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The Best Caterers in Tauranga

Updated 7 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Tauranga 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:
  1. The number of people attending
  2. The budget you have for the entire event
  3. Whether you want a drinks package 
  4. 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. 

  1. Exclude Seafood. Tauranga 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. Limit the varieties of canapés. There is a temptation to offer 4-8 different types, but three is sufficient and much cheaper to serve.
  6. 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. 
  7. 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.
  8. Consider looking beyond traditional caterers. Try local food trucks, farmers market stands, or even your favourite cafe or restaurant. 
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  1. Direct Credit (internet banking)
  2. Cheque
  3. Cash with invoice
  4. Credit Card via the catering company's website (a surcharge may apply)
  5. On-site Eftpos (on delivery etc)
​
Caterers usually have non-refundable deposits, pre-payment and final payment terms. As an example, this could be:
  1. A non-refundable $250 deposit on the date of acceptance of the quote
  2. 50% of total quote price 4 weeks from the event date
  3. Final Payment 7 days after the event date
​

Top Classic Tauranga Caterers

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

Areas served: Tauranga  
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  No Biggie Food
Facebook Page: No Biggie Food
​Email address: hello@nobiggiefood.com
Phone: 020 4120 1329
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Delicious and enjoyable menus  
  • Friendly waiters  
  • Responsive and has excellent client communication 
  • Enticing food presentation  
 
Pros:
  • Helps with all the parts of planning 
  • Has its mobile catering kitchen, which allows them to be in any venue within Tauranga
 
Cons: 
  • Only operates during weekdays
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • No Biggie Food is an independent event and wedding catering service provider
  • They are known to deliver the freshest of ingredients in their most palatable menus
  • Offers event, wedding, corporate and private caterings

​Kex Kitchen

Areas served: Tauranga
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Fri 9 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Kex Kitchen
Facebook Page:  Kex Kitchen
​Email address: info@kexkitchen.com
Phone: 020 430 0088
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Offers modern food and delicious menu  
  • Fresh, quality ingredients put together  
  • Beautifully presented platters  
  • Caters depending on the client’s dietary requirements 
  • Helpful and friendly service staff  
 
Pros:
  • Offers fresh, tasty and modern food choices suited to any dietary needs
 
Cons: 
  • Only operates during weekdays
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Provides catering services and corporate lunches for big and small gatherings
  • Their delivery service is available within Tauranga, and menus are available on their website
  • Offers catering services for weddings, events and corporate lunches

Lemongrass Catering Company Ltd

Areas served: Bay of Plenty and Tauranga area  
Base: Welcome Bay, Tauranga 
Hours: Mon to Sun 6:30 am – 10 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Lemongrass Catering Company Ltd
Facebook Page:  Lemongrass Catering Company Ltd
​Email address: belinda@lemongrasscatering.co.nz
Phone: 07 544 5335
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Great client communication 
  • Delicious buffet and canapés 
  • Ensures all questions are answered  
  • Good sized platters 
  • Caters to meet dietary requirements  
 
Pros:
  • Stress-free pre-wedding planning and highly organised  
 
Cons: 
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Lemongrass Catering Company Ltd is based in Tauranga and has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality catering services
  • Offer palatable food choices for weddings, private parties and corporate events.   
  • Offers catering services for weddings, events and corporate lunches

Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage

Areas served: Tauranga 
Base: Pyes Pa, Tauranga  
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 12 am 
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
​Website:  Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage
Facebook Page:  Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage
​Email address: lisa@olivetreecottage.co.nz
Phone: 027 206 2707
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Delicious food in a peaceful country venue  
  • Offers hassle-free service for weddings  
  • Professional service  
 
Pros:
  • Considers different budget options 
 
Cons: 
  • Short operating hours 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage offers catering and venue packages for weddings and celebrations of all seasons.
  • Provides services such as fully catered formal service, brunch weddings and winter weddings

Juz catering/Delicacy Café

Areas served: Tauranga, Wider Bay of Plenty and Waikato  
Base: Shopping plaza, Tauranga  
Hours: Mon to Fri 7 am – 4 pm, Sat 7:30 am – 2 pm
Google Review rating: 4.5/5
Website:  Juz catering/Delicacy Café
Facebook Page:  Juz catering/Delicacy Café
​Email address: info@juzcatering.co.nz
Phone: 07 577 6026
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Helpful, friendly and courteous staff 
  • Exceptionally delicious menu  
  • Beautiful food presentation  
  • Caters to one’s dietary requirements  
 
Pros:
  • Provides a wide range of food choices  

Cons: 
  • Food serving may take time 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Juz catering/Delicacy Café is a catering service provider for all types of occasions, whether big or small, casual or formal gatherings anywhere in the Bay of Plenty
  • Their specialities include stylish dinner parties, cocktail canapes, board room lunches, barbecues and work picnic

Hidden Truffle (El Mono Loco Catering)

Areas served: Tauranga
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 
Hours: Email them to get an appointment
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Website:  Hidden Truffle
Facebook Page:  El Mono Loco Catering
​Email address: enquiries@hiddentrufflecatering.co.nz
Phone: 027 476 5084
 
Customer Feedback:
  • High-quality food and service  
  • Friendly team and very adaptable  
  • Highly recommended by guests  
 
Pros:
  • Serves deliciously healthy food
 
Cons: 
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • El Mono Loco Catering caters for all events, including weddings, corporate functions, canapé parties, food truck and lunches
  • They are known for their deliciously healthy food and professional service from their head chef, who has more than ten years of European experience

Posh Nosh Catering

Areas served: Tauranga 
Base: Tauriko, Tauranga 
Hours: Not specified
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Currently unavailable
​Facebook Page:  Posh Nosh Catering
​Email address: terri@poshnoshcatering.co.nz
Phone: 027 647 3369
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Amazing food and presentation  
  • Professional service  
  • Great feedback from guests  
  • Wide range of menus  
 
Pros:
  • Offers mobile catering service within the Bay of Plenty
 
Cons: 
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Accepts weddings, special events, and corporate functions for small and large businesses
  • Uses the best local ingredients, which makes their menu a lot healthier and more delicious.

Zest Kitchen

Areas served: Tauranga
Base: Munro Road, Te Puna 
Hours: Mon to Sun 9 am – 5 pm 
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Zest Kitchen
Facebook Page:  None​
​Email address: stephen@zestkitchen.co.nz
Phone: 027 663 1002
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Easy to work with, and there is so much attention to detail 
  • Delicious food choices  
  • Amazing organisational skills  
  • Beautiful food presentation  
  • Professional team to work with from start to finish  
 
Pros:
  • Makes the event hassle-free  
 
Cons: 
  • None 
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Zest Kitchen is a catering company based in Tauranga with a team of experienced, professional and friendly staff
  • Creates contemporary and delicious food suitable for their clientele’s taste and preference
  • Some of their famous clients include Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Mick Jagger and a lot more
  • Offers catering services for weddings, banquets, functions and events

Kiwi Spit Roast Company

Areas served: Wider Bay of Plenty 
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga 
Hours: Not specified
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Website:  Kiwi Spit Roast Company
Facebook Page:  None 
​Email address: Not specified
Phone: 07 577 1908
 
Customer Feedback:
  • Great food choices  
  • Easy to deal with  
  • Professional staff and service  
 
Pros:
  • Mobile catering service which allows them to serve fresh food choices
 
Cons: 
  • None
 
Important Must-know Facts and Services:
  • Kiwi Spit Roast Company is a locally owned and operated catering services provider based in the wider Bay Of Plenty area
  • They are a fully mobile catering service that serves fresh food choices for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions or theme parties.
⚠️​ 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.