Best Caterers in Christchurch
Updated 1 May 2020
Catering doesn't need to be boring - soggy mini pies, mini samosas, mini spring rolls and dry rolls are not the standard offering from most Christchurch catering companies. MoneyHub's list of trusted caterers includes both established food catering companies and food trucks that know how to deliver beyond expectations.
The list below covers caterers who offer everything from salad platters, spit roasts, Polynesian, European, middle eastern, delicate French canapés and more, these caterers have you and your event covered.
Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event
Our review covers:
The list below covers caterers who offer everything from salad platters, spit roasts, Polynesian, European, middle eastern, delicate French canapés and more, these caterers have you and your event covered.
Know This First: Caterers can make or break your event
- If you're unsure about the company you are dealing with at the quote stage, then it's best to trust your instinct.
- Different catering businesses will usually have different specialities or strengths, so being familiar with their past work is important.
- Our list below includes trusted Christchurch companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Christchurch events.
Our review covers:
What do I need to consider when asking for a catering quote?
Arranging catering quotes is easier when you know what a catering company needs to know upfront. When inquiring, make sure you decide on:
You can let the caterer know later your final numbers the number of people with dietary requirement and any other special requests - these don't need to be confirmed upfront.
Catering quotes will almost always be 'food only', so you'll need to budget for 'optional' (but often essential) items such as:
- The number of people attending
- The budget you have for the entire event
- Whether you want a drinks package
- Whether you need bar staff or additional serving staff
You can let the caterer know later your final numbers the number of people with dietary requirement and any other special requests - these don't need to be confirmed upfront.
Catering quotes will almost always be 'food only', so you'll need to budget for 'optional' (but often essential) items such as:
- Crockery, cutlery, glasses, jugs etc
- Linen - napkins and tablecloths (if required)
- Refrigerated chillers (if needed)
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What does catering cost?
Catering prices are usually charged per person, and the cost varies based on your event type, requirements and additional services.
Generally:
Before you agree to a quote, make sure you go through the quote line-by-line. If you're unsure what the costs cover, ask. If you're happy upfront with the costs, you'll establish a good working relationship.
Generally:
- For weddings, you will pay between $50 and $150 per person
- For parties or events in your home, you will pay between $30 to $60 per person
- For buffets (i.e. corporate catering), you will pay between $40 and $70 per person
Before you agree to a quote, make sure you go through the quote line-by-line. If you're unsure what the costs cover, ask. If you're happy upfront with the costs, you'll establish a good working relationship.
How can I reduce catering costs?
Spiralling catering costs are quite common - there is an expectation that you will get a lot for your money, but the reality is catering is a costly service given everything that goes into it. We've listed proven ways to bring down the costs and yet still deliver a five-star catering experience.
- Exclude Seafood. Christchurch has access to excellent seafood, but the cost of serving up oysters, prawns, scallops and anything with salmon can blow your budget. By keeping things seafood-free, a lot of guests will have a wider selection, and you'll save money.
- Hand-pass canapes rather than offering a buffet. Guests will eat less, with most caterers disclosing that the costs can be around 25% to 40% lower as a result.
- Two courses ARE reasonable, even if you're catering a wedding. It's likely you'll have already included pre-drinks and canapés, so serving a main and a dessert is perfectly reasonable. It also speeds up the meal service and gives more time to dance.
- Vegetarian canapés are increasingly popular, and cheaper. Plenty of excellent vegetable-based canapés create intrigue and give guests a wide choice, while late-night vegetarian quesadillas, pizzas, and grilled cheese are proven favourites.
- Limit the varieties of canapés. There is a temptation to offer 4-8 different types, but three is sufficient and much cheaper to serve.
- Buffets are rarely cheaper. There's a lot of prep work involved, and wastage. It also extends the time of a meal service, whereas a two or three-course setting is more often efficient and cheaper.
- Negotiate BYOB. Some venues and/or caterers will insist on using their alcohol supply, but this can add considerable cost. A simple bottle of Oyster Bay can retail for $18 in a supermarket but be charged at $40+ by caterers. If you're flexible, try to include BYOB - many alcohol shops offer a delivery service for catered events.
- Consider looking beyond traditional caterers. Try local food trucks, farmers market stands, or even your favourite cafe or restaurant.
- Reduce the number of guests. If your costs are spiralling, consider trimming the number of guests to help bring you in line with the budget.
- If children are attending, look for a discount. Find a caterer who offers free or half-priced meals for children up to age 16.
How do I pay caterers?
Most caterers accept a range of payment methods, including
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- Direct Credit (internet banking)
- Cheque
- Cash with invoice
- Credit Card via the catering company's website (a surcharge may apply)
- On-site Eftpos (on delivery etc)
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
- A non-refundable $250 deposit on the date of acceptance of the quote
- 50% of total quote price 4 weeks from the event date
- Final Payment 7 days after the event date
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Top 10 Classic Christchurch Caterers
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Christchurch. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others. Caterers listed provide food for events such as parties, weddings, events and corporate.
No catering company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any catering company below.
No catering company has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any catering company below.
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Munch MeMunch Me offers fresh and handmade food for all occasions. They cater to all types of events in Christchurch, no matter how big or small. Munch Me is one of the most sought catering in Christchurch, backed up by their growing positive feedback online.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Woolston, Christchurch Contact: 03 390 4427 Website: Munch Me Service Areas: Christchurch |
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Simply CateringSimply Catering has been in the catering industry for more than 30 years. They provide service to all types of business community events as well as small private functions. Although they started early in the business, they continue to improve their menu and work on fresh food choices.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Harewood, Christchurch Contact: 03 359 0018 Website: Simply Catering Service Areas: Christchurch |
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Victoria Food ServiceVictoria Food Service is a family-owned catering service company that is based in Christchurch. The owners have long years of experience in hospitality, so they focus on delivering excellent customer service and great food in all their events.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Phillipstown, Christchurch Contact: 03 365 0022 Website: Victoria Food Service Service Areas: Christchurch |
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Moveable FeastsMoveable Feasts is a catering and event management company with expertise in creating delightful dishes for corporate events, weddings and other celebrations. They meticulously carry out functions from start to finish without much of a hassle.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mairehau, Christchurch Contact: 03 389 8617 Website: Moveable Feasts Service Areas: Christchurch |
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The Bespoke ChefThe Bespoke Chef provides a high-class restaurant quality of dining in all their events. They can bring a bespoke feast straight from the kitchen with unique menus made from all fresh ingredients. The Bespoke chef is known to provide a unique home and party catering services in Christchurch.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Casebrook, Christchurch Contact: 027 210 4404 Website: The Bespoke Chef Service Areas: Christchurch |
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Pulp Kitchen CateringPulp Kitchen Catering provides Christchurch with food catering service to accommodate corporate events, cocktails, parties, weddings, casual celebrations, and more. They also create an original menu to cater for people who have special dietary requirements.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Wigram, Christchurch Contact: 03 943 5714 Website: Pulp Kitchen Catering Service Areas: Christchurch |
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White Tie CateringWhite Tie Catering has started in 1986 and has a lot of experience in the industry.
Their reputation in providing good food was never tarnished, and they keep on serving only fresh, innovative, top-standard quality of the menu. What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Contact: 03 365 2837 Website: White Tie Catering Service Areas: Christchurch |
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HomeHome is a Christchurch based restaurant but is also offering global food experience for events, gatherings and corporate functions. They provide a stress-free event experience and personalised menu for their customers to enjoy.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Christchurch Central City Contact: 0210 333 614 Website: Home Service Areas: Christchurch |
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The Cake Eating CompanyThe Cake Eating Company is a Christchurch based business which specializes in cake making but also caters to weddings and corporate functions. Their cakes and desserts are to be noted for as they make it unique and enjoyable for every occasion.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Contact: 0210 449 549 Website: The Cake Eating Company Service Areas: Christchurch |
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Larcomb VineyardLarcomb Vineyard is a full-service venue in Canterbury that provides excellent catering services. They personalise each menu to compliment the celebration and the client’s food preference.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Larcombs Road, Rolleston Contact: 022 425 8628 Website: Larcomb Vineyard Service Areas: Canterbury region |
