need. 

QT, Auckland

QT Auckland

QT Auckland is an eclectic, inner-city venue for vibrant events - including Christmas Parties. With a striking location, opulent spaces, decadent dining and cocktails - QT Auckland embraces creative flair like no other. The Rooftop Bar is a stylish, open-air space overlooking the cityscape - the perfect spot to celebrate this Christmas!

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort, Auckland

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort

Rydges Formosa Golf Resort is an awe-inspiring coastal venue set in Beachlands, just 45 minutes from Auckland City. With jaw-dropping views as far as the eye can see, this clifftop venue looks out to Waiheke Island, Rangitoto Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. Blending this idyllic location with top-tier spaces and facilities - Rydges is a sought-after venue for cocktail and seated functions. 

Riverside Market, Christchurch

Riverside Market

Riverside Market is not only Christchurch's bustling hub of activity and eateries but also a unique Christmas party venue. The ‘After-Hours Market Experience’ offers guests exclusive use of this incredible venue for large-scale events, and there any many spaces available for smaller events. 

Akarana, Auckland

Akarana at Hyundai Marine Sports Centre

Celebrate this Christmas within the comfort of Akarana - a premium venue on Auckland's Tāmaki Drive. With Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island as your backdrop and delicious catering and high-end facilities at your fingertips - there's no better place to get festive than at Akarana.

Orlando Country, Palmerston North

Orlando Country

Set in the beautiful Palmerston North, Orlando Country has fast become the region's leading event venue. Family-led since '99, Orlando Country is renowned for its excellent catering, warm service, flexible event packages, breathtaking location and thoughtful design.

Mona Vale, Christchurch

Mona Vale

Celebrate this year at Mona Vale, a picturesque homestead amidst 100-year-old rose gardens. Set alongside Christchurch's Avon River, Mona Vale has the elegance of a bygone era yet the facilities and amenities of a modern venue.

The Hotel Britomart, Auckland

kingi Private

Bringing you thoughtfully crafted events, The Hotel Britomart is the perfect inner-city Christmas party venue. Blending luxury with rusticity, The Hotel Britomart provides beautiful spaces and cuisine for anywhere from 10 to 70 guests. For a stylish celebration in Auckland City, The Hotel Britomart is the clear choice. 

Glasshouse, Auckland

Smoke Photography

Glasshouse not only hosts some of the most beautiful weddings in the city, but celebrations of the festive kind too. Beautifully open and versatile, the space can be dressed to your heart's desire. With a fantastic team of preferred caterers and suppliers, your Christmas party at Glasshouse will be the talk of town.

Larcomb Vineyard, Christchurch

Image by Smoke Photography

A charming red barn venue adorned with vines and greenery, Larcomb Vineyard offers the best of Canterbury hospitality and charm. Across three dynamic spaces, this Christchurch venue can host up to 450 guests for your end-of-year celebration! 

Chateau on the Park, Christchurch

Chateau on the Park

Raise a toast at Chateau on the Park - a charming hotel venue with beautiful glass corridors, elegant turrets and all things old-world charm. The expert team will take the guesswork out of your event - leaving you to celebrate the festive season!

The Fox, Auckland

The Churchhill Room

The Fox encompasses all things festive - from gin trees and Anglocentric ales to a traditional British menu featuring iconic dishes and flavours. Complete with a private entrance, bar, smoking area, AV capabilities and an acoustic curtain, The Churchill Room offers an intimate and refined space for your Christmas celebrations.

Saint Alice, Auckland

Little Alice

Where the city meets the sea, you'll find Saint Alice - a vibrant bar and eatery on Auckland's Viaduct harbour. With extensive deck space and a private function room with its own bar, Saint Alice has the flexibility to host 30 to 300 guests for your Christmas celebrations!

Papa Hou Theatre, Christchurch

Image sourced from Papa Hou Theatre 

Papa Hou Theatre is a beloved Christchurch venue within the local YMCA. Known for its adaptability and community-driven heart - Papa Hou Theatre presents over five event spaces, onsite catering and high-end facilities. Why (Y) not celebrate at the Y this Christmas?

Northridge Golf Resort, Auckland

Outdoor Area, Northridge Country Club

Northridge Country Lodge is a Tudor-style venue set on a lush 9-hole golf course. Designed to bring the outdoors in, this venue is framed by native bush and overlooks rural Wainui. Complete with onsite catering, activities and accommodation - you'll find this venue a minute off of the Northern Motorway. A family-owned venue for a heart for seamless events, Northridge Country Club is perfect for your upcoming Christmas Party. 

The Cellar Bar, Auckland

The Cellar Bar

It's all class at The Cellar Bar, your new favourite downtown space. Presented by the iconic Danny Doolans - The Cellar Bar blends its Irish roots with a sophisticated underground edge. Dimly lit and fully stocked with your favourite festive beverages, The Cellar Bar is a sleek venue for Christmas celebrations. 

Fantail & Turtle, Auckland

Fantail & Turtle

Located in the heart of Takapuna, Fantail & Turtle is a sun-soaked spot for your end-of-year festivities. Featuring extensive gardens, all-weather options and private/semi-private spaces, Fantail & Turtle can host up to 600 guests across the entire venue. The menu showcases sustainable and local produce, and there's even an on-site microbrewery providing fresh brews!

Napier Conferences, Hawke's Bay

Napier Conference Centre

Napier Conferences is the most versatile function centre in New Zealand’s Art Deco capital. Set on the waterfront, this venue offers panoramic views from Cape Kidnappers to Mahia Peninsula. Managed by a talented events team, this multi-purpose venue consists of a variety of rooms to choose from for your end-of-year soiree!

 

Whisky & Wood, Wellington

Upstairs, Whisky & Wood

Whisky & Wood is an inclusive and accessible space for celebrating at the end of the year. With 350 square meters of versatility at your fingertips - the space is suitable for up to 120 guests and can be configured to suit any seating style or cocktail event. Your event can begin by letting off that end-of-year steam downstairs at Sweet Axe, followed by drinks and celebrations upstairs at Whisky & Wood.

 

Lula Inn, Auckland

Lula Lane

For a sun-soaked Christmas party, choose Lula Inn. A tropical oasis in the heart of the city, Lula Inn is a South Pacific-style eatery and drinkery with several spaces, flexible dining options and a fantastic beverage selection. Lula Inn is designed for celebrating!

Wynyard Pavilion, Auckland

Wynyard Pavilion

The home of Aperol trees, comedy nights and fresh seafood - Wynyard Pavilion is our favourite waterfront local. A heritage site turned event venue, Wynyard Pavilion is an energetic place to celebrate this Christmas. With no venue hire fee and various bookable spaces (or the entire venue), discover Wynyard Pavilion for this year's festivities!

 

Cocoon House, Auckland

Dining Room, Cocoon House

Celebrate in style at Cocoon House - a luxurious home-style venue in Freemans Bay. With three floors of beautifully decorated spaces - Cocoon House is adorned with handcrafted furniture and Taonga from New Zealand’s greatest contemporary artists. Whether you want to take over one area or the entire house - Cocoon House is a stunning venue for a Christmas party - whether a dinner or cocktail event.

 

Abel Estate, Auckland

Abel Estate

Formerly a winery, Abel Estate is an event venue set on two acres of immaculately kept grounds in the heart of Kumeu. Trees and gardens frame the venue, whilst inside, you'll find a light-filled and newly renovated space for festivities to commence.

National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier

National Aquarium of NZ

The National Aquarium of NZ sets the scene for a Christmas party like no other. Hosting 50 to 120 guests, this Napier venue is an immersive environment with expert divers and protected sealife.

Okahu, Auckland

Okahu

Seaside celebrations await you at Okahu, on Tāmaki Drive. With the option of an all-inclusive package or BYO - you can curate your Christmas party down to the very last detail. Connoisseur of excellent events, the Okahu team are known for their dedicated hospitality.

Bracu, Auckland

Bracu

Located on the outskirts of Auckland, Bracu is one of the region's most revered estates and a beautiful destination for weddings, long lunches and corporate affairs. With the option of set or bespoke menus, the award-winning Bracu Restaurant is a sure winner for your Christmas festivities.

The Grounds at Whoa! Studios, Auckland

The Treehouse, The Grounds

An urban wonderland just outside the City, The Grounds at Whoa! Studios is a unique venue with a dynamic offering. The venue boasts five spaces, including a stage set, a film studio, an expansive outdoor area and a beautiful restaurant space. Premium service, delicious catering and unique spaces - what more could you want?

 

The Grange, Auckland

Main Dining Room, The Grange

A stylish bistro in the heart of Takapuna, The Grange is an upbeat venue to celebrate at the end of the year. The Grange boasts beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for your Christmas party - from Dining Rooms and terraced areas to the light-filled Greenhouse. Celebrate with a long lunch, dinner or whatever culinary delights the seasonal menu has on offer. 

 

Cordis, Auckland


Cordis Hotel

The grandest venue in Auckland, Cordis Hotel hosts all kinds of distinguished events - including Christmas parties. With more event spaces than any hotel in New Zealand, this inner-city venue boasts 18 lavish rooms, which are as gorgeous as they are versatile. Every event is lent the same attention to detail, seamless service and the latest high-tech solutions - ensuring an excellent experience.

Hilton, Auckland


Hilton

A beautiful hotel venue on Auckland's iconic waterfront, Hilton Auckland presents unmatched views of the Waitemata Harbour, blank-canvas spaces and incredible hospitality. With seven multipurpose spaces and gorgeous sundecks to soak up that December sunshine - Hilton Auckland is fit for the celebration of a lifetime!

Kauri Bay Boomrock, Auckland


Image by Belle Cooper Photography

Kauri Bay Boomrock is not simply a place to visit but a place to experience. Unique in its versatility, Kauri Bay Boomrock has three event spaces with expansive grounds in between. With immersive activities including archery, axe throwing, whisky tastings and wine challenges - Kauri Bay Boomrock offers a range of ways to celebrate at the end of the year. 

Markovina Vineyard Estate, Auckland


Markovina Vineyard Estate

Greener pastures await you at Markovina Vineyard Estate, a family-owned event venue in the heart of Kumeu. Celebrate this Christmas with one of Markovina's all-inclusive packages - covering venue hire, catering, beverages and a DJ to get the festivities underway.

 

Tui Hills, Auckland


Tui Hills

Set on a beautifully bush-covered property, Tui Hills offers a refreshing venue 30 minutes from the CBD. Host a cocktail-style party in the outdoor garden or a festive dinner in the dining room, complete with onsite catering, plentiful parking and AV equipment. At Tui Hills, you're all set for a spectacular event to wrap up the year.

St Matthew's, Auckland


Image by Smoke Photography

St Matthews-in-the-City is an iconic inner-city venue with over a century of rich history. With Kauri floors, stained glass windows and polished brass fixtures - St Matthews is famed for its distinctive style and sense of grandeur. Featuring a single and cavernous main space, St Matthews can host up to 450 guests cocktail style, 250 for a seated dinner, and 400 theatre style.

Haere-Roa, Christchurch


Haere-Roa

Haere-Roa⁠ is an award-winning Christchurch venue with a series of flexible spaces and an outdoor amphitheatre overlooking the Ôtakaro Avon River. Complete with high-tech features and sustainable solutions, Haere-Roa delivers seamless events in the heart of Christchurch. 

International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch


International Antarctic Centre

International Antarctic Centre is an award-winning visitor attraction and a unique destination for your Christmas celebrations. Blend your festivities with a penguin encounter, Hagglund Field Trip, husky cuddles or a 4D movie experience!


Abbeville Estate, Auckland

Abbeville Estate

Abbeville Estate is a restored heritage home that now hosts some of the most gorgeous events in Auckland. Built in 1854, the historical Homestead can dine up to 110 guests. In partnership with The Great Catering Company, all catering is prepared onsite using produce from the gardens. For a Christmas event with country charm and elegance, discover Abbeville Estate.