The Best Caterers in Christchurch

Updated 1 May 2023

Summary:

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

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:

Know This First: 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:

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)

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:

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

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

The Best 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.

Munch Me

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Woolston, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 8 am – 12:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: Munch Me
Website: Munch Me
Email address: orders@munchme.co.nz
Phone: 03 390 4427

Customer Feedback:

Well-prepared and presented food
Delicious and enjoyable food menu
Easy to work with
Helpful and responsive to all enquiries

Pros:

Caters all types of events in Christchurch, no matter how big or small

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Munch Me offers fresh and handmade food for all occasions
They Munch Me is one of the most sought catering in Christchurch, backed up by their growing positive feedback online
Offers catering services for weddings, funerals, parties, gatherings, lunches, and more

Simply Catering

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Harewood, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 6 am – 6 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Facebook Page: Simply Catering
Website: Simply Catering
Email address: richard@platters.co.nz
Phone: 03 359 0018

Customer Feedback:

Great people to deal with
Excellent food choices
Professional service
Caters to special dietary needs

Pros:

Provides customers fresh food choices

Cons:

No weekends operations

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Simply Catering has been in the catering industry for more than 30 years
Provides services to all types of business community events, small private functions, funeral, breakfast and lunch catering

Victoria Food Service

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Phillipstown, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.6/5
Facebook Page: Victoria Food Service
Website: Victoria Food Service
Email address: enquiries@victoriafoods.co.nz
Phone: 03 365 0022

Customer Feedback:

Well-presented food and outstanding service
Reasonable pricing
Goes above and beyond to meet their client’s requirements

Pros:

Provides an excellent selection of nutritious foods

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Victoria 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
Offers catering services for events, conferences, corporate functions, weddings, funerals and more

Moveable Feasts

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Mairehau, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:30 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: Moveable Feasts
Website: Moveable Feasts
Email address: info@moveablefeasts.co.nz
Phone: 03 389 8617

Customer Feedback:

Excellent planning and attention to detail
Top-notch food and service
Friendly and efficient staff
Responsive and very accommodating to the guests

Pros:

Handles functions from start to finish without much of a hassle

Cons:

Does not operate during weekends

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Moveable Feasts is a leading catering and event management company with 35 years of experience throughout New Zealand
Provides catering and event management with expertise in creating delightful dishes for corporate events, weddings and other celebrations

The Bespoke Chef

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Casebrook, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Sun 10 am – 9 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: The Bespoke Chef
Website: The Bespoke Chef
Email address: thebespokechef@gmail.com
Phone: 027 210 4404

Customer Feedback:

Serves high-class food
Provides unique wedding menu
Great client communication and guidance throughout the process
Excellent food presentation
Accommodates dietary requirements

Pros:

Provides a high-class restaurant quality of dining in all their events

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Brings a bespoke feast straight from the kitchen with unique menus made from all fresh ingredients
The Bespoke chef is known to provide unique home and party catering services in Christchurch
Offers catering service for boutique weddings
Holds cooking classes and Bespoke feasts

Pulp Kitchen Catering

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Wigram, Christchurch
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Pulp Kitchen Catering
Email address: orders@pulpkitchen.co.nz
Phone: 03 943 5714

Customer Feedback:

Exquisite food taste and preparation
Excellent service and people
Handles the event well

Pros:

Operates 24/7

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Pulp Kitchen Catering provides Christchurch with food catering service to accommodate corporate events, cocktails, parties, weddings, casual celebrations, and more
Creates an original menu to cater for people who have special dietary requirements

White Tie Catering

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Page: White Tie Catering
Website: White Tie Catering
Email address: magic@whitetiecatering.co.nz
Phone: 03 365 2837

Customer Feedback:

Provides highly professional services
Has a highly skilled group of people
Amazing food choices

Pros:

Keeps on serving only fresh, innovative, top-standard quality of the menu

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

White Tie Catering has started in 1986 and has a lot of experience in the industry
Their reputation in providing good food was never tarnished
Offers catering services for weddings, corporate functions, events and celebrations

Home

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Christchurch Central City
Hours: Tue to Wed 11 am – 3 pm, Thur to Sat 11 am – 3 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: Home
Website: Home
Email address: fabrid@msn.com
Phone: 0210 333 614

Customer Feedback:

Offers a great variety of unique dishes from all around the world
Excellent food taste
Professional service

Pros:

Provides a stress-free event experience and personalised menu for their customers to enjoy

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Home is a Christchurch based restaurant but is also offering global food experience for events, gatherings and corporate functions
Offers catering services for home gatherings, corporate functions, private parties and more

The Cake Eating Company

Areas served: Christchurch
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch
Hours: Wed to Fri 8 am – 3:30 pm, Sat 10 am – 3 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Facebook Page: The Cake Eating Company
Website: The Cake Eating Company
Email address: info@thecakeeatingco.co.nz
Phone: 0210 449 549

Customer Feedback:

Great tasting and visually appealing food
Friendly and accommodating staff
High-quality service

Pros:

Operates on Saturdays
Provides quality pastries and main courses

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

The Cake Eating Company is a Christchurch-based business specialising in cake making and caters to weddings and corporate functions
Their cakes and desserts are to be noted as they make it unique and enjoyable for every occasion
Offers services for weddings corporate functions and events

Larcomb Vineyard

Areas served: Canterbury region
Base: Larcombs Road, Rolleston
Hours: Wed to Sat 7 am – 12 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Facebook Page: Larcomb Vineyard
Website: Larcomb Vineyard
Email address: info@gtcatering.co.nz
Phone: 022 425 8628

Customer Feedback:

Friendly and accommodating staff
Great food and venue
Excellent service

Pros:

Personalises each menu to compliment the celebration and the client’s food preference

Cons:

Only operates four times a week

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Larcomb Vineyard is a full-service venue in Canterbury that provides excellent catering services
Offers catering services for weddings, events and functions

⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no financial or otherwise relationship with any businesses listed on this page. The pricing information provided is for informational and guidance purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual quotes or final bills for individual services. No provider has paid to appear on our website, and this list should not be considered comprehensive. Please research and obtain quotes directly from a range of businesses to ensure accurate pricing and suitability for your needs.