Testimonials - here's what some of our clients say:

Corporate Meetings and Events

"We had a fantastic night. As usual the EW staff were awesome. Thanks so much for all your help organising everything. Looking forward to coming back for a few functions in 2013."

Sara Meyer, Oceanbridge Shipping Ltd, December 2012 (The Elephant Wrestler)

"I just wanted to say thank you for the hospitality shown to our team on Friday. We were well taken care of and I would not hesitate in recommending Zookeeper's to both friends and work colleagues. From the time I walked in to the time I left, all your staff were helpful, the communication was great and I was very happy we chose this venue to hold our event. I would like to make special mention of our waitress. She remained professional at all times and checked things with me before doing them. Her personality matched those of our team and I can only imagine the challenges that come with being the main hostess for such an occasion."

Treena, UPL, December 2012 (The Zookeeper's Son)

"The guys thought the service they were given was excellent and they look forward to being back again for the next booking. It was very beneficial to have booked a table and it went down well with our clients as it was very busy. Feedback has been very positive - they were impressed."

Angela Sloane, Business Advisory Services, December 2012 (The Merchant Bar & Kitchen)

"The Christmas function was a success. Thank you for the wonderful night."

Tony Wang, Middlemore, December 2012 (Degree)

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone involved in our function on Saturday night. It went off without a hitch and the food was amazing. I know that the way we wanted it done was not something you normally do, so I really have to commend your chefs and waitresses for how they coped on the night.

You all made it very easy and left very little for us to have to deal with. I will definitely be recommending you to others for holding functions.

Once again, thanks for helping us to create our biggest Christmas function we've ever had."

Leeanne Shepherd, Posthaste, December 2012 (Garrison)

"We had our work function at Degree. Just wanted to acknowledge the excellent service we received."

Karen Burgess, Higgens, November 2012 (Degree)

"What a fabulous evening you organised. Thanks so much to you and all your staff for accommodating us so well. We loved our night."

Johanna Pansier, JP Insurance, September 2012 (Degree)

"I just wanted to touch base with you and your team to say that we had a fabulous time on Friday. The staff were great, our friends have been saying what a great venue it was and of course we were totally blown away to receive a loyalty card from you. Needless to say, we'll be recommending you to all who ask us about venues."

Chantal Thomson, BNZ Partners, March 2012 (Dominion)

"Thanks so much to the team at Celsius, everything ran without a glitch to be the best Christmas function that we have thrown!"
Briscoes Botany, December 2011 (Celsius)

“I have no hesitation in recommending Functions and Events Venues to our Corporate Clients. Xanthe and the Team operate in a friendly, professional manner, and always show a willingness to meet the needs of each individual group – this is what sets them apart from other venue providers! They have certainly been a positive contributor to our successful Corporate Team Building Programs and Events.”
Stu Robertson, National Manager, Corporate Challenge NZ

"The guys at the Running Bull kindly supported our recent Supper Club fundraising event. Their team went above and beyond to support Ronald McDonald House South Island by donating a private room and dinner for either people at The Running Bull. The lucky recipients were thrilled with the food and service they received. Thanks guys and good luck!!"
Emma, Ronald McDonald House, December 2011 (The Running Bull)

“Top class, the whole team were very impressed with the quality and size of the food, my own seafood lunguine was awesome.... very impressed and will go there again!"
DB Breweries, June 2011 (Celsius)

Social Functions and Parties

"Hi I"m a resident of Sydney who recently returned from a holiday in NZ. Awesome food, awesome beverages and awesome staff. The trifecta!!!! You put Sydney pubs to shame."

Ash Payne, January 2013 (The Elephant Wrestler)

"We used The Zookeeper's Son as a venue for engagement party. After running into many places that seemed to do their utmost to dissuade us from having our event (including minimum spends of $5K+ !!) The Zookeeper's was a breath of fresh air. They bent over backwards for us, let my girlfriends decorate the upstairs as we liked and everyone at the party commented on their excellent service and how impressed they were. Honestly, these guys made the night and they had the most wonderful platters as well. I can't recommend them highly enough for your event."

Danielle W via Menu Mania October 2012

"We wanted to say a big thanks to you and your team for making our wedding a really special day and night on the 10th of march. Your staff were super friendly and helpful ( sorry about some of the guests). We really loved how you set up the cup cakes and the venue. we would definitely recommend your venue to others, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves as did our guests. The next day it was a real surprise to turn up and see the room set up again it was such a nice touch as was the personalized brunch menu.

Thank you and your team for making our wedding really special."

Sarah and Stu Hopkins, March 2012

"I want to express my huge thanks and gratitude to you and the fantastic team there at The Zookeepers Son. I had such a great time and this was largely due to the fantastic food and service!! The staff were fantastic and went way beyond the call of duty to look after us all. They set up a beer/wine bar upstairs with a mobile eftpos machine and there was always someone walking around to take drink orders. Food was great and staff were completely accommodating, allowing my friends to set up a surprise photo board of me plus they hid a surprise cake for me until needed. Thank you so much for all your help in organising this and please pass onto the rest of the staff how fabulous they were!"
Stacie, APN, December 2011 (The Zookeeper's Son)

"On behalf of my assistant Mellany and a quick note to thank you for the wonderful meal and service you put on for the Heineken players, coaches and key Tennis Auckland staff. The food was great and we look forward to working with you in the future. Have a safe, healthy and successful 2011."
Richard Palmer, Events Manager and Tournament Director, ASB Classic and Heinekin Open. December 2010.

"The service on the night was excellent, the bar staff were great, and other staff were great organizing tables and other small requests on the night. Everybody was really easy to deal with and very happy to help. Dealing with Kelsey before the event was great, she was always helpful and always answered requests very quickly, the whole expereince was really fantastic."
Este Smit, Engagement party, December 2011 (Celsius)

"I just wanted to say a really big Thank You! The food was great, your staff were really good and my work mates all really enjoyed the whole night. It was exactly what I wanted. I really appreciated your help in organising it. So again...... Thanks!"
Dana George, May 2011 (Degree)

"We all had a fantastic time at Degree. Everyone enjoyed themselves. The service was amazing, and we look forward to having you host us again in the future."
Emma Gilchrist, SSP New Zealand, April 2011 (Degree)

“A BIG thanks to all the crew, the Mid Winter Dinner was awesome. Hats off to the chefs, everyone loved their meals - had fantastic feedback on the night. Amanda was awesome keeping everything to schedule!! Wreash did a great job keeping everyone happy. So thanks again for another fantastic dinner!!!”
Verity Molloy, Connecting Singles, May 2011 (Degree)