Christmas functions, Auckland

ORAKEI BAY

Book before 31 May to receive $500 off, plus Christmas cocktail jellies on arrival*

*Applies to events with a total minimum spend of $10,000 or more

People sitting on an outdoor sofa and chairs on a patio at night, with large trees illuminated in colorful lights in the background.
Assorted colorful chocolates displayed on a wooden tray at a dessert table.
A woman with long blond hair holding up a glass of red cocktail with an orange slice garnish, in focus, with blurred people in the background.

Celebrate the festive season in style…

Host your Christmas party or end-of-year celebration in our stunning waterside spaces, with festive menus and beverage packages by Collective Hospitality.

  • Only 7 minutes from Auckland CBD

  • Host up to 160 guests for a merry and memorable night

  • Four beautiful indoor spaces plus a garden setting for summer celebrations

  • Packages including venue hire, catering, equipment and staff (or create a customised Christmas package that suits your style).

  • 60 free car parks, and just a 2-minute stroll from Orakei train and bus station

  • Party right through to midnight with no noise restrictions


Christmas function Packages

Merry Mix & Mingle, $140pp

Guests socializing at a reception with high tables and candles, under a modern indoor venue with large open entrance and natural light.

Cocktail Style | 3-Hour Event

Host a lively cocktail-style Christmas party in The Waterside Bar or The Loft. Perfect for teams who love to mingle and toast the season.

Package Includes

  • Handcrafted canapés and cocktails

  • Cocktail furniture, bar leaners, and umbrellas (for outdoor events)

  • Professional service staff

  • Full event setup and pack-down

Package does not include beverages. Drinks options include on-consumption, per-person package, cash bar or any combination of these options.

Minimum 80 guests | Prices exclude GST

Summer BBQ, from $145pp

Assorted Asian dishes on a wooden table, including grilled eggplant with sauce, cooked fish with cilantro, and other colorful plated foods.

Seated or Relaxed | 5-Hour Event

Celebrate summer the Kiwi way with a Christmas BBQ party overlooking Orakei Bay. Choose between a seated experience in The Gallery or a relaxed garden picnic in Waterside Bar & Waterside Garden.

Menu Highlights

  • Slow-roasted beef bavette, chipotle lime chicken, and Mahi Farms pork sausages

  • Fresh summer salads, charred corn, and gourmet potato salad

  • Sweet platters of mini pavlovas, Christmas puddings, and berries

  • Seated: $170pp | Relaxed: $145pp

Package does not include beverages. Drinks options include on-consumption, per-person package, cash bar or any combination of these options.

Minimum 80 guests | Prices exclude GST

Christmas Feast, from $175pp

A young waitress serving elderly guests at a restaurant during daytime

Shared Dining | 5-Hour Event

Bring your team together with an indulgent shared dining experience designed for connection and conversation.

Your Feast Includes

  • Summer antipasti and artisan breads

  • Slow-roasted lamb shoulder and chipotle lime chicken

  • Seasonal vegetables and charred courgettes

  • Dessert platters with pavlovas, mince pies, and Christmas puddings

Spaces: The Gallery & The Foyer

Package does not include beverages. Drinks options include on-consumption, per-person package, cash bar or any combination of these options.

Minimum 80 guests | Prices exclude GST

Make it memorable

A person holding a white tray with six glasses filled with pink liquid and decorated with orange flowers, each with a white straw.

Talk to our team about Elevating your celebration with bespoke Christmas party add-ons and experiences:

  • Food Stations - Bao Buns, Southern BBQ or Mexican Fiesta

  • Classic Carvery - Add a glazed Christmas ham to your menu

  • Signature Cocktails - From $15pp, or themed Christmas cocktails from $18pp

  • Late-Night Platters - $165 each

  • Ice Cream Cart, Entertainment and Styling Packages - pricing on application

Our Spaces

Waterside Bar

People gathered at a social event with cocktail tables, candles, and decor in a modern indoor venue.

A flexible indoor space with seamless flow to the Waterside Garden, it’s perfect for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can mingle over festive drinks and nibbles while enjoying the garden views and relaxed indoor–outdoor flow.

As the celebration unfolds, the space can be easily reconfigured - from a cheerful Christmas lunch setup to an evening cocktail party or end-of-year celebration. It can even transform into a lively area for music, dancing and festive cheer when the night hits its stride.

Key features

  • Direct access to the Waterside Garden

  • Games area with pool tables

Waterside Garden

A group of five people sitting on outdoor furniture with umbrellas, talking and looking at their phones during the night, with illuminated trees and city lights in the background.

Framed by pōhutukawa and overlooking the calm waters of the Ōrākei Basin, the Waterside Garden is an inviting outdoor setting for festive celebrations. This versatile space is ideal for relaxed Christmas networking and end-of-year gatherings. Its flexible layout allows you to style the space to suit your function - from simple seasonal touches to fully customised and themed experiences.

Key features

  • Lush garden setting with a seasonal summer atmosphere

  • Waterfront views across the Ōrākei Basin

  • Direct access to a private indoor space (Waterside Bar) for smooth event flow

  • Lawn games

The Gallery

A woman with blonde hair wearing a black dress is smiling at a formal event or dinner, surrounded by other attendees seated at tables with wine glasses and bottles.

The Gallery is a spacious, light-filled space perfect for large end-of-year celebrations and festive dinners. Floor-to-ceiling windows span the length of the room, showcasing sweeping views of the Ōrākei Basin and creating a bright, uplifting atmosphere that feels especially magical during the holiday season.

With its generous layout and flexible configuration options, the space transforms effortlessly - from seated Christmas dinners to festive networking events or lively evening celebrations complete with a dedicated bar.

Key features

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with abundant natural light

  • Panoramic views of the Ōrākei Basin

  • Grand entrance for an impressive, celebratory arrival

The Loft

People gathered in a bright, spacious room with a high ceiling, large arched window, and modern chandelier.

Filled with natural light from its large arched windows and overlooking the water, The Loft is a refined, intimate setting for smaller Christmas functions and end-of-year gatherings. Its high ceilings and elegant character create a warm, welcoming atmosphere - perfect for festive lunches, team celebrations, VIP hosting or relaxed cocktail-style events.

The flexible layout can be configured to suit your occasion, whether you're planning a seated meal, a casual mingling space or a cosy mid-year celebration with a seasonal twist.

Key features

  • Large arched windows with abundant natural light and water views

  • High vaulted ceilings for an open, elegant feel

  • Private entrance and welcome area for an intimate festive experience

FAQs

  • We’ll work with you on a suitable time to view the property - please get in touch at events@orakeibay.co.nz and we can book in a time to meet either throughout the week or over one of our scheduled weekends.

  • Yes, a deposit of 20% of the estimated spend of your wedding is due within 7 days to confirm your date with the balance due 30 days before your wedding.

    On-consumption beverages or other costs incurred at your reception will be charged after your wedding and due within 7 days.

  • There are 60 free parking spaces at Orakei Bay, including accessible parking where guests can use the ramp to get to the front door.

    You can also get to Orakei Bay by train (Orakei Station) or bus and as it’s so central, it’s easy to grab a taxi or Uber to get to and from the venue. It will only take 10 minutes from Auckland CBD.

  • The first floor where The Foyer and The Gallery rooms are is completely accessible, including accessible bathrooms. The path to the Waterside Garden is pavers and river stones and is not accessible for everyone. Have a chat with your Coordinator if you’re worried about venue access. Unfortunately, The Loft can only be accessed by stairs.

  • No, Orakei Bay will supply all of your catering requirements. Chat to us if you have any cultural requirements!

    Orakei Bay is managed by Collective Hospitality, one of Aotearoa’s most well regarded catering & hospitality teams.

  • October - March: Friday-Saturday: $15,000 / Sunday - Thursday: $10,000.00

    April - September: Friday-Saturday: $10,000.00 / Sunday - Thursday: $8,000.00

    May - August: Friday-Saturday: $8'000.00 / Sunday - Thursday: $6'000.00

  • Yes, we’re very experienced in providing alternative meals for guests with allergies. We cater for those who are gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan, vegetarian and all allergies. We do not cater for elective diets such as paleo or keto.

  • Yes, we can create a bespoke menu for your wedding. Custom menu pricing may differ from our packages and menu design may incur additional cost.

Experience Orakei Bay

Take the first step towards your ideal Christmas function.