AFFORDABLE ELEGANCE CATERING

At Songbird Retreat, you have the flexibility to tailor your wedding catering to your unique preferences. The venue offers a BYO (Bring Your Own) policy for both catering and beverages, allowing significant savings and personalised menu selections. To assist in this process, we can provide a variety of options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Casual FeastS

CANAPES/FINGER FOOD/WALK & FORK 

$6 - $12 + GST per canapé (We recommend 4-6 canapes per person.) 

Blinis with lemon mascarpone, dill & Matakana smoked salmon 

NZ oysters with 3 toppings 

Maple roasted smoked salmon on blinis/dark rye rounds with crème fraiche & dill mousse 

Smoked salmon, mascarpone & dill pate on crostini 

Mozzarella, baby tomatoes & basil skewers with oregano oil drizzle (Caprese) (V, GF) 

Seared beef tenderloin mini bites with mustard & horseradish sauce, microgreens 

Crispy roasted gourmet pork chipolata sausages wrapped in crispy streaky bacon, with dipping sauce 

Antipasto skewers (Mozzarella cheese, olive, baby tomato, salami) (GF) 

Chilli & lime prawns, salsa 

Whitebait fritters 

Sticky pork belly bites 

Vol-au-Vents filled with sauteed mushrooms, thyme and shallots 

Vol-au-vents with roast chicken, celery & mayo salad 

Vol-au-Vents filled with roasted smoked salmon & crème fraiche mousse 

Duck confit bites on sourdough, with pickles & fig jam 

Ceviche – citrus marinated fresh snapper with fresh vegetables 

Crostini with duck liver pate and quince paste 

Spinach & ricotta crêpes (V) 

Grilled chicken skewers with garlic & yoghurt dipping sauce (GF) 

Surf & Turf skewers (BBQ beef tenderloin & prawn) (GF, DF) 

Pork tenderloin & pineapple skewer with sweet & sour sauce 

BBQ prawns with chili, parsley and garlic dressing (GF, DF) 

Mediterranean Haloumi & vegetables skewers (V, GF) 

Lamb cutlets with yoghurt & mint dipping sauce 

Cocktail meatballs with dipping sauce 

Mini vegan wraps with fresh vegetable sticks and guacamole (V, GF) 

Egg salad with Dijon mayo & herbs in cos lettuce cups (V, GF) 

Devilled eggs with herb Dijon mayo (V, GF) 

Cheeseboard mini skewers (V) 

Chicken popcorn served with dipping sauce 

Fresh snapper goujons served with tartare sauce 

Venison bites with horseradish crème fraiche and beetroot relish 

Grazing Board/Table of fine cheeses & charcuterie 

$30 + GST per person 

Includes: selection of premium hard & soft cheeses, green & black olives, gourmet smoked cold meats, salamis, fresh veggie sticks, baby tomatoes, dips, seasonal fresh fruit, dry fruits, veggie crisps, quince paste, fig paste, toasted cashews & pistachios, variety of gourmet crackers, various canapes, fancy chocolates, macarons, Artisan breads. 

Mediterranean Board/Table 

$32 + GST per person 

Grilled lemon-marinated vegetables with toasted pine nuts, skewers of fresh mozzarella, basil & tomatoes with oregano oil, marinated Feta with herbs, Italian cold meats and salamis, Tuscan white bean spread with paprika caramelised onions, Kalamata olives, grapes, roasted capsicum hummus, tzatziki (Greek yoghurt dip), pistachios, almonds - served with crostini, pita bread, garlic pita crisps. 

Seafood Board 

$38 + GST per person 

Includes: NZ fresh salmon side roasted with rosemary, dill and citrus slices, King prawns with dipping seafood sauce, Matakana cold smoked salmon and maple roasted smoked salmon with crème fraiche & dill mousse, grilled prawns with garlic, tomatoes, parsley & chili, marinated NZ mussels, Artisan breads. 

MAINS

$49 - $59 + GST per person (1 meat or seafood, 2 vegetable dishes) 

$75 - $83 + GST per person (2 meats or seafood, 3 vegetable dishes) 

$85 - $110 + GST per person (3 meats or seafood, 4 vegetable dishes) 

$120 - $165 + GST per person (4 meats or seafood, 4 vegetable dishes) 

MEAT & SEAFOOD SELECTION 

Pepper-crust beef tenderloin roast 

Roasted whole free-range chicken, gravy (GF, DF) 

Roast sirloin beef, gravy (GF, DF) 

Salmon fillet roasted with rosemary, dill and citrus slices (GF, DF) 

Grilled lamb cutlets 

Maple, whiskey & spiced orange glazed Champagne ham (whole or carved), served with chutneys, breads 

Confit duck leg/breast 

Chargrilled seafood in Mediterranean garlic, chili & parsley sauce 

Roast lamb, gravy, mint sauce 

Roast pork shoulder, gravy, apple sauce 

Lamb shanks slow-cooked with garlic & rosemary 

Tender BBQ pork ribs 

VEGETABLES SELECTION 

Perla potatoes with lemon & chives (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Crispy roast potatoes with rosemary & garlic (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds & crispy bacon bits (GF, DF) 

Honey glazed carrots with thyme & star anise (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Spicy roasted pumpkin wedges (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

French potatoes Boulangère (V, GF, DF) 

French Dauphinoise potatoes (gratin) (V) 

Smashed Perla potatoes with garlic, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Sautéed peas with dill (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Roasted maple spiced butternut (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Roasted root vegetables with maple, thyme and balsamic glaze (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Chargrilled/sautéed broccoli (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Mediterranean grilled vegetables with lemon, dill & toasted pine nuts (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

SALAD BAR 

Cost: $18 + GST per person (2 salads) 

Cost: $27 + GST per person (3 salads) 

Cost: $35 + GST per person (4 salads) 

Fancy potato salad with Dijon mayo (V, DF) 

Green leaf salad with lemon & olive oil vinaigrette (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Rainbow healthy slaw, pomegranate seeds, herbs & lemon vinaigrette (V, GF, DF) 

Greek salad with NZ Puhoi Feta cheese (V, GF) 

Green beans salad with toasted almonds, garlic and a lemon olive oil dressing (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Mexican style corn salad (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Shredded red cabbage, carrot & mint salad (V, GF, DF) 

German potato salad with spring onions, bacon, garlic, sour cream and Dijon mayo (V, GF) 

Nutty slaw with lemon dressing (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Goat’s cheese, hazelnut, baby spinach and beetroot salad (V, GF) 

Pasta seafood salad (pasta spirals, selection of seafood, capers) (V) 

Zesty beetroot salad, with carrot, orange, currants and toasted pumpkin seeds (V, GF, DF) 

Romaine salad with lemon dressing, Pecorino hard cheese shavings & toasted almonds (V) 

Italian style grilled vegetables salad with olive oil & lemon oregano dressing (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Broccoli & green beans salad with toasted almonds, lemon, garlic & dill dressing (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Garden salad: iceberg, mesclun, cucumber, radish, celery, vine ripe tomatoes (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

Charred broccoli, purple & brown rice, toasted almonds & pine nuts, lemon olive oil dressing (V, GF, DF, Vegan) 

DESSERT BAR SELECTION 

(Served in slices or individual cups or as Petit Fours/mini desserts) 

Cost: $13 - $20 + GST per person for 2 desserts 

Cost: $20 - $28 + GST per person for 3 desserts 

Cost: $28 - $39 + GST per person for 4 desserts

French triple chocolate layered bites (V) 

Raspberry & strawberry mousse French layered bites (V) 

Mango & passionfruit confit French layered bites (V) 

Dark chocolate edible cups filled with chocolate mousse (V) 

Dark chocolate edible cups filled with Grand Marnier orange mascarpone mousse (V) 

Coffee Tiramisu cup (V) 

Berry Tiramisu cup (V) 

Baileys Tiramisu cup (V) 

Lemon Tiramisu cup (V) 

“Opera” Coffee Slice (V) 

Chocolate ganache cake (V) 

Assorted cronuts & donuts (V) 

Dark chocolate cake with chocolate mousse filling (V) 

Dark chocolate & walnut brownie (V) 

Macarons – assorted flavours (V) 

Mini cupcakes (V) 

NZ Cheese Tasting Platter (V) 

Seasonal fruit platter 

 

Brie Grazing Cake

Cost: $320 + GST (to serve 12-16 people)  

Wheel of French Brie, topped with cured meats, antipasti, fresh and dried fruit, toasted nuts, edible flowers, served with assorted Artisan crackers. 

Cake of Cheeses 

Three - layered “cake” made of wheels of French and NZ cheeses, beautifully decorated with edible flowers, nuts, charcuterie, fruit. 

Cost: $1,250 + GST (to serve 50-60 people) 

Notes, terms & conditions

The food will be cooked in a Council approved kitchen (A+ Certificate/Excellent rating) and delivered to your desired location on platters/boards, ready to serve. 

Setting up the buffet tables and service during the event, if required (additional charges will apply). 

SAMPLE MENUS UNDER $100 PER HEAD

THE Graze & Gather Feast

Perfect for toasts, long tables & lingering conversations

$62.50+GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

 Nibbles:

Mozzarella, basil & baby tomato skewer with oregano oil (V)

Grazing mini skewers (ham, salami, olives, grapes, baby tomatoes, cheese)

Cocktail meatballs with dipping sauce

 Mains:

Grilled chicken skewers with garlic yoghurt dipping sauce

Roasted pork chipolata sausages wrapped in crispy bacon

Champagne ham (half ham) with maple, orange & whiskey glaze (carved) served with chutneys, Dijon mustard, mayo, buns

 Salads:

Fancy potato salad with Dijon mayo (V)

Rainbow healthy slaw salad (V)

Goat’s cheese, hazelnut, baby spinach and beetroot salad (V)

 

 

 

The Grand Grazing Table

A lavish spread of savoury bites, seasonal produce, artisan treats & elegant seafood additions

$48.50+GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Selection of premium hard and soft cheeses

Smoked cold meats, ham, salamis

Baby tomatoes & fresh veggie sticks

Selection of dips

Seasonal fresh fruit

Dry fruit

Veggie crisps, gourmet crackers

Quince paste & pear paste

Dips

Toasted cashews & pistachios

Artisan breads

Fancy chocolates

Macarons

Roasted pork chipolata sausages wrapped in streaky bacon

Mozzarella, basil & baby tomato skewer with oregano oil drizzle

Smoked salmon blinis

Cocktail meatballs

BBQ prawn skewers with garlic, chili & parsley dressing

The Parisian Brunch TablE

A charming blend of French-inspired savouries and sweet delights

$65 + GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Savoury:

Assorted French savoury pastries (3 flavours)

Club sandwiches with Matakana smoked salmon & dill cream cheese

Mini baguette with free-range egg salad

Roasted pork chipolata sausages wrapped in streaky bacon, served with mini buns, pickles & tomato sauce

Frittata bites with two cheeses, herbs & spring onion

Frittata bites with roasted pumpkin, Feta & rosemary

Mini croissant with Champagne ham, Swiss cheese & Dijon mustard

Mozzarella, basil & baby tomato skewer with oregano oil drizzle

 

Dessert Bar:

Assorted Petit Four mini bites (3 flavours):

·      French triple chocolate layered bites (V)

·      Raspberry & strawberry mousse French layered bites (V)

·      Mango & passionfruit confit French layered bites (V)

Assorted French sweet pastries (3 flavours)

Macarons

Seasonal fruit platter

The Slow Roast & Seafood Spread

or The Island Harvest Feast

A vibrant, generous feast of slow-roasted meats, fresh seafood, hearty vegetables & bold, comforting flavours.

$85 + GST per person (prices based on minimum of 50 people)

Slow-cooked roast pork

Roast beef

Roast whole chicken

Raw snapper salad in coconut cream (optional/replacable)

King prawns with dipping sauce

Summer potato salad

Green leaf salad

Roast vegetables: kumara, beetroot, red onion, pumpkin, carrots

Taro with onions & coconut cream (optional/replacable)

Sweet corn on the cob

Caramel & walnut brownie

the luxe Grazing Table (2.1 m long x 50 cm wide)

A stunning 2.1m x 50cm feast of savoury, sweet, and seafood delights

$48.50+GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Selection of premium hard and soft cheeses

Green & black pitted olives

Smoked cold meats/salamis/ham

Baby tomatoes & veggie sticks

Dips (4-5 types)

Seasonal fresh fruit

Dry figs, quince paste

Toasted cashews & pistachios

Variety of gourmet crackers

Blinis with Matakana smoked salmon and lemon dill cream cheese

King prawns with seafood dipping sauce

Mozzarella, basil & baby tomato skewer with oregano oil drizzle

Roasted pork chipolata sausages wrapped in crispy streaky bacon

Artisan breads

Fancy chocolates

Macarons

SAMPLE MENUS $100+ per head

The Elegant Gathering Menu

Coastal elegance meets rustic charm in a vibrant, share-style feast

$115 + GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Entrée:

Blinis with Matakana smoked salmon and lemon dill cream cheese

Mozzarella, basil & baby tomato skewers with oregano oil drizzle

Cheeseboard mini skewers

BBQ Prawn skewers with chili, parsley and garlic dressing (GF, DF)

Cocktail meatballs with dipping sauce

 

Mains:

Grilled chicken tenderloins

Salmon side baked with citrus slices & sea salt

Beef tenderloin roast with pepper & herbs crust

 

Sides & Salads:

French potatoes Boulangère

Roast potatoes with rosemary, garlic & sea salt

Broccoli & green beans salad with lemon dressing & toasted almonds

Zesty beetroot salad

Green leaf salad

 

Dessert bar:

French triple chocolate layered bites (V)

Raspberry & strawberry mousse French layered bites (V)

Mango & passionfruit confit French layered bites (V)

Macarons – assorted flavours (V)

Fruit platter

The Signature Feast

A lavish celebration of land, sea & garden — artfully balanced with vibrant sides and elegant French-inspired desserts

$128 + GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Mains:

NZ fresh salmon fillet roasted with rosemary, dill and citrus slices  

BBQ lamb cutlets with yoghurt & mint dipping sauce

BBQ beef skewers, served with pickles

Lime & chili grilled chicken tenderloin

Grilled Mediterranean vegetables skewers with Haloumi (V, GF)

 

Sides:

Sautéed broccoli & green beans, toasted almonds & crispy bacon bits (GF, DF)

Dauphinoise potatoes (V, GF)

Smashed potatoes with garlic, thyme and rosemary (V, GF, DF)

Honey glazed carrots (V, GF, DF)

 

Salads:

Green leaf salad with veg, lemon & olive oil vinaigrette (V, GF, DF)

Cous-Cous salad with roasted capsicums, baby tomatoes and fresh herbs (V)

Caprese salad (tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, oregano, olive oil) (V)

 

Dessert Bar (assorted mini desserts & sweet treats, Petit Fours)

French triple chocolate layered bites

French layered bites with raspberry & strawberry mousse and vanilla sponge  

Mango & passionfruit Pannacotta dessert bites  

Lemon & Mascarpone dessert bites

Macarons

Fresh seasonal fruit platter

Indulgence Feast

For those who savour quality — a feast of elegance, depth & detail

$128 + GST per person (Prices based on minimum of 40 guests)

Mains:

NZ fresh salmon fillet roasted with rosemary, dill and citrus slices  

BBQ lamb cutlets with yoghurt & mint dipping sauce

BBQ beef skewers, served with pickles

Lime & chili grilled chicken tenderloin

Grilled Mediterranean vegetables skewers with Haloumi (V, GF)

 Sides:

Sautéed broccoli & green beans, toasted almonds & crispy bacon bits (GF, DF)

Dauphinoise potatoes (V, GF)

Smashed potatoes with garlic, thyme and rosemary (V, GF, DF)

Honey glazed carrots (V, GF, DF)

Salads:

Green leaf salad with veg, lemon & olive oil vinaigrette (V, GF, DF)

Cous-Cous salad with roasted capsicums, baby tomatoes and fresh herbs (V)

Caprese salad (tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, oregano, olive oil) (V)

 Dessert Bar (assorted mini desserts & sweet treats, Petit Fours)

French triple chocolate layered bites

French layered bites with raspberry & strawberry mousse and vanilla sponge  

Mango & passionfruit Pannacotta dessert bites  

Lemon & Mascarpone dessert bites

Macarons

Fresh seasonal fruit platter