
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











