The Best Caterers in Wellington

Updated 27 April 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 Wellington 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 Wellington companies with a proven track record who have served food to thousands of Wellington 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)

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Catering

Our research highlighted the leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Blue Carrot Catering - our top caterer that has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off.
Advertising Disclosure: Blue Carrot Catering has accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.

Blue Carrot Catering

What does Wellington 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. Wellington 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

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Catering

Our research highlighted the leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Blue Carrot Catering - our top caterer that has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off.
Advertising Disclosure: Blue Carrot Catering has accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.

Blue Carrot Catering

The Best Wellington Caterers Available Right Now:

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

Blue Carrot Catering

Areas served: Wellington Region and beyond
Base: Petone, Lower Hutt
Hours: Mon to Sat 5 am – 5 pm, Sun 8 am – 11:55 pm
Google Review rating: 4.8/5
Facebook Page: Blue Carrot Catering
Website: Blue Carrot Catering
Email address: hello@bluecarrot.co.nz
Phone: 04 568 8838

Customer Feedback:

Fantastic and perfectly presented food
Excellent customer service
Always on time
Professional waitstaff and event chefs

Pros:

Provides excellent food choices

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Blue Carrot Catering specialises in corporate catering, wedding catering and private catering but also provides service for any event, large or small
They have been in the industry since 2000

Simply Food Catering Company Wellington

Areas served: Wellington
Base: Pipitea, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Sun 6 am – 12 am
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page:  Simply Food Catering Company Wellington
Website:   Simply Food Catering Company Wellington
Email address: orders@simplyfood.co.nz
Phone: 04 472 7333

Customer Feedback:

Provides quality food and excellent service
Offers helpful advice and tips to creating an enjoyable menu
Makes sure that all the guests are well taken care of
Amazing food presentation and set-up

Pros:

Takes pride in their affordable yet professional catering service

Cons:

Short operating hours

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

The Simply Food Catering Company has been servicing the Wellington region since 1991
Most of their catering contracts include commercial and corporate catering around the area
Offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, parties, buffets, funerals, etc.

NOSH Catering + Events

Areas served: Wellington
Base: Khandallah, Wellington
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: NOSH Catering + Events
Website: NOSH Catering + Events
Email address: noshshop@nosh.co.nz
Phone: 04 479 0529

Customer Feedback:

Flexible and easy to deal with
Well caters for people with dietary requirements
Discusses everything thoroughly and provides helpful suggestions
Delivers freshly prepared food and drinks

Pros:

Helps through the planning process

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

NOSH Catering + Events is a food catering and event management specialist well known for its high-quality food and service
Specialises in providing corporate events, office catering, weddings, and private catering

Seasoned & Dressed

Areas served: Victoria Street, Wellington
Base: Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Google Review rating: 4.7/5
Facebook Page: Seasoned & Dressed
Website: Seasoned & Dressed
Email address: info@seasoned.co.nz
Phone: 04 914 6523

Customer Feedback:

Delicious food choices
Fantastic service and friendly staff
Fresh and creative set of menu
Caters to specific dietary requirements

Pros:

Works within the allotted budget without compromising the quality

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Seasoned & Dressed is a food catering company that was established in 2005
Provides catering services to conferences, corporate events, wedding parties and more
Known for their friendly and personalised service as well as their flavourful food choices

Good Chemistry Catering Limited

Areas served: Wellington
Base: Kelburn, Wellington
Hours: 24/7
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: None
Website: Good Chemistry Catering Limited
Email address: jack@goodchemistrycatering.co.nz
Phone: 0800 391 107

Customer Feedback:

Responsive, helpful and adaptable service
Excellent food choices
Well-presented and well-mannered staff
Very easy to work with

Pros:

Considers various dietary requirements

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Good Chemistry Catering Limited is a food catering service company based in the Wellington region
Creates sumptuous food menu for weddings and corporate events

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Catering

Our research highlighted the leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Blue Carrot Catering - our top caterer that has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off.
Advertising Disclosure: Blue Carrot Catering has accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.

Blue Carrot Catering

Spoonful Catering

Areas served: Wellington and Greater Wellington Region
Base: Kilbirnie, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 6 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Spoonful Catering
Website: Spoonful Catering
Email address: enquiries@spoonful.co.nz
Phone: 0210 833 6965

Customer Feedback:

Attentive and knowledgeable staff
Friendly approach and highly responsive to queries
Offers the best quality and tasting food
Beautiful food presentation

Pros:

Provides a diverse selection of food choices

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Spoonful Catering is a family run catering company, providing delicious and exciting food to the greater Wellington region
Uses only the best quality ingredients for all their menu
Offers catering services for corporate functions, weddings and dinner parties

Food Envy Catering

Areas served: Wellington region
Base: Te Aro, Wellington
Hours: Mon - Wed 11:30am–2:30pm, Thurs - Sat 11:30am–2:30pm, 5–8pm, Sun 11:30am–2:30pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: Food Envy Catering
Website: Food Envy Catering
Email address: catering@foodenvy.nz
Phone: 04 242 0080

Customer Feedback:

Caters to special dietary requirements
Goes the extra mile to make sure that everything goes smoothly
Communication is flawless, prompt and friendly
Delivers food right on time
Deliciously cooked food

Pros:

Offers a variety of plant-based options as part of our regular menu

Cons:

No weekends operation

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Food Envy Catering was set up in 2012 and has been operating to share their shared love for food and hospitality
Provides menu choices suitable for everyone’s taste and dietary requirements
Offers catering services for workplace, events and weddings

The Catering Studio

Areas served: Wellington region
Base: Marion Square, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 5.0/5
Facebook Page: The Catering Studio
Website: The Catering Studio
Email address: info@thecateringstudio.co.nz
Phone: 04 801 6892

Customer Feedback:

Professional and friendly staff
Helpfully suggests a menu that would suit the guests and the event
High-quality food and service
Carefully prepares food based on dietary requirements

Pros:

Creates a personalised menu within the budget

Cons:

Does not operate on weekends

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

The Catering Studio is a Wellington-based catering company serving all fresh and seasonal cuisine
Offers catering services for corporate events, private events and weddings
Does cakes and baking

Canape Company

Areas served: Wellington
Base: Pipitea, Wellington
Hours: Mon to Sat 8 am – 5 pm
Google Review rating: 4.9/5
Facebook Page: Canape Company
Website: Canape Company
Email address: lisa@canapecompany.co.nz
Phone: 027 822 6273

Customer Feedback:

Uses great quality ingredients
Deliciously cooked food
Makes the experience fun and enjoyable
Professional and friendly service

Pros:

Has the flexibility to allow creative solutions to client’s needs

Cons:

None

Important Must-know Facts and Services:

Canape Company is a small boutique caterer that takes pride in the personal relationships they build with their clients
The only canapé and finger food specialist in Wellington
Offers special menus for catering and event styling

MoneyHub's Top Trusted Wellington Catering

Our research highlighted the leading caterer who deliver results for their clients.
We suggest contacting Blue Carrot Catering - our top caterer that has proven reviews and has delivered outstanding results to Wellington residents just like you.
Contacting a caterer by phone is the best way to kick things off.
Advertising Disclosure: Blue Carrot Catering has accepted MoneyHub's invitation for enhanced promotion, and pay for this service. We stand by their reputation and service, which we conclude as being excellent.

Blue Carrot Catering

⚠️ Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz may have financial relationships with some businesses listed on this page due to their acceptance of our invite for additional promotion. We stand by the businesses we work with and believe them to be among the best. 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. Our 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.