Best Venues for Corporate Christmas Parties in Christchurch

Before you even enter The Monday Room, the Parisian-style bistro canopy reminds you to ‘Trust the Chef’ and ‘Trust the Somm’. It’s a bold instruction, but one you will not regret following. Owner and Head Chef Hannah Cooper-Grieve puts local Canterbury produce and the region’s underrated wines front and centre. The menu is seasonal, showcasing the freshest huawhenua (veggies) and ethically-sourced beef and lamb from New Zealand’s agricultural capital. There are three stunning private dining options to choose from. The elegant and high-ceiling Duncan’s Room is set away from the buzz of the main restaurant and bar area and caters up to 40 guests. Festive sophistication in the heart of the city.

Got a rumble in your tummy? That’ll either be the appetite you’ve been saving all day or the occasional drumroll of the tram tracks below. Every evening, heads turn across the city as the converted Melburnian tram is wheeled out near Cathedral Junction and takes fine diners for a classy ride. This is an intimate dining experience like no other. The food is top-notch and the service is impeccable. The journey ends at Tramway Lane, a colourful colonial street brimming with boutique wine and whiskey bars perfect for a nightcap.

Got a craving for carving? Sink your teeth into the most succulent beef and lamb from the Canterbury region. While the aged wagyu rump and house-smoked ribeye make the Carlton a Cantabrian carnivore’s delight, there’s no shortage of delicious vegetarian and vegan options to cater for your whole team. There’s private space to graze, too, with the Hideaway, Auction Room and the Members Bar and Tasting Room catering for 25 to 80 people.

Somehow still a secret to most Cantabrians since its opening in 2016, Hotel Montreal is a five-star delight at every touchpoint. Nestled in the lively post-work hub of western downtown Ōtautahi, Hotel Montreal offers fine dining in a sophisticated setting. It also boasts a croquet lawn if you’re keen to show your socially competitive side with your co-workers. The serenity here is a world away from the bustle of the many bars on the other side of these walls - but it does mean the night-owls are within striking distance of a Christmas party kick-on.