Functions

Alongside was designed with the larger McMaster Family in mind. From Great Grandparents down to the youngest baby we love creating family memories of fabulous parties & dinners for friends. We now have a space perfect for your family and friends to host and celebrate their milestones over the water in the Bay of Islands

We are very proud of our place in the Bay and think the deck is the perfect spot to hold your function. Whether you are planning a wedding in the Bay, a work function or a fundraiser, Alongside has a lot to offer. The deck is made up of lounge type seating areas and sit down dining areas that can be combined for a large function or sectioned off depending on your needs. We can help with theming for your function and arranging music should you require.

For more information on functions, browse through our function options or email our events manager.

Sarah and her team would love to help you plan and host the perfect event here in the Bay of Islands. Alongside is a stunning outdoor venue you will fall in love with for your:

Corporate function
Conference
Birthday parties for young and old
Wedding
After work shout
Work meeting
Marriage Proposal
Anniversary Meal

Function Areas

At Alongside, we have a number of different areas to suit your function. Please use the deck plan below to select your required area. Should you wish to discuss your options further, please contact our events manager.

Option A - The Entire Deck

Can seat up to 200 guests on a combination of conventional dining furniture and lounge seating
Has the capacity for 600 standing guests for a cocktail style function
Set menu and canape options available
Shade umbrellas
Covered canopy area
Deck would be closed to the public
Minimum spend of $20,000
Discounted spend applies in winter & mid-week - please get in touch for details

Option B - 1/2 Deck use (Blue Area)

Can seat up to 100 guests in a formal dining arrangement
Has the capacity for up to 200 standing guests in a cocktail style function
Set menu and canape options available
Shade umbrellas
Unspoilt views out over the Bay
Remainder of the deck would stay open to the public
Minimum spend $10,000 based on 1/2 day use
Discounted spend applies in winter & mid-week - please get in touch for details

Option C - Intimate Lounge Area (Orange)

Seats up to 40 people on lounge style sofas
Has the capacity for up to 80 standing guests in a cocktail style function
Perfect for pre-Wedding gatherings, engagment functions, family reunions or after work shouts
Canape options available
Minimum spend starts at $2000
Discounted spend applies in winter & mid-week - please get in touch for details

Catering Options

Let us put together the perfect catering arrangement for your function. Our menus change with the seasons and we strive to have the freshest produce in our recipes. We pride ourselves in serving innovative and contemporary dishes that reflect our stunning surroundings here in the Bay of Islands.

We can cater for a formal style function with our set menu options and a cocktail style function with our delicious canapes. Once you have selected the perfect area to suit your requirement, browse through our catering options below or contact our events manager with any queries you may have.

Set Menus

Our set menus range from a 2 course option to a indulgent 4 course option. Choose the right one for your function or get in touch for a specific POA menu request from our chef. Please note that our set menus will change seasonally.

Download Our Set Menus

Canapes

Our chef has designed a beautiful range of canapes for your function. All canapes are made fresh on the day of the event and made with locally sourced produce where possible. Canape options have a minimum guest number of 20.

Download Our Canape List

Food & Drink

Our menus have all been designed to complement the superb location and views over the bay. We serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. We are lucky enough to have our fish line caught by local fisherman here in Northland and have it delivered fresh daily ensuring our catch of the day is fresh and tasty.

Find out more

Weddings

Alongside is a truely unique venue situated right over the water in the stunning Bay of Islands. Enjoy the feel and backdrop of a beach wedding without the fuss and set-up. Alongside is the perfect place to host your ceremony out overlooking the Islands and enjoy the stunning sunset at your evening

Find out more

Reviews

"Absolutely loved it! Beautiful view, great wine and the food was excellent. I had the market grill fish and I just about..."

"We have enjoyed many happy meals, drinks, coffee at Alongside Paihia when we have been the Bay of Islands. Love the seat..."

"What a great place to relax and have some lunch and a drink. Perfect weather while we were there which made it even bett..."

"Went here on Monday with a visitor and was so impressed! amazing spot. the food and service was impeccable! Will be back..."

"Arrived in Paihia late Saturday afternoon. .Had drinks and nibbles in Alongside. Were so impressed with food, service an..."

"We had the pleasure of visiting alongside last week for a late lunch and were served by the lovely Emily, we had the sna..."

"This cafe is beautiful. Right on the water and the views are stunning. Coffee and food is amazing. Big comfy seats to si..."

"Had the 'fish of the day' and was the best fish dishes I have ever eaten. Great location looking over the gorgeous bay. ..."

"The amazing view, location and ambience, cute friendly waiters,delicious food and wonderful couches - this place makes m..."

"A fantastic setting on the water, comfy seating, could sit here all day! Really good coffee, latte always nice and hot. ..."

"Loved this restaurant from the minute we arrived.The restaurant is on the wharf with beautiful views over the harbour. T..."

"My word, sun came out to play and we loved this place. On the water Gorgeous views, great service Chilled beersies ..."

"This venue is situated on the beach (what a view!) and is an outdoor restaurant and bar. There are beautiful glasses pan..."

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