photos by Oyster Inn

The Greatest Waiheke Gala Dinner Venues

by Raashka Mannie | 10 Aug 2022

Waiheke Island is one of the most beautiful islands in New Zealand. The island has a rich history and is home to some of the best gala dinner venues in Auckland. With so many corporate events to organise, it's fortunate that there are tons of superb venues to choose from. There is no one size fits all approach - it depends on your needs and budget. On Waiheke Island, we have 15 different options for you to choose from, including vineyards, private estates, hotels and conference centres. For our complete guide to Waiheke venues, click here.

Wild Estate


Image by Wild Estate

Wild Estate is the perfect venue to host your Waiheke gala dinner. Located at one of Auckland's premier wine regions, it offers spaces that can hold anywhere from 19 to 100 guests. You'll enjoy sumptuous catering options and plenty of natural light with this incredible venue. Choose between their Cellar Door, Vineyard and Brewery for your gala dinner. If you want to add in some extra excitement, Wild Estate has a variety of activities at their lush venue. As a more relaxed space, this Waiheke venue is sure to lend your gala dinner a unique vibe that your guests will love.

 

Mudbrick


Image by Mudbrick

Stroll into the award-winning Mudbrick Winery and Restaurant. This is a breathtaking vineyard venue that is set on top of West-facing hills in Waiheke Island. Here you will find nothing but delicious food and wine to help with your event needs. They have been internationally recognised for their excellent wining and dining, so where better to host your Waiheke gala dinner? You pick where you want to create your event, and their dedicated team will take care of everything else. They boast a team capable of handling big events of up to 200 guests and small affairs in their boutique lodges. This Waiheke venue offers different spaces for your gala dinner, so the only limit is your imagination!

 

Oyster Inn


Image by Oyster Inn

One of the island's favourite restaurants, Oyster Inn, is available for hire as a venue for your gala dinner. With seaside views and fresh air, this Waiheke venue hosts up to 90 guests with two spaces to choose from: The Pearl Room, which offers something more intimate, or Main Dining Room which can accommodate open celebrations. With mouth-watering menus put together by chef Josh Emett at this Waiheke venue, it's the perfect place for your gala dinner. Its central location and relaxed ambience make Oyster Inn one of the island's most outstanding gala dinner venues, bringing you lavish meals and warm service.

 

Casita Miro


Image by Casita Miro

Casita Miro offers a variety of packages for gala dinners, including catering and wine. You can enjoy a mouth-watering meal with your guests or coworkers while enjoying expansive views. The Waiheke venue provides exclusive use of their restaurant and grounds so that you are free to plan as you wish. Host up to 80 guests indoors or outdoors - they have everything covered, with locally sourced ingredients and bespoke menus. Casita Miro is the perfect venue for your intimate to moderately sized gala dinner. Their helpful team will take care of every detail and make it easy to plan a successful Waiheke Island gala dinner.

 

Man O' War


Image by Man O' War

Sitting at the eastern end of Waiheke and ideal for exclusive gala dinners, Man O' War is a stunning venue. This Waiheke venue rests on Man O' War Bay, a private beach that backs into the open dining area. The idyllic setting is home to 150 acres of vines first planted in 1933. Take in serene views from the waterfront lawn as you sip on champagne at your Waiheke gala dinner. Afterwards, step into this Waiheke venue's bistro to enjoy your gala dinner of up to 100 guests. Their experienced team will ensure that your gala dinner goes precisely as planned, organising everything from transport to the menu. If you wish it, you can even arrive via the sea, directly to Man O' War's doorstep for a touch of something special.

 

Poderi Crisci


Image by Poderi Crisci

Poderi Crisci is a family-owned vineyard and restaurant that offers a unique Italian experience. The winery has been producing its Poderi Crisci range since the 90s, first introducing it to Waiheke Island in 1995. There are many spaces for hosting your gala dinner, both indoors and outdoors. With a rustic and Tuscan-inspired building, this Waiheke venue brings a distinct style to gala dinners. The wine cellar is perfect for winter functions of up to 50 people. Poderi Crisci's most significant space is their roof which can host up to 100 people at once. With experienced event managers on staff, throwing a fantastic gala dinner will be easy as pie.

 

Waiheke Island Resort


Image by Waiheke Island Resort

The premier event venue on the island, Waiheke Island Resort, has everything you need for your gala dinner. From bespoke catering to top-of-the-line audiovisual facilities, this Waiheke venue offers a variety of beautiful rooms that can host up to 150 guests. They have The Board Room, Bay Room, Palm Rooms with a duo of deck options, Mawhitipana Restaurant and Palm Deck. With a dedicated events management team, you can be sure that your gala dinner will go off without a hitch. The team at Waiheke Island Resort takes the time to get to know your vision so they can plan a memorable gala dinner from start to finish.

 

Goldie Estate


Image by Goldie Estate

For those seeking a one of a kind venue with some soul and spirit to it for their gala dinner, Goldie Estate is the answer. Set on 30 acres and surrounded by native bushland with Putiki Bay views, this boutique Waiheke venue has something that will speak to every event planner. The gala dinner venue features several different spaces, from intimate dining areas to large function rooms for up to 250 guests. Their renowned events team has been making event dreams come true for years. They offer all-inclusive packages, so you don't have to lift a finger, and their menu is crafted with only the finest, freshest ingredients on hand. When it comes to planning your next gala dinner in Waiheke, there's no one better than Goldie Estate.

 

Stonyridge Vineyard


Image by Stonyridge Vineyard

Stonyridge Vineyard is a Waiheke venue nestled on a hill overlooking the vineyards, giving it a cosy feel. Their wine range has grown into an internationally recognised and award-winning brand since its first batch in 1982. Stonyridge Vineyard's spaces reflect a European influence with large outdoor spaces, like their Veranda Café that overlooks the vines below, as well as intimate marquee options. They host a small number of functions each year to preserve the uniqueness of their venue, accommodating up to 120 guests. You're treated to amazing catering, friendly service and a dedicated team when you host your gala dinner at Stonyridge Vineyard.

 

Tantalus Estate


Image by Tantalus Estate

A unique Waiheke venue, Tantalus Estate offers you the opportunity to host your gala dinner in the heart of wine country. This Waiheke venue has 5 hectares worth of vineyards and an array of amenities, including a winery, brewery, restaurant, craft beer tasting room and apiary for guests who want something different from traditional events spaces. Tantalus Estate boasts everything you need for your upcoming gala dinner if up to 200 guests. The indoor-outdoor flow brings a seamless transition from the vineyard to their main restaurant, making it perfect for hosting elegant gala dinners. They also offer bespoke catering alongside impeccable service, so every last detail is taken care of.

 

Batch Winery


Image by Batch Winery

Batch Winery is a Waiheke venue with 5 spaces for you to choose from: The Greenhouse, Hedge, Dining Pavilion, Veranda and Tank Room inside the state-of-the-art winery. This stunning Waiheke Island venue accommodates up to 112 guests. It's as flexible as it gets, with both partial or exclusive hire options available. With sweeping lawns and outdoor games, like cricket, for added fun, your Waiheke gala dinner is sure to be a hit. Batch Winery offers a range of choices for catering your gala dinner, from gourmet cuisine to grazing platters. They have everything you need, including plenty of on-site parking and audiovisual supplies. Your Waiheke event is in trustworthy hands with this gala dinner venue.

 

Te Motu


Image by Te Motu

The Shed is Te Motu's best-kept secret, but with several awards under their belt, it may be time to share. Located in a rustic shed and surrounded by fresh produce from their garden, The Shed serves up contemporary dishes packed with flavour. Enjoy one of Waiheke's best restaurants at this destination venue. The well-crafted menu will delight not only you but also all your lucky guests. This sustainable Waiheke venue makes planning easy with their events team, taking care of the details while you bask in the sunshine. Their ethical and eco-friendly practices make them one of Waiheke's favoured venues and will only add a new level of 'cool' to your gala dinner.

 

Passage Rock Winery


Image by Passage Rock Winery

The perfect spot for indulging in wine with good company: Passage Rock Winery. This gala dinner venue, which rests on Waiheke Island's eastern end and is surrounded by lush gardens and vineyards, produces 14 varieties of delicious wines that can be sampled at the bistro or enjoyed as you explore their scenic grounds. With space available to host up to 100 guests in a trio of spaces - including the sheltered outdoor area or cellar door - Passage Rock Winery offers an ideal setting for your next gala dinner. If you want a personalised experience with chefs who will create the menu for you, then look no further than this Waiheke venue. They have 20 years of event industry expertise and can provide help in all areas from theming to catering and entertainment needs.