Best Caterers in Tauranga
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 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
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 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:
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)
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. 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.
- 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
Top 9 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 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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No Biggie FoodNo 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. No Biggie Food has its own mobile catering kitchen which allows them to be in any venue within Tauranga.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 020 4120 1329 Website: No Biggie Food Service Areas: Tauranga |
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Kex KitchenKex Kitchen offers fresh, tasty and modern food choices suited to any dietary needs. They provide catering services and corporate lunches for big and small gatherings. Their delivery service is available within Tauranga and menus are available on their website.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 027 730 0088 Website: Kex Kitchen Service Areas: Tauranga |
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Lemongrass Catering Company LtdLemongrass Catering Company Ltd is based in Tauranga and has a well-earned reputation for providing high-quality catering services. They offer palatable food choices for weddings, private parties and corporate events.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Welcome Bay, Tauranga Contact: 07 544 5335 Website: Lemongrass Catering Company Ltd Service Areas: Bay of Plenty and Tauranga area |
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Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree CottageTauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage offers catering and venue packages for weddings and celebrations of all seasons. They have different budget options to consider, including fully catered formal service, brunch weddings and winter weddings.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Pyes Pa, Tauranga Contact: 07 543 0380 Website: Tauranga Wedding Venue - Olive Tree Cottage Service Areas: Tauranga |
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Juz catering/Delicacy CaféJuz 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 picnics.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Shopping plaza, Tauranga Contact: 07 577 6026 Website: Juz catering/Delicacy cafe Service Areas: Tauranga, Wider Bay of Plenty and Waikato |
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El Mono Loco CateringEl Mono Loco Catering caters for all events including weddings, corporate functions, canapé parties 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.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 022 642 5903 Website: El Mono Loco Catering Service Areas: Tauranga, Hamilton, Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua and Taupo |
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Posh Nosh CateringPosh Nosh Catering offers mobile catering service within the Bay of Plenty. They accept weddings, special events, and corporate functions for small and large businesses. They have also been using the best local ingredients, which makes their menu a lot healthier and more delicious.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Tauriko, Tauranga Contact: 027 647 3369 Website: Posh Nosh Catering Service Areas: Tauranga |
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Zest KitchenZest Kitchen is a catering company based in Tauranga with a team of experienced, professional and friendly staff. They create 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.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Munro Road, Te Puna Contact: 07 571 6225 Website: Zest Kitchen Service Areas: Tauranga |
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Kiwi Spit Roast CompanyKiwi 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 which allows them to serve fresh food choices for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions or theme parties.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 07 577 1908 Website: Kiwi Spit Roast Company Service Areas: Wider Bay of Plenty |
