Where to have your family celebrations this festive season!

Whether you want to celebrate by having a sit-down feast with close friends and family; book out an entire venue; or just a lush outdoor space with a view of the water for drinks, these venues in Takapuna have got you covered this festive season.  

With a seafood focused menu, a relaxed tropical-chic vibe and panoramic views of the ocean, Regatta is an idyllic spot to kick off summer with a party. With the choice of hiring out the sunshine bar, private cabanas, or the ocean view terrace they can take groups of up to 150 people. Make the most of the seaside location with market fish served various ways, fresh oysters, cured fish and Szechuan pepper squid. Or try one of the sharing platters that are a seafood lovers’ delight.

With unparalleled views of Rangitoto, renting out The Takapuna Boating Club is for those who want a bit of exclusivity. The top and main decks can be configured to suit your needs – whether you want a formal sit down dinner or a standing cocktail function. Each providing stunning beachfront views, both decks are equipped with a private bar and your very own bar staff to ensure no one goes thirsty. Catering can be arranged through one of two trusted local companies, Appresso or Scoff.

Francs is our pick for a relaxed and rowdy get together. Here, you can book out the deck, main bar, beer garden or the entire venue. With casual diner-style food and comfort classics such as mac and cheese bites, hot dogs, loaded wedges, wings, and fish tacos this colourful seaside venue is all sorts of fun.

The team at Burger Burger know how to throw a party and will work with you to make it memorable and unique. With capacity to take up to 200 guests they offer a range of set menus with classic burgers and sides; and canapes such as oysters; fritters; mini burgers; or crispy mini tacos with pulled pork and pineapple salsa. Drink packages and themed cocktails can be arranged to match, as well as a range of fun entertainment and styling options such as Tropicola, which includes a tiki bar set up and leis on arrival.

Colourful, fun and loud – good times are guaranteed when getting your friends together at Mexico. There’s a private room upstairs that can accommodate up to 60 people, the option to add a tequila tasting or margarita masterclass, and a number of different menus to choose from to take the hassle out of ordering. The antojito menu offers bight size versions of Mexico classics such as quesadillas, chimichangas, and tostaditas; or the fiesta menu is packed with all the greatest hits, like their famous fried chicken.

With a light and airy space filled with tropical plants and the scent of spices, you’ll feel like you’re already on holiday at Tok Tok. The restaurant can be hired out for up to 160 guests, or you can book in a large table and choose from one of the two banquet menus which showcase dishes from South East Asia. The Halong Bay menu starts with sashimi, kaffir lime chicken, and wagyu steamed buns; and is followed by papaya salad, crispy duck, hapuka curry, and rice and roti to name a few.

Whether you are after a comfortable booth or a big long table, The Elephant Wrestler has a space to accommodate your group. The all-weather courtyard with retractable roof soaks up the sunshine, and the main bar has live music on the weekends. Their range of banquet menus offer global comfort food and sharing boards loaded with everything from falafel and dumplings, to Korean fried cauliflower. They also have a great selection of craft beer and do classic pub fare like fish and chips, pizzas, and burgers really well.