Island-Inspired Function & Wedding Menus

At Te Vara Nui, we celebrate the vibrant flavours of the Cook Islands by combining the best local ingredients with global culinary influence. Our menus are designed to impress — whether for an intimate wedding, a corporate dinner, or a festive celebration under the stars.

All menus are customisable to suit dietary requirements. Seasonal availability may apply. Prices subject to change.

🌴 Buffet Options (For Private Events – Mon, Wed, or Fri)

Island BBQ Feast – NZD $129 Adults / $69 Children

A relaxed and flavourful island-style BBQ experience.

Menu Highlights:

• Garlic Bread & Fresh Salad Bar

• Island Coleslaw & Creamy Potato Salad

• Maniota Fries & Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

• Grilled Prime Marinated Beef

• Fresh Local Fish Skewers

• Spiced Island Chicken Drumsticks

• Chef’s Daily Cake Selection

• Mousse au Chocolat

• Seasonal Tropical Fruit Salad

Island–Western Fusion Buffet – NZD $139 Adults / $69 Children

A celebration of island comfort and Western classics with unique local flair.

Menu Highlights:

• Fresh Seasonal Salads & Island Fries

• Spicy Green Papaya & Prawn Salad

• Ika Mata – Fresh Fish in Lemon & Coconut Cream

• Baked Potato Casserole & Vegetarian Fried Rice

• Rukau (Taro Leaves in Coconut Cream)

• Roast Pork & Lamb Chops Wrapped in Taro Leaves

• Marinated Island Chicken & Spiced Beef Curry

• Poke (Traditional Arrowroot Dessert)

• Pineapple Pie & Coconut Citrus Balls

• Chef’s Cake Selection & Tropical Fruit Platter

Gourmet Island Buffet – NZD $185 Adults / $89 Children

A premium buffet experience with elevated island-inspired cuisine.

Menu Highlights:

• Salad Bar featuring Kumara & Feta, Niçoise, and Fresh Seafood Chowder

• Ika Mata & Sesame-Crusted Fish

• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes & Jasmine Rice

• Chef’s Seafood or Beef Curry

• Burgundy-Braised Lamb with Roasted Vegetables

• Carving Station: Roast Striploin or Pork

• Lemon Butter Pan-Fried Fish in White Wine & Herbs

• Garlic-Baked Mussels with Herb Crust

• Crepes with Mousse & Fresh Fruit

• Chocolate Mousse, Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Tropical Fruit Salad, Cake of the Day

🍽️ Gourmet Set Menu (Up to 50 Guests) – NZD $195 Adults / $99 Children

An elegant plated menu for those seeking a refined dining experience.

Canapés & Welcome

Island Tasting Plate featuring:

• Crostini Trio (Tomato, Mango, Papaya Salsa)

• Tarostini with Coconut Rukau

• Tuna Sashimi with Chef’s Signature Sauce or Wasabi-Soy

• Served with Refreshing Tropical Punch

Entrée (Choice of One)

• Fresh Natural Oysters (½ Dozen)

• Braised Goat with Tomato Confit & Feta

• Soy & Ginger-Marinated Duck Breast

Main (Choice of One)

• Braised Lamb Shank with Kumara Mash & Asparagus

• Island Seafood Platter: Scallops, Prawns, Fish, Squid & Oysters with Hollandaise

• Wild Pork Loin wrapped in Bacon, with Maniota Cake & Coconut Rukau

Dessert

Mini Platter of:

• Local Tiramisu, Chocolate Tart, Tropical Cheesecake

• Served with Brown Brothers Orange Muscat (optional)

🍢 Canapé Selection (Per Dozen – Mix & Match)

Seafood & Savouries

• Gremolata-Crusted Calamari – $49

• Garlic Grilled Squid – $49

• Seared Sesame-Crusted Fish – $59

• Smoked Salmon & Taro Leaf Roulade – $69

• Tuna Sashimi with Chef’s Sauce – $49

• Thai BBQ Chicken Wings – $49

• Spicy Prawns with Dipping Sauce – $49

• Fish or Chicken Skewers with Veggies – $49

• Satay Chicken Skewers – $49

Vegetarian & Island Favourites

• Fried Kumara with Feta & Nuts – $45

• Island Sushi Maki Rolls – $47

• Mini Samosas with Curry – $47

• Crostini with Olive Tapenade or Sautéed Mushrooms – $45

• Hummus-Stuffed Cucumber – $45

• Vegetable Crudités with Seasonal Dips – $45

• Cheese & Rukau Tartlets – $49

• Avocado Salsa on Crostini – $45

Sweet Bites

• Mini Apple Strudel – $49

• Coconut & Caramel Tart – $49

• Mini Trifles – $49

• Filled Crepes with Island Fruit – $49

🥂 Head Table Service Options

Standard Platter Service
Buffet dishes served family-style to your head table.

• Up to 6 guests: NZD $49 per person

• Up to 10 guests: NZD $45 per person

Silver Plate Service
Professional wait staff serve individual plated portions to each guest.

• Up to 6 guests: NZD $45 per person

• Up to 10 guests: NZD $40 per person

🎂 Wedding or Celebration Cakes

We work with trusted local pastry chefs and are happy to coordinate custom cakes on your behalf — from traditional tropical themes to elegant layered creations.