Explore island escapes, fantastical backdrops and rooftop terraces within Auckland, a one-stop-shop for unforgettable gala dinners.

From harbour views to historic animal houses, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is packed with world-class dinner venues. Whether you're after a touch of glamour or something a bit quirky, these Auckland venues make it easy to take your gala dinner to extraordinary heights.

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Wētā Workshop Unleashed

Step inside a magical venue within an immersive film experience. Auckland's outpost of the award-winning Wētā Workshop offers an imaginative setting for awards evenings and gala dinners. Galactic robot, cavernous volcano, miniature worlds and surprising twists await.

Capacity: 240 pax 

All Blacks Experience

The only rugby attraction of its kind celebrating New Zealand's national rugby teams, the All Blacks and the Black Ferns. Learn how New Zealand shapes its best players before enjoying an immersive gala dinner. Embrace friendly competition in the adjacent interactive zone – think canapes, drinks, and spirited banter. 

Capacity: 120 pax

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The Hotel Britomart

This charming inner-city hotel is a fabulous spot to enjoy a sophisticated soirée overlooking the city. Spoil guests with a dinner tucked away in The Libraries, a series of one-of-a-kind spaces for private events  located on the first floor of the heritage building.

Capacity: 50 pax

St-Matthew-in-the-city

If you're after glamour, this historic Anglican church has it in spades. The majestic neo-Gothic church, built in 1905, doubles as a super-central venue. The main space and stained-glass windows offer a beautiful blank slate for a grand gala dinner.

Capacity: 250 pax

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Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

This incredible award-winning heritage building blends historical features with contemporary spaces. Host a dinner amongst a collection of local and international artworks with a mix of modern or heritage backdrop.

Capacity: 130 pax

The Cloud

Like its name suggests, this huge cloud-like venue offers a dreamy waterfront setting at the very edge of Waitematā Harbour. The pillar-less floor is suitable for large-scale seated dinners and glamourous events.

Capacity: 1,200 pax

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Shed 10

Ever held a gala dinner in a cargo shed? This beautifully renovated venue is the last remaining original building on Auckland's Queens Wharf. The ground floor retains the century-old shed's industrial character with a concrete floor and exposed beams – excellent for galas and awards ceremonies.

Capacity: 750 pax

The Maritime Room

Nestled in the heart of Viaduct Harbour, The Maritime Room offers a gorgeous waterfront setting for a private dining event. Host a stylish dinner right on the water and enjoy the sheltered deck, with stunning views overlooking the harbour.

Capacity: 260 pax

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The Civic

This iconic Auckland theatre combines 1920s glamour with modern technology. Host a gala dinner in the Wintergarden, a lavish space used as a cabaret, night club, and tearoom over the past century. Or if you're looking for an unforgettable experience, why not host a dinner on the opulent theatre stage. 

Capacity: 320 pax

Auckland Town Hall

Renowned for its Edwardian Baroque architecture, the Auckland Town Hall offers a sophisticated dinner backdrop with stained-glass windows, ornate plasterwork and spectacular chandeliers. This heritage building, a gorgeous venue for gala dinners and parties was purpose-built to dazzle guests.  

Capacity: 350 pax

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Cocoon House

Like a cocoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Cocoon House is renowned for its luxurious atmosphere, lined with contemporary taonga (treasures) by local and international artists. Choose any combination of the three beautifully outfitted floors or take over the whole house for an intimate dinner to remember. 

Capacity: 30 pax

The Waka Rooftop

This rooftop venue at Park Hyatt Auckland offers an unforgettable backdrop overlooking the Viaduct Harbour. Imagine pre-dinner mingling on the wrap-around balcony with natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows. Before enjoying dinner with elegant ambiance and sophisticated décor.

Capacity: 100 pax

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Administrator House

As if its beautiful limestone façade wasn't memorable enough, the Administrator House also boasts a contemporary artwork collection, original windows and beautiful wooden floors. Its art-filled 'Gallery' space offers a unique ambiance for intimate dinners and parties. 

Capacity: 100 pax

Viaduct Events Centre

Sitting on its own wharf in Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Events Centre proudly reflects the harbour city with billowing sail-like roof. Not only has the venue been praised for its location and design, but also for its technical facilities and smooth running of functions, making this flagship venue perfect for lavish banquet dinners. 

Capacity: 1200 pax

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Brad's Warehouse

One of Auckland’s finest 19th century warehouses offers a stunning backdrop for seated dinners and galas. The blue-stone facade is visible inside, too, which is complemented by beautiful wooden floors and beams above. 

Capacity: 380 pax

City Fringe
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Auckland Zoo

With Aotearoa’s largest home of native and exotic wildlife as a backdrop, Auckland Zoo’s distinctive function spaces make for memorable seated dinners. From the Old Elephant House to the newly built Te Puna overlooking the central lake and wetlands, there is something for everyone. 

Capacity: 150 pax

Okahu Functions & Events

Okahu is not your average corporate venue. Jutting into the sea from Tāmaki Drive, this waterside venue puts its spectacular scenery on centre stage. Why not enjoy 270-degree views of the skyline and Rangitoto Island at your next gala? With several different spaces to choose from, Okahu can adapt to seated dinners of varying size.

Capacity: 180 pax

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Tote on Ascot at Ellerslie Event Centre

Originally built in 1885, Tote on Ascot has been lovingly renovated since its heyday housing 34 betting station windows and a manual totalisator. This gorgeous venue with beamed ceiling and whitewashed brick, sits at the edge of Auckland Racecourse and is a winner for elegant dinners set beneath twinkling lights. 

Capacity: 220 pax

Webbs

This 600sqm gallery, home to New Zealand’s premier auction house, knows how to wow a crowd. Designed to showcase incredible artwork, the space is quite literally a blank canvas with a cool contemporary feel – perfect for seated dinners and receptions.

Capacity: 200 pax

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The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse brings the serenity of the outdoors inside with a dazzling glass roof and a lush canopy of real trees. The industrial-chic atmosphere lends itself beautifully to seated banquet dinners, boasting beautiful natural light dappled by the trees. This venue has an indoor-outdoor feel like no other. 

Capacity: 160 pax

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum’s striking facilities guarantee a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Dazzle guests with a Māori cultural performance surrounded by sacred taongas (treasures), before dining within the marbled Grand Foyer with its dramatic columns, or Under the Dome with its copper roof and breath-taking views across the city.

Capacity: 450 pax

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Orakei Bay

Orakei Bay is a rare gem in terms of city venues tucked between nature and the sea. Only minutes from the city centre, this multi-level oasis offers five light-filled spaces including a beautiful waterside garden. Wine and dine guests with views across the Orakei Basin.

Capacity: 200 pax

Five Knots at Tamaki Yacht Club

Why not host a dinner with Rangitoto Island as the backdrop? This stunning venue puts the glittering ocean on centre stage with windows facing east and west. Overlooking the floor is a mezzanine and private balcony, popular for pre-dinner drinks and canapes.

Capacity: 120 pax

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Hyundai Marine Sports Centre

No matter where you look, there's always a sliver of fresh air and the sea at this waterside venue. Popular for gala dinners, the marine centre offers three gorgeous rooms, the largest opening onto a balcony, perfect for enjoying a gentle sea breeze and taking in spectacular scenery.

Capacity: 200 pax

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McCallum Residence®

Perched on its own private beach with beautiful gardens, this luxurious beachfront manor has all the trimmings and trappings for an unforgettable dinner. The manor includes an on-site butler and private chef, plus access to The Boat House – a perfect secondary venue for events. Or for something different, enjoy a relaxed Kiwi-style beach BBQ. 

Capacity: 50 pax formal dining or beach BBQ

Kauri Bay Boomrock

Enjoy stunning scenery and views of Kauri Bay at this popular private venue on a 500-acre farm. Its rustic lodge offers a warm and inviting dinner atmosphere, with views of rolling farmland and a sliver of turquoise blue water. Despite being only 30 minutes from the airport, Kauri Bay Boomrock feels a world away from the city. 

Capacity: 200 pax 

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Puketutu Island Estate

How does dinner on an island  sound? Connected to the mainland by an all-tide causeway, this airy Spanish mission-style estate is a fitting spot for special events. Let guests explore the immaculate lawns and garden terraces before hosting a banquet dinner beneath a sparkling chandelier. 

Capacity: 200 pax

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The Grounds

This magical dining spot at Whoa! Studios combines business with creativity. The Grounds has an open-plan kitchen and a light-filled dining room. For something a little quirky, walk the magnificent red carpet to dine in Glooms lair with its steampunk feel or explore ‘The Treehouse’, a set created by the set builders who brought us Lord Of The Rings and the Hobbit trilogy. 

Capacity: 150 pax

Settlers Country Manor

Host a dinner at Settlers Country Manor's opulent banquet hall, which boasts a grand indoor fireplace and three alfresco patio areas. Originally built as a dairy factory in the early 1900s, Settlers retains its vintage charm with wooden details and a warm atmosphere. 

Capacity: 300 pax

About Auckland Convention Bureau
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Planning an event can be daunting, but with free, impartial advice from ACB, finding the right people, places and services is easy. From celebrity speakers and audio-visual services to delegate activities, we know Auckland inside out and can find those hidden gems you've been looking for that will take your event to the next level.