The Best Caterers in Hamilton

Updated 15 November 2024

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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Hamilton 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:

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. Hamilton 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)
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

Top Classic Hamilton Caterers

Our list below, which is no particular order, covers Hamilton. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Hamilton, 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.

Three Forks Event Catering

Areas served: Te Awamutu & Hamilton
Base: Mobile only
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page:  Three Forks Event Catering
Website:   Three Forks Event Catering
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 021 243 3675

Customer Feedback:

Makes the whole organising process easy
Delicious food choices
Outstanding quality of service
Cleans neatly after an event
Accommodating team that goes above and beyond the client’s expectation

Pros:

Accommodates client’s dietary requirement
Operates 24/7

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Three Forks Event Catering is a mobile catering service that specialises in weddings
Serves the Hamilton and Te Awamutu area with fresh food choices, perfect for big and small events
Offers catering service for weddings, gatherings, events, etc.

Spit Roast Catering Company - Hamilton

Areas served: Waikato region
Base: Pukete, Hamilton
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Facebook Page:  Spit Roast Catering Company – Hamilton
Website:   Spit Roast Catering Company – Hamilton
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 762 787

Customer Feedback:

Great food
Professional service
Kind and friendly staff

Pros:

Offers both delivered and on-site caterings

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Spit Roast Catering Company - Hamilton offers caterings for all types of events, including weddings, corporate events, parties and anniversaries
They have an extensive range of menus to suit their client’s taste and budget

Hazel Hayes

Base: Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 2 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website: Hazel Hayes
Facebook page: Hazel Hayes
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 839 1953

Customer Feedback:

Portion sizes are spot on and delicious
The food is beautifully presented
Real homemade flavours
Staff is friendly and easy to deal with
The food is freshly served
Great value for money

Pros:

Catering on weekends upon request
Holds a liquor license
Provides custom catering
Food trucks are available for on-site catering
Highly consider the guest’s dietary requirements

Cons:

A bit pricey

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Hazel Hayes accepts catering services for intimate groups through large corporate groups of 300 and above.
Their catering options are plated servings, banquet, buffet and finger food.
The restaurant caters for all sorts of events, from working lunches to wedding receptions, birthdays and Christmas parties.
Hazel Hayes has been in the industry for more than ten years.

The River Kitchen

Base: Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Hours: Thur to Sun 8am - 2pm
Google Review rating: 4.4/5
Website: The River Kitchen
Facebook page: The River Kitchen
Email address: [email protected]
Phone: 07 839 2906

Customer Feedback:

Excellent taste and food portions
Staff are helpful and accommodating
The food is fresh and highly appetizing
Great customer service
Dishes are all beautifully served

Pros:

Use fresh and local ingredients for their food
Accepts special occasion dinners

Cons:

No food delivery
Quite expensive
A busy place during peak hours

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

The River Kitchen is a restaurant café and catering located in Hamilton Central.
They cater for morning teas, afternoon teas, work shouts, working lunches and other 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.