Functions | Events | Parties

Makoura Lodge is an event venue in rural Manawatu, just a 50-minute scenic drive from Palmerston North. Our venue offers a picturesque setting, team-building activities, group accommodation, delicious food, welcoming staff, and a boutique bar. We host various events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas parties, and work events. We take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy your special occasion.

Staff member hangs festoon bulb lighting from the rafters in preparation for the event.

Venue Amenities

  • A dream team of organised event staff to ensure a well-run, stress-free function

  • Quality accommodation for up to 52 guests

  • Delicious catering for up to 110

  • Room set-up & clean down

  • A range of fun team-building activities

Person dishing up a serving of potato salad at Makoura Lodge function venue..

Menus & Beverage

Whether you prefer an outdoor gourmet BBQ menu or a more formal 3-course buffet, our delicious menus will satisfy your taste buds.

Our boutique bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, RTDs, spirits, and barista coffee. You can set up a bar tab or pay as you go.

Double room accomodation showing double bed with a large red blanket thrown over the corner.

Group Accommodation

Makoura Lodge can sleep up to fifty guests. Its accommodation consists of two charming cottages and six lodge suites, and you can book the secluded Riverside Retreat for another two. If our accommodation is fully utilised, we allow for camping and can recommend local accommodation providers.

Man tosses a caber or large fence post as a group of six men and women look on with excitement.

Activities & Team Building

Looking for exciting team-building activities? Unleash your group's potential with sheep herding, axe throwing, or clay bird shooting! There is something for everyone.

Group of five people enjoy a meal and conversation around a dining table.

Package Deals

Want to simplify the planning process? Take advantage of one of our top package deals and let us handle the details.

Young woman pulling something from the lit brazier with large tongs.

Optional Extras

  • A 3m diameter brazier, seating, blankets

  • Projector and screen hire

  • Linen napkins | White tablecloths

Please enquire below with dates in mind. Viewings welcome.

  • Tentative bookings

    We can hold dates for a maximum of 10 days from the original enquiry. If the booking form and deposit are not received within this time, we have the right to release your booking.

    Final numbers

    Final numbers, menu choices, activities, accommodation plan and dietary requirements need to be with us 14 days prior to the date of your function. This is the minimum number you will be charged, regardless of whether fewer guests attend. If on the day, more people show up than the amount booked for each additional person will be charged at the same rate as the rest of the party.

    Payment

    We can take individual payments for meals and accommodation as long as the organiser can provide us with a list of names that we can cross off as they come up to pay. As the organiser is responsible for any unpaid accounts, we recommend the organiser asks for individual payment in advance to avoid them being responsible for no-shows or unpaid accounts.

    Activities

    Please be ready for your activity at the time booked to avoid additional staffing fees.

    If alcohol has been consumed you may not be able to participate in activities. No alcohol before using a rifle.

    The number and activities booked are what is charged, regardless if you decide not to do the activity booked or there are people that do not attend. You will not be charged if Makoura Lodge cancels the activity due to poor weather.

    Additional setup or décor

    We will set your function up with tablecloths, crockery, glassware, & cutlery. A setup fee may occur for your own décor if in excess.

    Deposit for booking

    Upon booking, we ask for a 25% non-refundable deposit of the estimated total value of the booking. The function is not secured until this is paid and the booking form is received. The booking deposit is held as security and will be charged in the event of any losses, damages, or cancellations. If none of the above occurs the deposit will be credited to the final account within 14 days of the event.

    Cancellation of bookings

    Deposits are non-refundable. For cancellations made within 90 days of the function- we will require an additional 25% of the estimated cost of the function. For cancellations made within 10 days of the function date, we will require full payment of the total estimated value of the booking. If another party is to fill the function date, the total cost owed may be reduced with the discretion of the General Manager.

    Booking numbers

    We ask that you keep your final numbers within 20% of the number originally booked with us. We have the right to charge for changes in excess of this. Please let us know as soon as possible if numbers change significantly as we may then be able to fill spaces and keep this charge to a minimum.

    Damages

    Any damages or requirements for additional cleaning will be added to your account. Please ensure there is no use of glitter, confetti, wax, or anything that may cause extra cleaning.

    Food and beverages

    No food or beverages may be brought into the lodge premises by you or your guests unless prior consent from management has been obtained.

    Licensed premises

    Makoura Lodge is a licensed premise under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and adheres to its obligations in that legislation, including not serving alcohol to under-age or intoxicated guests. We have the right to request that any intoxicated guests leave to their accommodation. In order to promote a safe drinking environment, we have the right to close the bar at any stage should the duty manager feel the need.

    Guests who have consumed alcohol prior may not be able to participate in activities.

    Final Payment

    All final accounts are to be settled on the day of the function. Invoices can be sent out to businesses.

    Credit card usage incurs a 2.5% surcharge (subject to change).

    Any unpaid accounts will incur interest at 15% per month.

    Pricing

    All pricing is GST inclusive. Because of the reliance on our supplier’s charges, our prices are subject to change without notice.

    Minimum spend

    A minimum spend of $600 may apply to Function Bookings.

    Surcharges on public holidays

    As a result of the increased cost of staffing on public holidays a 15% surcharge applies to food, activities, and beverages.

    Thank you for your understanding

Testimonials

“Just letting you know that we had a fantastic weekend last week at your venue it was outstanding, we could not have wished for anything better. Your staff made us so welcome and they were up to give us a great time thank you so much. Raewyn said it was her best birthday party ever. Keep up the great work.”

— Garry Moar, 60th Birthday Party

“I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you and your staff for a wonderful night on Saturday, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The lodge and your setting is gorgeous, it really does have the ‘wow’ factor. The food was delicious and the service second to none. Again, thank you. The word has spread Makoura is the place to go!

— Ang Johnson, ITM, Christmas Function

“Thanks so much for hosting our Remax midwinter xmas function. The food was amazing, activities were so much fun, venue was cosy and warm with the open fire, and your hospitality was very welcoming!! Everyone had such a great day we didn’t want to leave thanks again and we will definitely recommend Makoura Lodge to others!” 

— Lisa Bron, Remax, Christmas Function