Large Event Catering in Southland: What to Look for in a Caterer
Planning an event for 100, 200, 500 or more guests?
When you're feeding a crowd, choosing the right caterer is about much more than picking a menu you like.
Large-scale events require experience, organisation and a team that understands how to bring all the moving parts together — while making it look effortless to your guests.
Whether you're planning a wedding, corporate function, community event, festival or large private celebration, here are a few things worth considering when choosing your Southland caterer.
Experience With Large Events
There's a big difference between catering an intimate dinner and feeding hundreds of people at once.
When guest numbers grow, experience becomes incredibly important.
Look for a caterer who regularly works with large numbers and understands what's required to deliver consistent food and great service on a bigger scale.
At MASH Catering, we've spent more than 23 years catering events throughout Southland and beyond — from private celebrations and weddings to corporate functions and major events involving hundreds of guests.
The Ability to Cater at Your Location
Some of the best events happen in unexpected places.
Southland is full of incredible private properties, farms, halls, marquees and outdoor locations — and not all of them come with a commercial kitchen attached.
Choosing an experienced mobile caterer can give you far more freedom when deciding where to hold your event.
MASH has catered in venues and locations of all shapes and sizes, and travelling to where the event is happening is simply part of what we do.
Food That Suits the Event
There isn't one catering style that works for every event.
A corporate dinner might call for something completely different from a 200-person wedding or a relaxed outdoor celebration.
The right caterer should help you choose a style of food and service that suits your guest numbers, venue, atmosphere and budget.
From canapés and shared banquets to food stations, buffets, street food and live-fire experiences, there are plenty of ways to feed a crowd without settling for boring event food.
A Team You Can Trust
When you're organising a large event, the last thing you want to be worrying about on the day is the catering.
You want a team that turns up, knows what they're doing and gets on with it.
Experience brings the ability to adapt, solve problems and keep things moving — often without the client or guests ever knowing something changed behind the scenes.
That's a big part of what you're paying for when you choose an experienced event caterer.
A Proven Track Record
Before choosing your caterer, have a look at the events they've actually delivered.
Do they regularly cater events similar in size to yours? Have they worked across different venues and locations? Are there reviews and photographs showing the type of work they do?
When hundreds of guests are relying on one team to deliver, proven experience matters.
Large Event Catering Across Southland
Since 2003, MASH Catering has built a reputation for taking on events of all shapes and sizes.
We've catered weddings, corporate events, festivals, private celebrations and large-scale functions throughout Southland and further afield.
From established venues to remote locations, we're not afraid of a challenge — in fact, they're often the events we enjoy the most.
So if you're planning something big, don't let the logistics of feeding everyone put you off.
Tell us where. Tell us how many. We'll help you take it from there.
Planning a large event in Southland?
Talk to MASH Catering about your upcoming event, guest numbers and catering options.
MASH Catering — big events, anywhere.
2026 With MASH: The Weddings, Events & Food We’ve Loved So Far!
As we make our way into the 8th month of the year already, we've been looking back through thousands of photos, countless kilometres travelled, and hundreds of happy faces.
2026 has been one of our biggest and most rewarding years yet.
From remote Central Otago weddings to community events in Southland, corporate functions, Fire & Dine evenings, and the launch of exciting new collaborations, we've been privileged to be part of so many unforgettable moments.
Here's a look back at some of our favourite memories from the year.
Over 30 Weddings. Hundreds of Memories.
Every wedding is different.
Some were intimate garden celebrations with just a handful of guests. Others saw us feeding more than 200 people in marquees, woolsheds and stunning rural venues across Southland and Central Otago.
This year our team catered weddings everywhere from:
Invercargill
Winton
Te Anau
Wanaka
Cromwell
Tarras
Naseby
Orepuki
Middlemarch
One thing they all had in common?
Couples who wanted incredible food without the stress.
Whether there was a commercial kitchen or simply a paddock with a power point, our fully mobile catering setup meant we could deliver the same MASH experience anywhere.
The Rise of Shared Feasting
If there was one clear trend in 2026, it was couples wanting food that brought people together.
Shared banquet tables, interactive food stations and relaxed walk-and-fork dining became more popular than ever.
Instead of formal plated meals, guests laughed, shared platters, discovered new flavours and created an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration than a traditional reception.
It's exactly the kind of dining we love creating.
Fire & Dine Took Off
When we first introduced Fire & Dine, we knew people would enjoy it.
We didn't expect every event to sell so quickly.
Throughout winter we welcomed hundreds of guests to evenings filled with live fire cooking, cocktails, incredible local produce and great company.
From slow-cooked meats to wood-fired dishes and desserts toasted over the flames, Fire & Dine became one of the highlights of our year.
The feedback was overwhelming and we're already excited about what's next.
The MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer
2026 also saw the continued growth of our food trailer.
Operating from Gadoochi Brewing and popping up at events across Southland, it quickly became a favourite for locals.
Smash Burgers.
Loaded Agrias.
Roti Rolls.
Street food done properly.
Seeing families, workers, tradies and weekend visitors queueing up each week reminded us that great food doesn't always need a formal event.
Sometimes it's simply about making someone's Thursday lunch a little better.
We Catered Everywhere
One of the things we're most proud of is that no two weeks ever looked the same.
This year we catered:
Weddings
Corporate conferences
Charity dinners
Awards evenings
Christmas functions
Community festivals
Private celebrations
Sporting events
Fundraisers
Food trailer events
Every event brought different challenges and different opportunities to create something memorable.
That's exactly what keeps our team inspired.
None of This Happens Without Our Team
Behind every event is a team working long before guests arrive.
Kitchen prep.
Loading trucks.
Travelling across the countryside.
Setting up venues.
Cooking.
Serving.
Packing down.
Cleaning.
Then doing it all again the next day.
We're incredibly grateful to our chefs, front-of-house team, casual staff and everyone who helps make MASH what it is.
Their passion is what our clients remember.
Thank You
To every couple who trusted us with your wedding.
To every business that chose us for your function.
To every family that celebrated life's milestones with us.
To everyone who came along to Fire & Dine.
To everyone who grabbed lunch from the food trailer.
Thank you.
Your support allows us to keep doing what we love every single day.
Looking Ahead to 2027
We're already filling up for another huge year next year.
There are exciting new menus, fresh event concepts, more Fire & Dine experiences, new collaborations and plenty of surprises in the works.
If you're planning a wedding, corporate function or special event, we'd love to help create something your guests will still be talking about long after the plates have been cleared.
Christmas Function Ideas in Invercargill That Aren’t Boring
Another year, another Christmas function?
If the thought of booking a table somewhere, ordering dinner and calling it the staff Christmas party feels a little… predictable, you're not alone.
Your end-of-year function is a chance to thank your team, celebrate the year you've had and get everyone together away from work. And it doesn't have to follow the same formula every year.
At MASH Catering, we've catered Christmas functions across Invercargill and Southland for more than 20 years — from intimate team dinners to large corporate celebrations, outdoor parties and completely bespoke events.
So, if you're looking for Christmas function ideas in Invercargill that are a little less ordinary, here are some of our favourites.
1. Make It a Fire & Dine Christmas Party
Forget the traditional Christmas buffet.
Think roaring fires, incredible food cooked over flame, drinks in hand and a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can mingle.
A Fire & Dine-style Christmas function turns dinner into part of the entertainment, with food prepared and served throughout the evening rather than everyone simply sitting down for one meal.
It's social, interactive and something genuinely different for your team.
Perfect for businesses wanting a Christmas function that feels more like an experience than a work dinner.
2. Take the Team to The Hideaway 201
Want to get everyone out of town without actually having to travel far?
The Hideaway 201 offers a completely different setting for an end-of-year celebration, with beautiful gardens and several spaces suitable for everything from smaller teams through to large corporate groups.
Have drinks around the fire pits, add lawn games, enjoy canapés in the gardens and finish with a MASH feast.
Smaller teams can make use of the Stag & Hen Bar, while The Venue and The Marquee are perfect for larger groups.
The best part? You can make the event as relaxed or as impressive as you like.
3. Have a Relaxed Christmas Party at Gadoochi Brewing
For a Christmas function that feels casual, social and easy, Gadoochi Brewing is a great option.
Pair locally brewed beer with MASH food and you've got the foundations of a brilliant end-of-year get-together.
It works especially well for teams who don't want a formal sit-down dinner and would rather have a few drinks, great food and a relaxed atmosphere.
Add the MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer, shared platters or a street-food style menu and let everyone settle in for the afternoon or evening.
It's simple, fun and ideal for teams who want their Christmas party to feel less like a corporate function and more like a good night out.
4. Transform The Scottish Hall
If you've got a larger team or want room to create something completely your own, The Scottish Hall is a fantastic blank canvas.
The real appeal is flexibility.
You can build the event around your business — whether that's a formal awards evening, cocktail function, themed party, banquet or a full Christmas celebration with entertainment.
Add tables, lighting, styling, a bar and a MASH menu and the space can be transformed into something completely different.
For larger corporate groups, it's also a great option when you want everyone together in one venue without compromising on space.
5. Bring in the MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer
Who said Christmas dinner needs knives and forks?
Bring the MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer along and turn your work Christmas party into a street-food night.
Burgers, Roti Rolls, Loaded Agrias and other MASH favourites make this a great option for businesses looking for something casual, easy and fun.
Add some drinks, music and somewhere for everyone to hang out and you've got a Christmas function without the formalities.
It's particularly good for workplaces with a mix of ages or larger teams where a traditional seated dinner doesn't really suit.
6. Create Your Own Mini Food Festival
This is where things can get really fun.
Instead of one traditional meal, create different food stations around your venue and let everyone eat their way through the evening.
You could combine street food, live cooking, grazing, BBQ, desserts and late-night food into one big MASH-style feast.
People can grab what they want, when they want it, which keeps everyone moving, talking and enjoying themselves.
For a big staff celebration, this is hard to beat.
7. Have a Long Lunch Instead
Who decided Christmas parties had to happen at night?
Finish work early and turn your Christmas function into a long lunch.
Start with drinks and canapés, move into a shared banquet or food stations and make an afternoon of it.
A Friday afternoon Christmas lunch can be particularly good for teams who don't want another late-night function during an already busy December.
And let's face it — there's something pretty good about finishing work at midday because the Christmas party has started.
8. Turn Your Workplace Into the Venue
You don't necessarily need to hire a function venue.
We've catered events in some pretty unconventional locations over the years, and our fully mobile catering setup means we can bring MASH to you.
Your workshop, warehouse, office, farm, marquee or outdoor space can become the Christmas party venue.
Add some furniture, lighting, music, a bar and great food and suddenly the place everyone comes to work each day looks completely different.
No kitchen? That's not necessarily a problem either. Our mobile catering setup allows us to cater in locations with very limited kitchen facilities.
9. Go Big With a Themed Christmas Party
If your team is up for it, give everyone an excuse to dress up.
Casino night. Après ski. Summer festival. A night at the races. 80s. Country. Black tie. Oktoberfest.
Choose a theme and then build the food, drinks, styling and entertainment around it.
It doesn't have to be cheesy — done well, a theme can completely transform a familiar venue and give everyone something to talk about before the party has even started.
10. Make It a Cocktail-Style Christmas Function
Not every Christmas party needs a seating plan.
For teams who want to socialise, a cocktail-style event with canapés, grazing food and substantial bites can work brilliantly.
Add a few larger dishes or food stations later in the evening and nobody is going home hungry.
It's relaxed, flexible and especially good when you want staff from different departments or areas of the business to actually mix rather than spending the entire night sitting beside the same six people.
11. Keep It Simple With Drop & Go Catering
Sometimes you already have the venue, drinks and entertainment sorted — you just need someone else to take care of the food.
That's where Drop & Go comes in.
MASH can prepare your Christmas feast and deliver it ready for your team to enjoy, giving you a quality catered meal without needing a fully staffed event.
It's a great option for smaller workplaces, office lunches and businesses wanting to put on a great spread without organising a full-scale function.
Planning a Christmas Function in Invercargill or Southland?
Whether you're organising something for 20 people or a few hundred, MASH can help you create an end-of-year function that's anything but boring.
We cater throughout Invercargill and Southland and work across established event venues, private properties, workplaces, marquees and remote locations.
From The Hideaway 201, Gadoochi Brewing and The Scottish Hall to Fire & Dine, Food Stations, the MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer, banquets, buffets, canapés and Drop & Go catering, there are plenty of ways to make this year's celebration different.
And if you have an idea that isn't on the list?
Even better.
Tell us what you're imagining and let's see what we can create.
Wedding Catering in Southland: How to Choose the Perfect Menu for Your Big Day
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting journeys you'll ever take, and one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing the food you'll share with your family and friends. Great catering is about so much more than serving a meal – it's about creating an experience your guests will remember long after the last dance.
At MASH Catering, we've been catering Southland weddings for more than 23 years, serving thousands of guests across Invercargill, Fiordland, Central Otago and beyond. Whether you're planning an intimate garden celebration or a 300-guest marquee wedding, we're here to help bring your vision to life.
Start with Your Wedding Style
The style of your wedding should influence your catering just as much as your décor or venue.
Elegant & Formal
A beautifully plated dinner creates a sophisticated atmosphere and allows every course to be carefully presented.
Relaxed & Social
Shared banquet dining has become one of New Zealand's most popular wedding catering styles. Guests pass platters around the table, creating conversation and a warm, family-style atmosphere.
Outdoor & Rustic
Food stations, live BBQs and our Fire & Feast experiences add theatre to your reception and let guests explore different flavours throughout the evening.
Fun & Memorable
Our MASH x Uppercuts Food Trailer is perfect for relaxed weddings, late-night suppers, cocktail-style receptions or the day-after recovery brunch.
How Much Food Do You Really Need?
One of the biggest concerns couples have is making sure nobody leaves hungry.
That's where experience matters.
We'll help you determine the right menu and portion sizes based on:
Guest numbers
Time of day
Length of your reception
Alcohol service
Wedding style
Budget
Our goal is simple: generous portions, exceptional quality and happy guests.
Popular Wedding Catering Options
Every wedding is different, which is why we offer a wide range of catering styles.
Our most popular options include:
Cocktail Canapés
Food Stations
Shared Banquet Dining
Southland Harvest Buffets
Premium BBQ & Banquet Menus
Fire & Dine Experiences
Food Trailer Weddings
Late Night Supper Menus
Day After Recovery Brunches
Many couples also mix and match options—for example, canapés during cocktail hour, a shared banquet for dinner, followed by burgers from the food trailer later in the evening.
Catering for Dietary Requirements
Modern weddings often include a wide variety of dietary needs.
We regularly cater for:
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Vegetarian
Vegan
Nut Allergies
Coeliac requirements
Food intolerances
Our team works with every couple before the wedding to ensure all guests are looked after without compromising on flavour or presentation.
We Travel Throughout Southland & Beyond
While we're based in Invercargill, we regularly cater weddings throughout:
Southland
Invercargill
Fiordland
Queenstown
Central Otago
Wanaka
Cromwell
Te Anau
Winton
Gore
Orepuki
Riverton
Our fully mobile commercial kitchen means we can produce restaurant-quality food almost anywhere.
Why Couples Choose MASH Catering
Choosing your caterer is about trust as much as the menu.
Couples choose MASH because we offer:
✓ Over 23 years of wedding catering experience
✓ Over 30 successful weddings every year
✓ Professional chefs and experienced event staff
✓ Flexible menus tailored to your wedding
✓ Full mobile catering capabilities
✓ Exceptional service from enquiry through to pack down
We understand that every wedding is unique, and we pride ourselves on creating menus that reflect your style, your guests and your budget.
Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Menu
When planning your menu, keep these points in mind:
Choose food you'll genuinely enjoy.
Think about the overall atmosphere you want to create.
Consider the season and venue.
Allow for dietary requirements early.
Don't underestimate the value of experienced caterers.
Include something memorable, whether that's a live food station, wood-fired feast or late-night burger service.
Let's Create Something Unforgettable
Your wedding meal should be one of the highlights of your day.
Whether you're dreaming of elegant shared banquets, incredible canapés, premium BBQ dining or a relaxed food trailer celebration, MASH Catering can help create a menu that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
If you're planning your wedding in Southland, Invercargill, Queenstown, Fiordland or Central Otago, we'd love to chat about your ideas.
Get in touch today to request our latest wedding catering packages and let's start planning a wedding feast that's every bit as memorable as your celebration.
Meet Fire & Dine: The Southland Event Everyone Is Talking About
What started as an idea to bring people together around great food and fire has quickly become one of Southland's most sought-after dining experiences.
Fire & Dine by MASH Catering Limited at The Hideaway 201 combines live fire cooking, premium local ingredients, handcrafted cocktails and a unique social atmosphere.
Guests enjoy unlimited access to multiple food stations featuring favourites such as:
• Lamb Shoulder Loaded Agrias
• Mini Beef Smash Burgers
• Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs
• Chicken Souvlaki Flatbreads
• Wood-Fired Mussels
• Fire-Baked Brie
• Churros and S'mores
Set amongst outdoor fire pits, fairy lights and beautiful gardens, Fire & Dine offers a dining experience unlike anything else in Southland.
Many dates sell out weeks in advance, with guests travelling from throughout Southland, Otago and beyond to experience the event.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable night out, Fire & Dine is a perfect example of what happens when exceptional food meets a unique venue.
Final tickets left available for Thursday 9 July, Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August https://www.mashcatering.co.nz/mashevents2026
Now taking bookings for private groups and Christmas functions.
Top 6 Wedding Venues in Invercargill, Southland & The Catlins (That Are Perfect for our Catering)
Planning your big day in Southland? Whether you're after rustic charm, garden elegance, or a relaxed country setting, this region is home to some truly special wedding venues. Even better? These locations pair perfectly with catering by MASH — from plated mains and shared-style dining to our signature food trailer service.
Here are six of our absolute favourite venues—iconic spots and hidden gems alike.
1. The Hideaway 201 – Winton
This lush 10-acre venue is a local favourite, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces—including a stunning Courtyard, the beautifully appointed Venue, and a large garden Marquee.
Why we love it:
We know this place inside and out—it’s our second home! With easy food trailer access, full kitchen hookups, and dreamy photo backdrops, it’s ideal for everything from canapés and grazing tables to full plated dinners and dessert bars.
2. Anderson House – Invercargill
Tucked away in Andersons Park, this historic Invercargill landmark offers a romantic, heritage-rich atmosphere and beautiful gardens.
Why we love it:
The expansive outdoor lawn is perfect for setting up our food trailer or roaming canapé service. Plus, the surrounding gardens make for some of the best wedding photos in town.
3. River Ridge Retreat – Catlins
Nestled in the heart of the Catlins, River Ridge Retreat is a peaceful, all-in-one destination surrounded by native bush and birdlife. It’s perfect for couples wanting a full weekend experience.
Why we love it:
This remote and magical spot is one of Southland’s most tranquil locations. With onsite accommodation, ceremony and reception spaces, and plenty of open space for a food trailer or outdoor service—it’s a dream for relaxed, nature-loving couples.
4. Civic Theatre – Invercargill
For couples looking to host a bold and memorable celebration, the Civic Theatre provides a grand, architectural space right in the heart of the city.
Why we love it:
The grandeur of the venue pairs beautifully with upscale banquet or plated menus on the stage, or walk & fork service and catering stations around the venue.
5. Scottish Hall – Invercargill
A versatile and well-known function space, Scottish Hall offers heritage charm with a warm, welcoming atmosphere—ideal for weddings with heart.
Why we love it:
It’s spacious and flexible, making it easy to tailor the menu and format to suit. Whether you want a casual buffet, grazing platters, or a late-night slider drop, we’ll make it work beautifully.
6. Private Property or Marquee Weddings – Anywhere in Southland
Don't overlook the beauty of your own backyard, family farm, or remote scenic spot. Some of our most meaningful weddings have been held in paddocks, orchards, beaches, and paddling-distance-from-the-power-shed locations.
Why we love it:
Our mobile food trailer and fully self-contained kitchen mean we can cater anywhere—no on-site kitchen needed. It’s catering freedom with style.
💌 Planning Your Southland Wedding?
Let’s make it a day to remember - for all the right reasons.
We cater weddings all over Invercargill, Southland and beyond, with everything from grazing tables, canapés, and buffet service, to elegant plated dining and late-night food truck snacks.