An event or wedding is a special and important occasion, we are asked many questions and have complied some of the most frequent ones here with answers to help you find out more about The Wharf.

How do I organise a site inspection?
Please contact our Sales Executive Rebecca McKinnon on 09 480 2590 or rebecca@thewharf.co.nz and she will be delighted to arrange a time to visit the venue and meet the team.

What does the venue hire include?
Click here to find out about THE GRAND VIEW and THE PEARL to find out what is included in our venue rental charge.

Is the venue heated/air conditioned?
Yes. The venue is fully heated and air-conditioned by a Green and carbon friendly ventilation system.

How do I get to The Wharf?
The Wharf is about five minutes across the harbour from the CBD (ferries are scheduled every 15 minutes from the city) or a five minute drive from the CDB, take the first bridge exit and follow Queen St to the water.

How many spaces in the car park?
There are over 100 free parking spaces right at our front door. There is also space for taxis, limousines and coaches to turn around, drop off and pick up.

Two levels in the Grand View is quite unique, how does it work?
Once you have experienced an event in The Grand View, this question is never asked again. The feedback we receive from clients during and after events is that the Grand View offers an amazing sense of intimacy and a ‘front row seat’ for all guests, even for quite large events that have over 200 guests seated. The Grand View also offers a great opportunity to theme different areas and create lounge spaces, cocktail bars and food service areas to create numerous experiences throughout the evening for your guests to enjoy. Immerse your guests in an international event experience.

Is there disabled access within the venue?
Yes. The lift enables guests to access all function rooms.

Is there internet access in the venue?
Yes. We are able to organise internet anywhere in the venue.

Can you smoke on the deck?
Yes. All outdoor areas are smoking areas and we provide our stylish ashtrays for our guests.

Do you provide menus for guests at their tables?
Yes. We print menus for each place setting free of charge. You can also supply us with a logo to put onto the menu if you wish.

Does The Pearl require a dance floor?
Yes. A standard dance floor is 5m x 5m and is required. The Wharf team can organise this for you at a cost of $525 plus GST.

Does The Grand View require a dance floor?
No. There are three options for dance floors in The Grand View and all are hand laid parquet.

Why is the sound system an extra cost?
The sound system is an extra cost because it is leased by The Wharf and we have to pay for it’s use. This is a state-of-the-art system that is fully maintained and specifically designed to offer our clients the best service possible at a heavily discounted price. To hire a sound system of similar quality would cost approximately six times as much as our discounted price. Over a quarter of a million dollars was invested in the sound system and it is controlled by a wireless Crestron device.

Are we able to bring in our own sound gear or technical supplier?
Yes, you can, but as with most venues (and even shopping centers), all external providers and suppliers need to be pre-approved by The Wharf and have undergone a site induction and have their own indemnity and public liability insurance to the value of $10,000 000 that covers them for any damage to patrons or to the venue. An insurance certificate must be supplied prior to the event being packed in.

Is there an extra charge on public holidays?
Yes. Public holidays incur a 20% surcharge.

Do you cater for vegetarians?
Yes - Vegetarian meals can be arranged with 7 - 10 days notice and the cost will be the same as the menu for all other guests.

Can you cater to ethnic food requirements?
Yes. Our Executive Chef Justin Rimmer and his team are able to do this, so please let us know your requirements as we can create menu’s that are inspired by a variety of ethnic flavours.

Can we bring in our own beverage?
Yes, for wine and bubbly only. Corkage is charged at $20 +GST per person. This needs to be pre-arranged with us and co-ordinated to be stocked in our chillers.

Can we have our ceremony at The Wharf, is there an extra cost?
Yes, you are welcome to have your ceremony at the Wharf and if you stay within your hired space there is no extra cost. If you need to use an additional room, then there is an additional charge. There are also a variety of beautiful Churches, gardens, parks and beaches close to us.

What does the doorman do? Why is this required?
The doorman provides a professional security presence throughout the event and to help ensure no uninvited guests wander into your event. The doorman also provides a friendly & professional welcome for guests.

Can we stick our banners, promotional material, signage... to the walls/doors?
As many of the surfaces at The Wharf are made from natural, porous and delicate materials that are easily damaged and expensive to replace, we do not permit clients to adhere anything to the wall or floor surfaces at The Wharf as this can cause damage. If you need to display anything that is not freestanding, please discuss this with your function co-ordinator or the operations manager as we are happy to assist with alternate suggestions. We can also assist in finding ways to theme using pop-ups and freestanding props.

Are the moving heads / lights in The Grand view available for hire?
Yes, they have been installed permanently so as to save you the expense of installation and labour costs. They are the same lights that are used to create spectacular lighting effects for huge rock concerts and international theatrical stage productions. They are ideal for creating incredible atmosphere and international lighting effects for award evenings, dinners and a real party atmosphere. They are an additional cost and require a technician and equipment from our in house A/V company, Edwards Sound to program and run them during the evening.

Is lounge furniture an additional cost?
Yes. We are unable to store lounge furniture on site and work very closely with Orange Lounge to offer unique designer lounge furniture with over 1000 pieces to choose from. Please check out www.orangelounge.co.nz for furniture options and prices and can arrange what you require or you can book it direct.

Do you cater for children?
Yes. Children are catered for at $25 per child + GST (12 and under) and their meal includes meat or fish with salad, chips, a drink and ice cream

Do you have much parking?
Yes. In addition to the 100 free car parks, there is ample street parking and parking under the bridge with a paved walkway down to the venue. Also, because we have excellent access to the venue by boat with a covered and lit pier adjacent to our venue, a large proportion of our guests prefer to catch the ferry or a taxi because they expect to drink and do not want to drive.

How far in advance do we need to book?
It is best to book as far in advance as possible. Dates book up quickly, especially for the wedding season (January to April) and Corporate Season (August to November). Please contact our team if the date you want is available.

Do you have more than one function on at one time?
Yes. We can run two events simultaneously, each event has it’s own dedicated function team for smooth service. There are three concrete walls with sound batons between the two function spaces to ensure sound proofing and each room has it’s own fully integrated sound system, bathrooms, entrance & food and beverage service areas.

Is there a minimum spend?
Depending on the occasion, we will always look at hosting every event – please let us know the details of your event and we will put together a quote for you.

Do you require a deposit?
Yes. The first deposit is the cost of the room rental and is required to secure your date.

Do you have any restrictions in terms of noise & timings?
There are no noise restrictions as the venue has sound batons in the walls, 8mm glazing set in seismic frames. We have never had a single noise complaint since we opened in 2007. Events finish at around 12.30am

Do you have any accommodation?
There is no accommodation on site however there is a beautiful bed and breakfast adjacent right next to our venue, alternately for larger groups The Westin and other Viaduct hotels are only a few minutes away by water taxi away.

Is there an extra charge for cutting or serving the wedding cake?
We offer a free cake-cutting service with everything require supplied complementary including storing your cake until you return to collect it.

How long do I have the room for?
The venue hire is a standard day hire. If you require a pack in or pack out day please advise our team and we will advise the cost associated with this.

Do you supply chair covers?
Yes we can organise chair covers and installation for you, these are hired in and come in a range of different colours and the cost depends on style, bow…

Please note, all prices quoted are subject to change at anytime and exclude GST.