
AIMEE AND COLE
At Songbird Retreat, we don’t just host weddings. We set the stage for your most cherished memories.
Hi! we are dean and helen.
We would be excited to share our beautiful gardens for your memorable day and we want to make your planning as easy and exciting and fun as possible for you to celebrate your love and commitment in arguably the most beautiful marquee garden wedding venue around: Songbird Retreat.
you are welcome here!
ready to start
planning your special day?
YOU’VE ALREADY STARTED!
here is your current thinking:
Guest Count: Approximately 60 guests.
Date: April 18th or 25th 2026
Location: A venue that offers:
privacy
an outside ceremony
stunning garden views with indoor and outdoor flow
the atmosphere that comes from a clear marquee
wheelchair access to the ceremony spaces
Matheson Bay, where you have happy childhood memories
Catering: more casual buffet style rather than a formal seated dinner: really love pizza and a grazing table
Entertainment: Spotify or DJ
Songbird Cottage: 1 day/night
Wedding Cake: made by Aimie
SONGBIRD RETREAT OFFERS YOU:
A Venue that Resonates with Your Vision
At Songbird Retreat, we offer a picturesque 4.5-acre property in Matheson Bay, Matakana, featuring lush terraced lawns and meticulously landscaped gardens.
Exclusivity and Privacy
We host only one event at a time, ensuring your wedding is intimate and exclusively yours.
Flexibility to Personalise Your Day
Our venue allows you to customise every aspect of your event, from selecting your preferred marquee and furniture to choosing your own caterers. Our versatile spaces accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
Seamless Planning with Comprehensive Packages
Our Songbird Package includes a 10x21m clear roof marquee adorned with fairy lights, essential furniture, and a dedicated service team, simplifying the planning process. Additionally, our on-site Songbird Cottage offers luxurious accommodation, serving as a perfect bridal suite or honeymoon retreat.
Cost-Effective BYO Options
We offer a BYO beverage policy with no corkage fees, providing significant cost savings and allowing you to select beverages that suit your taste.
Timeless Elegance in Every Detail
Our meticulously maintained gardens, featuring lily ponds, rose arbors, and native bush, create an elegant setting that serves as a blank canvas for your unique style.
We welcome you to explore the possibilities that Songbird Retreat offers and look forward to assisting you in creating a wedding that is as extraordinary as your love story.

EXPLORE OUR PACKAGES
Songbird Retreat is an exclusive boutique venue, purpose-built for marquee weddings at which you can bring to life the wedding of your dreams!
Explore our tailored packages below to discover the perfect fit for your special day.
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Effortless Elegance
Exclusive 2-Day Venue Hire, plus:
Clear Roof Marquee adorned with fairy lights.
Furniture and Equipment:
up to 100 chairs.
Four plinths, signing table, and chair.
Ceremony arch.
Tables for up to 100 guests
PA system
BYO alcohol with no corkage fees
Photo ops in the garden and Matheson Bay (2 mins away)
On-the-Day Coordination: A dedicated coordinator to ensure seamless event execution.
Comprehensive wedding planner checklists and recommended vendor lists
2026 January Weekend $14,995
(Current special = $13,995 including cocktail furniture, dance floor valued at $999)
Other ways to reduce price include:
-have own on-the-day wedding coordinator (saving $2000)
If you confirmed your booking before June 30, I would be happy to provide Songbird Cottage for one night for free.
Catering, tableware, service, bar, chiller trailer to be sourced and supplied by the couple, with our support.
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Add-on Packages
Songbird Cottage: 1 -2 day hire of bridal preparation suite and honeymoon suite, complete with a bottle of bubbles and an outdoor bath for two.
$795 per day
Cocktail Furniture and Dance Floor
4 bar leaners
4 umbrellas
16 bar stools
dance floor
$999
Lawn Games
Scattle
Jenga
$99
Guest Accommodation for Ten
$1295 for the first night, $900 pd thereafter
Celebrant, Florals, Photography, Catering POA
Wedding Planner
POA
budget
Your priorities determine how far your budget can stretch.
Here is an example of a budget which comes to $22,845.
It does not include dress, shoes, hair, makeup etc.
Venue hire, Marquee, Furniture hire, Day-of Wedding Coordinator, Service
$14,995
Food
$4500+
Beverages
$1000+
Marriage Celebrant
$500+
Photographer
$1500+
Chiller Trailer Hire
$400
Plates & cutlery hire (less if sustainable plates)
$800
Cake
$150+
SAMPLE WEDDING MENUS FROM HOMESTYLE CATERING NZ
Wedding Menu Options to choose from 2025
CANAPES/ENTREES/WALK & FORK
Blinis with lemon mascarpone, dill & Matakana smoked salmon
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
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
Duck confit on crostini with caramelised onion relish
Crostini with duck liver pate and quince paste
Spinach & ricotta pie/crepes (V)
Grilled chicken skewers with garlic yoghurt dipping sauce (GF)
Surf & Turf skewers (BBQ eye fillet & prawn) (GF, DF)
Pork tenderloin & pineapple skewer with sweet & sour sauce
BBQ Prawn skewer 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
Pulled pork sliders with fancy slaw
Venison bites with horseradish crème fraiche and beetroot relish
Grazing Board/Table of fine cheeses & charcuterie
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, Artisan breads.
Mediterranean Board/Table
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
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.
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
Slow – cooked roast lamb, gravy, mint sauce
Roast pork shoulder, gravy, apple sauce
Roast meats sharing platter (includes free-range chicken tenders, beef sirloin roast, roast lamb, roast pork served with gravy and Artisan breads).
VEGETABLES SELECTION
Perla potatoes with lemon & chives (V, GF)
Crispy roast potatoes with rosemary & garlic (V, GF, DF)
Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds & crispy bacon bits (GF, DF)
Honey glazed carrots with thyme & star anise (V, GF, DF)
Spicy roasted pumpkin wedges (V, GF, DF)
French potatoes Boulangère (V, GF, DF)
Smashed Perla potatoes with garlic, bay leaf, thyme and rosemary (V, GF, DF)
Sautéed peas with dill (V, GF, DF)
Maple spiced roast butternut (V, DF)
Roasted root vegetables with maple, thyme and balsamic glaze (V, GF, DF)
Chargrilled/sautéed broccoli (V, GF, DF)
Mediterranean grilled vegetables with lemon, dill & toasted pine nuts (V, GF, DF)
SALAD BAR
Fancy Perla potato salad with Dijon mayo (V, DF)
Green leaf salad with lemon & olive oil vinaigrette (V, GF, DF)
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)
Mexican style corn salad (V, GF, DF)
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 (V, GF, DF)
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)
Broccoli & green beans salad with toasted almonds, lemon, garlic & dill dressing (V, GF, DF)
Garden salad: iceberg, mesclun, cucumber, radish, celery, vine ripe tomatoes (V, GF, DF)
Charred broccoli, purple & brown rice, toasted almonds & pine nuts with lemon olive oil dressing (V, GF, DF)
DESSERT BAR SELECTION
(Served in slices or individual cups as small desserts on platters or wooden boards)
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
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
Four - layered “cake” made of wheels of French and NZ cheeses, beautifully decorated with edible flowers, nuts, charcuterie, fruit.
Notes, terms & conditions:
We will supply heating instructions for food that requires heating. All food requiring chilling needs to be stored in cool/refrigerated conditions until consumed.
The food will be cooked in our Council approved kitchen (A+ Certificate/Excellent rating) and delivered to your desired location on platters/boards, ready to serve.
We can also assist with setting up the buffet tables and service, if required.
For cancellations or change of date 7 days before the event date, there will be a 50% fee charged. Cancellations or change of date between 1-5 days before the event date – no refund will be provided.
To book your wedding catering, contact us:
Homestyle Catering
Website: https://homestylecatering-nz.com/
Phone: 0274 353 383
E-mail: daniela@homestylecatering.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestylecateringnz
MORE SPECIFIC MENUS EXAMPLES WITH PRICES FROM HOMESTYLE CATERING NZ
FOOD TRUCK STYLE $39-42PP +GST
Option 1 Mexican: $42 + GST pp, plus additional service charges for the food to be assembled at the venue, when served.
Pulled pork buns
Fried chicken tacos with rainbow slaw or Falafel tacos & veg (Vegan, GF, DF, V)
Waffle Fries & seasoning
Chocolate & caramel brownie (V) or Gluten free chocolate brownie (V, GF)
Option 2 Savoury Crêpes with various fillings $39 + GST pp, plus additional service charges for the crêpes to be filled at the venue, when served.
Mini donuts & cronuts, iced
Prices based on minimum of 40 guests.
Tapas Menu: $64 + GST per person
allowing 8 x tapas pp) – price includes disposable tapas bowls/plates.
Antipasto skewers
Mediterranean chickpea salad cups
Mediterranean chargrilled vegetables, pine nuts, dill, lemon & olive oil dressing
Spiced pumpkin bites
Couscous salad with Feta & vegetables
Chorizo & veg Spanish tortilla (frittata)
Patatas Bravas (potatoes pan-fried with smoked paprika and served with aioli)
Grilled prawns with garlic, chili and parsley
Green & black marinated olives
Chicken popcorn with garlic & herb yoghurt dip
Pork belly bites with sticky BBQ sauce
Angus beef meatballs with dipping sauce
Assorted mini desserts/sweet treats
BUFFET MEAL $128 + GST per person
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
NIBBLES, MAINS, SALADS $62.50 pp +GST
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)
ENTREE, MAIN, SALADS, DESSERT BAR $115 + GST per person
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
GRAZING TABLE FOR 40 PP (2.1 m long x 50 cm wide)
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
SAVIOURY AND DESSERT BAR FOR 50 people at $3,250 + GST
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
Large grazing table FOR 60 PEOPLE $3,600 + GST:
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
Service staff charges: $45 + GST per person/per hour. Minimum booking time: 3 hours per person.
All our prices exclude GST and they don’t include plates, cutlery or napkins or any additional services (other than the food).
Bar service
SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL BAR CARAVAN
We can arrange for a bar.
We highly recommend Some Kind of Wonderful.
https://www.somekindofwonderful.co.nz/packages
ALTERNATIVE BAR HIRE OPTIONS
EXPERIENCE RACHEL AND ADAM’S WEDDING
Rachel and Adam brought so much heart, laughter, and beauty to their celebration at Songbird Retreat. From golden light across the gardens to a ceremony filled with joyful tears, every moment was a reflection of their love story — intimate, elegant, and entirely their own. Here's a little glimpse of the magic that unfolded in the gardens of Songbird Retreat.
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“The most beautiful venue, it exceeded every Pinterest board idea and dream we had talked about!!”
Chloe Senn
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It was the perfect canvas for our day, and we couldn’t be happier. Helen and Dean, the new owners, were excellent communicators—passionate, attentive, and genuinely excited to share their venue with us.
Rachel Sommerville
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“We recently had the pleasure of hosting our wedding at Songbird Retreat, and I cannot recommend this venue enough.”
Toni Love
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“...while it felt like you were getting married in a family friend’s perfect backyard, the practical details were all taken care of in a way that made the day seamless. ”
Helen Chen