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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Learn about HOW TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING

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.

  • “The most beautiful venue, it exceeded every Pinterest board idea and dream we had talked about!!”

    Chloe Senn

  • 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

  • “We recently had the pleasure of hosting our wedding at Songbird Retreat, and I cannot recommend this venue enough.”

    Toni Love

  • “...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