November, what are you doing here?! The silly season is on its way, which means end of year work partay planning should be in the works. Stuck for where to book your workplace shindig? Never fear, we’ve come up with the best venues to have your Christmas function in Auckland this year. Whether you’re looking to long lunch and #looseunit with Dennis from accounts, or host a more intimate affair, here’s our picks for Auckland’s best Christmas party venues.
The Glass Goose
CBD
Sitting at the end of Federal Street, this eatery’s rooftop bar and beer garden is a primo Christmas party spot. The Glass Goose will keep your work squad cheery with a foodporn-esque grazing menu, bubbly, and cracking cocktails—from espresso martinis to their signature Mad Hatters Tea Party.
Cable Bay
Waiheke
A trip to Waiheke is always a good idea, and Cable Bay is the epitome of Christmas function awesomeness. With two restaurants, two private dining rooms, and tailor-made packages to suit every kind of business, Cable Bay will have you sipping away your 2015 work worries in no time. If you’re entertaining a bunch of wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to opt for a Speedy Tour & Taste, which includes a wander round the vines, winery, and a chance to taste a couple of Cable Bay’s award-wining vinos. It will make for a fun staff Christmas party this year.
Everybody’s
CBD
Sophisticated soirees are Everybody’s forte. The Mega Couch (literally a gigantic couch) is the perfect posse for ‘Walk & Fork’ nibbles and cocktails—Tokyo fried chicken, truffled mac n’ cheese, and boozy brownie—or hire out the mezzanine for a sit down dinner. The party will no doubt continue into the night, and Everybody’s bar will keep the drinks flowing, making it one of the best places to have your Christmas function in Auckland.
Neck of the Woods
K Road
Sometimes it’s best to accept that Christmas parties are rowdy occasions. And if you’re going to do rowdy, you might as well do it right. K Road’s Neck of the Woods can house between 20 and 350, giving you access to a DJ deck, two bars, a stage, and one epic state-of-the-art sound system.
The Zookeeper’s Son
Royal Oak
Venture from the inner-city and book your Christmas party at The Zookeeper’s Son in Royal Oak. If it’s a large, laid-back do you’re after, The Zookeeper’s Son can host up to 200 guests, keeping their stomachs lined with delicious set menus, nibbles, or buffets.
Fort Street Union
CBD
For something a bit more casual, book Fort Street Union for afternoon dranks, food, and good times. Smack bang in the heart of the city (so you can all stumble back to the office if need be), Fort Street Union caters for up to 300 people with catering options of nibbles, a gourmet barbecue, or set menu, making it one of the best Christmas party venues in Auckland.
46 & York
Parnell
Pile in the taxis and cruise on over to Parnell’s 46 & York for your Christmas do. This place has gained a rep for hosting fabulous functions in their private dining area, however if you need to throw a larger event, 46 & York can be hired out in its entirety on Saturdays. Expect bespoke cocktails (a Pinã Pepino will get the festivities started), tasty buffalo wings, and other party-perfect fare at this Auckland Christmas party venue.
Matterhorn
Freeman’s Bay
Matterhorn is all about bringing people together over excellent food and bevvies, and with various spaces on offer, you’ll find the perfect area to suit you and your crew. This sleek venue has a private dining room for intimate functions of 20-40, a bar for a more ruckus crowd, and if you’re a larger crowd, room for up to 200 in the restaurant area. Alternatively, hire out Matterhorn’s gorgeous courtyard— guaranteed to have your colleagues raving about it ‘til New Years.
TSG
Tyler Street
Who doesn’t love pizza? Especially when it comes in massive 16-slice slabs. Experience the newly revamped TSG as a team by booking out the Tyler Street Side, Quay Street Side, or the entire place in all its glory. This great Christmas party venue will have you oooing and aaahing at the harbour views over cocktails on the rooftop bar—a spot you’ll struggle to say goodbye to at the end of the night.
The White Rabbit
CBD
This white, light Custom’s Street restaurant has three separate areas, all guaranteed to be a hit with your work mates. The White Rabbit’s café and bar will make your boozy lunch a casual yet elegant affair, while the upstairs bistro is the ideal place to cheers to 2015 over beef shin and Sauv. Next door, Jones Bar can be your own little hideaway to reflect on the work year with your closet colleagues.
Good From Scratch
Muriwai
After something a little further from the office? Day to day, Muriwai's Good From Scratch is a farm-based cookery school, so all the food is guaranteed to be top-notch. The elegant, indoor-outdoor dining space is perfect for gathering around the table, gazing out at the West Coast valley views, and celebrating a hard year's work. For an extra special Xmas affair, you can even spoil the team with a half or full day of relaxing cooking class experience guided by the school's farm-to-fork philosophy.
Looking for more things to do in Auckland? Get a caffeine fix the morning after your office Christmas party from our list of where to find the best coffee in Auckland.
Image credits: Everybody’s and 46 & York via Facebook