Imagine the bridal party arriving by

boat across a picturesque lake

to our beautiful Heritage Lawn for
a ceremony surrounded by a chorus of
birdlife and native flora.

A very big thank you to you and all your staff for making our wedding
day such a lovely occasion. All our friends and family loved the venue.
The gorgeous setting of course, but the food and service in the caf was
excellent. We feel like weve had the perfect wedding.
Sarah and Stephen

Your wedding at Zealandia

Contents
Weddings at Zealandia an introduction

Our Venues

Wedding Package Options

Nikau

Silver Fern

Gold Kowhai

Platinum Flax

10

Wedding Beverage Options

11

Child Rates

11

Additional Costs

12

Wedding Ceremony

12

Wedding Guidelines (Timeframe)

13

Frequently Asked Questions

14

Notes for wedding clients

16

Approved Flowers

17

Your Wedding Checklist

18

Proven Suppliers

19

Your Notes

19

WEDDINGS AT ZEALANDIA
Zealandia one of Wellingtons most unique wedding
venues is available for your special day
Perfectly positioned for afternoon
and evening sun and overlooking our
beautiful forest-fringed lake, Wellingtons
world-first wildlife safe haven is so
close to town, yet worlds apart. And
because Zealandia is one hundred
percent not for profit, your wedding
will make a valuable contribution to
our conservation, eco-restoration and
education goals.

IMAGINE boating across a picturesque

lake to our beautiful Heritage Lawn for
a ceremony surrounded by a chorus
of birdlife and native flora.
CELEBRATE with bubbles and canaps
by the lake.
CHOOSE from a range of stunning
locations for your photographs that
will give you wonderful memories for a
lifetime, then
MOVE UP to our sun-drenched caf
with beautiful sanctuary views for
your reception.

Just ten minutes from downtown

Wellington there is plenty of free
parking available or we can help you
book transport to and from town if you
wish.
At Zealandia we understand that your
wedding day is the most important
day of your life. We will do everything
we can to ensure that your wedding
is a stress-free and enjoyable process
from beginning to end. Our expert
Wedding Coordinator is honored
to help you create your special day
with comprehensive and affordable
packages to suit any style or budget,
and take the stress out of your wedding
day. As no two happy couples are
the same, our packages allow you the
flexibility to design a wedding that is as
unique as you are.
All catering is done in-house by our own
Rata Caf chef. We use fresh, seasonal
foods, with an emphasis on locallygrown, free range and organic, so that
you can be sure your food will be of
the highest quality. Rata Caf is happy
to offer a complimentary tasting to the
bride and groom of two dishes during
the hours of 10am 3pm Monday to
Friday additional dishes at a small
price.
Our Wedding Coordinator is available
to assist you with the overall design and
theming of your wedding, marquee hire,
floral arrangements, audio-visual and
other equipment hire on request.

OUR VENUES
Heritage Lawn

Round Lawn

Our Heritage Lawn by the beautiful

lake Roto Kawau, is a wonderful spot
for your ceremony and pre-dinner
drinks; perfect for larger weddings it
also works for smaller numbers. With
the historic Valve Tower and boat
shed it also provides wonderful photo
opportunities. Even if you have your
ceremony elsewhere, the Heritage Lawn
is available for your pre-dinner drinks
and canaps, giving you access to the
lovely surroundings for your photos.

The Round Lawn is a smaller, more

intimate space, ideal for weddings of
up to 70 people. Have your very private
ceremony here, and then move down
to the Heritage Lawn for celebratory
drinks.

Rata Caf

Main Foyer
This is a wet weather option for your
ceremony. Located on the ground floor
of the Visitor Centre there is plenty of
room for guests to gather and for your
ceremony. Pre-dinner drinks can be
offered here.

Light, airy and modern, with scenic

views across the forest-fringed lake
and Heritage Lawn, Rata Caf can seat
up to 100 people with some room to
dance after dinner. The caf balcony is
especially popular and can seat up to 76
people. When the sun goes down the
caf becomes a lovely evening venue
with fairy lights and candles.

The service was smooth as silk.. Thank you for making such a
warm, welcoming atmosphere for our guests! Nothing was ever a
trouble and everything was accomplished with a smile.

Thanks again for a great evening,

we would recommend Zealandia to anyone!
Duncan and Anna

WEDDING PACKAGE OPTIONS

1 Nikau $89
Dedicated Coordinator for planning and on the day assistance.
Duty Manager on the day.
Complimentary menu tasting.
Hire of both the Heritage Lawn and Rata Caf included.
Wedding photo opportunity in the valley for bridal party.
Two canaps on the lawn.
Large platters for sharing served to the table, or traditional buffet choose
from the Buffet Menu.
Tea and coffee.
Set up of reception including:
White linen table cloths and napkins
Tea light candles on tables
Fairy lights
Cake table and knife
Gift table.

Nikau Wedding Package explained

2 Canaps choose from the Canap Menu.
Additional canaps available at $6.50 per person.
Family style or traditional buffet from the Buffet Menu
Bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
1 x main, 2 x salads, 1 x accompaniment
Dessert clients own wedding cake
Tea and coffee.

Please note:
Prices are shown per person, for a minimum of 40 adults.

All menu selections are subject to change.

Onsite wedding ceremony fee not included in packages.
7

2 Silver Fern $99

Dedicated Coordinator for planning and on the day assistance.
Duty Manager on the day.
Complimentary menu tasting .
Hire of both the Heritage Lawn and Rata Caf included.
Wedding photo opportunity in the valley for bridal party.
Two canaps on the lawn.
Two course Plated Menu or Buffet Menu.
Tea and coffee.
Set up of reception including:
White linen table cloths and napkins
Tea light candles on tables
Fairy lights
Cake table and knife
Gift table.

Silver Fern Wedding Package explained

2 Canaps choose from the Canap Menu.
Additional canaps available at $6.50 per person.
Plated 2 course meal from the Plated Menu.
Starter and main 1 menu option only.
Includes a bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
Clients own wedding cake for dessert
Tea and coffee
Family style or traditional buffet from the Buffet Menu (BBQ Buffet option available OctMar)
Bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
2 x mains, 3 x salads, 2 x accompaniments
Dessert clients own wedding cake
Tea and coffee

3 Gold Kowhai $119

Dedicated Coordinator for planning and on the day assistance.
Duty Manager on the day.
Complimentary menu tasting.
Hire of both the Heritage Lawn and Rata Caf included.
Wedding photo opportunity in the valley for bridal party.
Complimentary picnic basket for wedding partys photo shoot.
Three canaps on the lawn.
Three course Plated Menu or Buffet Menu.
Tea and coffee.
Set up of reception including:
White linen table cloths and napkins
Tea light candles on tables
Fairy lights
Cake table and knife
Gift table

Gold Kowhai Wedding Package explained

3 Canaps choose from the Canap Menu.
Additional canaps available at $6.50 per person.
Plated 3 course meal from the Plated Menu.
Choice on the night of 1 starter and 2 mains and 1 dessert
or
Choice on the night of 2 starters and 2 mains with 1 dessert
Additional $5 charge per person
Includes a bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
Tea and coffee.
Family style or traditional buffet from the Buffet Menu (BBQ buffet option available OctMar)
Bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
2 meat mains, 1 vegetarian main, 3 x salads, 2 x accompaniments
2 x dessert choices served with cream and yoghurt
Tea and coffee.

4 Platinum Flax $139

Dedicated Coordinator for planning and on the day assistance.
Duty Manager on the day.
Complimentary menu tasting.
Hire of both the Heritage Lawn and Rata Caf included .
Wedding photo opportunity in the valley for bridal party.
Complimentary picnic basket for wedding partys photo shoot.
Three canaps on the lawn.
Three course Plated Menu or Buffet Menu.
One bottle of bubbly, three bottles of house wine and two jugs of juice
preset per table of 8.
Tea and coffee.
Set up of reception including:
White linen table cloths and napkins
Tea light candles on tables
Fairy lights
Cake table and knife
Gift table.

Platinum Flax Wedding Package explained

3 Canaps choose from the Canap Menu.
Additional canaps available at $6.50 per person.
Bubbly and sparkling juice served with canaps.
Plated 3 course meal from the Plated Menu.
Choice on the night of 2 starters and 2 mains with 1 dessert
Includes a bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
One bottle of bubbly, three bottles of house wine and two jugs of juice preset per table of 8
Additional beverages available on consumption
Tea and coffee.
Family style or traditional buffet from the Buffet Menu (BBQ Buffet option available Oct-Mar)
Bread roll with oil and dukkah per person
2 meat mains, 1 vegetarian main, 3 x salads, 2 x accompaniments
2 x dessert choices served with cream and yoghurt
One bottle of bubbly, three bottles of house wine and two jugs of juice preset per table of 8
Additional beverages available on consumption
Tea and coffee.
10

WEDDING BEVERAGE OPTIONS

1 Consumption Only
We have an extensive beverage menu at very reasonable prices. All drinks,
alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will be charged on consumption only.
2 Drinks Package
$35 per head available 5pm 11.45pm
Canaps: bubbles and sparkling grape juice served with canaps on lawn
Pre-dinner: bubbles and sparkling grape juice tray served on arrival
at Reception
During and after dinner: selection of house wines, local beers and
orange juice.
3 BYO
For a corkage fee of $14 per person we will chill and serve all your
beverages throughout your wedding. Any unused and unopened
beverages will be held in our storeroom until the following day when you
(or a helpful relative) can pick them up (terms and conditions apply).
4 Bar Tab
Extensive beverage menu served until your predetermined limit has been
reached. Cash bar can be available thereafter.

CHILD RATES FOR FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Children from 5 to 10 years are half price. 10 years and up are full adult price.
Buffet Menu option: Children under five are free.
Plated Menu option: Childrens meals for the under fives are available for
$10/head.

Once again, many thanks for

helping make our day special.
Alyson and Hayden

11

ADDITIONAL COSTS
Onsite Wedding Ceremony fee $400 includes all set up and:
40 white chairs
Red aisle carpet if desired
Registry table with cloth and chair
 ne hour wedding rehearsal if required (between the hours of
O
10am 4pm weekdays)
Boat hire (includes skipper) $195/hour
Chair covers and sashes (matched to your colours) POA.
Security (compulsory after 5pm) $35/hour.
All prices subject to change or alteration.

WEDDING CEREMONY ONLY AT ZEALANDIA

Including photos for bridal party in the valley. All prices are GST inclusive.
If ceremony is booked with Wedding Package: $400.
Set Costs Wedding Ceremony only
Venue Hire for either the Heritage Lawn or Round Lawn: $1,150.
Use of Main Foyer if wet.
Wedding ceremony set up fee: $400.
This includes all set up and:
40 white chairs
Red aisle carpet if desired
Registry table with cloth and chair
Wedding rehearsal if required (between the hours of 10am-4pm weekdays)
Total: $1,550
Optional Costs:

Boat hire (includes skipper) $195/hour

Drinks and canaps can be served on the Heritage Lawn
 anaps: $15/ head for 3 pieces, $19/ head for 4 pieces,
C
or $22/ head for 5 pieces
Children from 5 to 10 half price, under 5s free
Full beverage menu available on request.
12

WEDDING GUIDELINES (TIMEFRAME)

At time of booking
$1000 deposit to secure your date
6 months before
General meeting with Wedding Coordinator
Tasting arranged if applicable
2 months before
Package and drinks option finalised
50% deposit due
Details of any floral arrangements going into the valley for our bio security officer
First draft of information sheet
1 month before
If possible, final draft of information sheet and seating plan
Menu decision
1-2 weeks before
Final meeting with Wedding Coordinator
Final attendance numbers
Final menu confirmation, ie dietary requirements
Final seating plan
1-2 days before
Rehearsal
Deliveries

We had a great time and we are very grateful

to Anna for her excellent, timely and clear
communication about the arrangements and to the
other staff for all their hard work.

13

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following questions and answers
hopefully answer most or all of the
questions you may have about your
wedding at Zealandia.

decorations out the way that you would

like. If they are complicated a friend or
relative might need to assist with putting
them together. Please speak to the
wedding coordinator before hand.

What times does the bar close?

I have an elderly / infirm relative

attending, is the venue accessible?

The bar closes at 11:45pm for a midnight

finish. All guests must be departed by
12:30am
We are doing BYO can we take away
left over drinks at the end of the night?
Yes, you can take away any unopened
bottles, but our liquor license does not
allow you take away opened bottles.
Also, you must not give bottles to guests
to take home with them.
Are we allowed to bring spirits?
No, due to incidents in the past we prefer
to have no spirits available for guests.

Our venue is wheelchair accessible; we

have wheelchairs available onsite as well
as a mobility scooter and easy access to
lifts. We suggest you talk to our wedding
coordinator for necessary arrangements.
What happens in case of bad weather?
If there happens to be bad weather, the
ceremony, drinks and canaps will be
in the main foyer. The main foyer will be
closed off so no other sanctuary visitors
have access. We dress it up so that it is
suitable for a wedding with fairy lights.
We will go through the options for this at
your wedding rehearsal.

What kind of flowers can we have?

Any flowers or plants going into the valley
need to be checked by our bio security
officer in advance. The easiest way is
to have your florist email the wedding
coordinator with a list of all species used
botanical names are best if possible.
Otherwise we have a list of already
approved flowers that you can choose
from. For the reception in the caf, any
kind of flowers are fine.

Are we allowed to hire the boat for the

wedding?

Can we bring in our own decorations?

What are some suggested run times for

the ceremony and reception?

Yes, anything you would like set up for

the ceremony and reception can be
brought in either the day before or the
morning of. We will be happy to place the
14

Yes, you can hire it before and after

the ceremony, for guests, the bridal
party and photos. It is also available
for the bride and her party to arrive at
the ceremony by the boat. We charge
hireage by the hour. This hour includes
any time that the skipper spends waiting
throughout the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremonies tend to start

between 3pm and 5pm followed by
drinks and canaps on the lawn with

receptions in the caf starting around

6pm or 6:30pm. Your start time may
depend on the time of year, availability
of light and warmth etc.

entrance fee beforehand for your guests

or have it added to your invoice. All
wedding guests receive a discounted
entry rate.

Is the valley still open to the public

when you have a wedding?

Can we have DJs or a bands?

The valley is still open, but sanctuary

visitors are unlikely to interfere. We
close the caf an hour earlier than usual
to give us time to set up.
Do we need to have security on the
night? None of our guests will be a
problem.
Yes, security is compulsory for any
wedding at Zealandia. While most guests
are well behaved we have occasionally
had issues and given our special location
we need to be especially vigilant. This
cost is passed onto you.

Yes, you can bring in a DJ or band.

When are we able to drop off items for
the wedding?
The day before would be best, or the
morning of. It is always a good idea to
label all your items as sometimes we
have more than one wedding over a
weekend.
When do we need to pick things up?
Anything used for the ceremony and
reception will need to be picked up the
next day after 10 am. We do not store
any wedding gifts.

Is smoking allowed?
There is no smoking allowed in the
valley, in the building or out on the caf
balcony. On the night of the wedding we
put a designated smoking area sign out
by the back door of the Visitor Centre
on level 1. Please let your guests know
this in advance. If guests continue to
smoke in the valley they will be asked to
leave.
Are wedding guests able to walk around
the valley and exhibition?
Your wedding package only gives guests
access to the lawn areas. However,
guests are able to go for a walk in the
valley if they pay on the day. We also
have an option for you to pay the
15

NOTES FOR WEDDING CLIENTS

Wedding Rehearsal

Pick up

This is usually done a day or two before

your wedding, at around the same time
of day. One hour is provided for this,
Monday to Friday 10am4pm. Please
arrange your rehearsal in advance as
some weekends we have more than one
wedding.

All remaining BYO, decorations, cake

etc must be collected the day after your
wedding. We open from 10am in the
morning. All your items will be stored in
the Hihi Room downstairs off the main
foyer. Let a staff member on the front desk
know you are here to collect your items
and they will show you to the room.

Delivery of goods, floral arrangements,

and decorations
Please make sure you deliver these the
day before your wedding if possible. If
you are having a wedding rehearsal the
day before, this is a perfect time to drop
items off. It is advisable to label all items
with your name.
Floral arrangements can be dropped off
on the day by the florist if not the day
before.
Wedding cake can be dropped off on the
day by the cake maker, or alternatively
the day before. Please note that we are
unable to store cakes in our fridge.
Accommodation
Have you thought about your first night?
Our wedding coordinator can assist you
with booking accommodation for you
and your guests at one of our partner
hotels.

16

IPod
On the night, please do not adjust the
levels of our sound system. Ask a staff
member to adjust the levels as required.
BYO
Please give us a list of what you would like
to be served and when.
Eg bubbles, juice and beer on the lawn,
two bottles of red and white on the tables
with dinner bubbles for toasts.
Boat
The boat cannot run in strong winds for
safety reasons. We will let you know in
advance if this is likely on the day of your
wedding.
No glasses are allowed on the boat.
If you would like to take bubbles on
the boat with you, you are more than
welcome and we provide plastic glasses
for that purpose.

Bag checks
Please warn your guests in advance that
they will need to do a bag self-check as
they go into the valley for bio security
reasons. We always let them know in as
nice a way as possible at the gate, but
inevitably someone will find it slightly
offensive. If guests are well aware in
advance that we will be doing this, and
they understand the reasons why, then it
is more acceptable to them on the day.
Valley walks
Guests are not permitted to go beyond
the Round Lawn. Usually a rope will be
pulled across the path so that guests do
not go wandering into the valley.
Smoking
There is a no smoking policy in the valley
and all our buildings. During opening
hours people must smoke in the car park.
After closing time we put out an ashtray
near the doors on the 1st floor. We ask
that people smoke there and dispose of
their butts thoughtfully.
Toilets
Toilets are located in the caf and in the
Main Foyer downstairs.
Emergencies
If there is an emergency evacuation, the
meeting place is down Waiapu Road,
on the grassy area by the little car park
opposite number 31.

APPROVED
FLOWERS AND
PLANTS ALLOWED
INTO THE VALLEY
Lillies, Hydrangeas
if well bound in.
Tulips, Ruscus
no fruit to be present.
Lisianthus, Roses
petals can be used for confetti.
Freesia, Camellia, Copper Beech,
Sweet peas, Peonies, Salal
must not contain pollinated
flowers on stem.
Anemone
no whole plants or cotton fluff.
Singapore Orchids
Eugenia, Kangaroo Paw,
Solomon Seal
if flowers removed.
Flax, Alstromeria, Agapanthus,
Lillies, Statice, Phlox, Aspidistra,
Bear Grass, Eucalyptus
no nuts or seeds present.
Ivy, Lavender and succulents
are not allowed.
Confetti Options
No glitter or paper confetti.
substitute Rose petals or
heat treated bird seed.

It would be useful if you had an MC or

someone who could inform guests of
some of the information above .

17

YOUR WEDDING CHECKLIST

Apparel
Bridal gown
Brides shoes
Lingerie
Hosiery
Jewelry
Headpiece/veil
Bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid accessories
Grooms suit
Groomsmens suits
Flower girls dress
Page boys outfit
Flowers
Brides bouquet
Bridesmaids bouquets
Corsages for groomsmen
Corsages for family
Flower girl flowers
Ceremony flowers
Reception flowers
Head table flowers
Gifts and Favours
Gifts for attendants
Gifts for family
Guest favours
On the Day
Hairdresser
Makeup
Dry or wet weather option
Relax and enjoy!

18

Rings
Wedding bands
Engagement ring
Engraving
Stationery
Save the date cards
Invitations
Map or direction cards
Wedding website
Menu cards
Guest place cards
Wedding programmes
Thank you notes
Reception
Venue found / booked
Catering decided on
Beverage selection
Musicians / music
Table decorations
Other decorations
Table layout
Seating plan
Guest book
Wedding cars
Parking
Ceremony
Venue found and booked
Clergy/Celebrant booked
Ceremony decorations
Ceremony flowers
Ceremony rehearsal
Ushers
Registry pen
Ring Bearer pillow
Petals /confetti

Photography
Photographer chosen
Engagement photos
Bridal portraits
Ceremony
Reception alterations
Other

PROVEN SUPPLIERS

YOUR NOTES

Photographers
Jo Moore Photography:
www.jomoorephotographer.co.nz
Delafuente Photography:
www.delafuenteweddings.co.nz
Mary Sylvia Photography:
www.marysylvia.com
Florist
The Piccadilly Flower Company:
027 230 9911
www.thepiccadillyflowercompany.co.nz
Hair and makeup
Cathy Davys Hair Salon:
www.cathydavys.co.nz
Celebrants
Lester Oakes:
027 281 1460
lester.oakes@clear.net.nz
Karen Simpson:
027 444 5596
kjsimpson@clear.net.nz
Hire companys
Hiremaster:
www.hiremaster.co.nz
Vintage and Pretty Weddings and Events:
www.vintageandpretty.co.nz
Vision Media Systems:
www.visionmediasystems.co.nz
CarboNZero AV equipment and DJs

19

To find out how we can help you create your perfect day,
contact our Functions Manager at 04 922 1136
functionsmanager@visitzealandia.com
ZEALANDIA end of Waiapu Rd, Karori, Wellington, New Zealand.
www.visitzealandia.com