20 fun work Christmas party ideas for Kiwi businesses

Picking a Christmas party idea that suits everyone can enhance company culture and boost productivity effortlessly.

If you’re in the throes of planning yours, you may find yourself struggling to find something that works for everyone.

Between managing the budget, invites, annual closedowns and more, it’s all fun and games until it…isn’t.

Luckily, we’ve listed 20 Christmas party ideas for Kiwi businesses, complete with links to great venues nationwide. You’ll find options for every type of budget – whether you’re a team of two or 22, there’s something for everyone.

1. Game’s night

Sometimes, a classic game of Monopoly, charades, or Cranium can be just what the team needs after a busy year. It’s a great way to build bonds between teammates, and it can be especially accommodating for your less extroverted colleagues.

Be sure to make a booking if you’re bringing a larger group.

Hero tip: Always confirm with the venue about the availability of games and if there’s a reservation policy, especially for larger groups.

Top spots for game day

• Auckland’s Dice and Fork offers a huge range of games (over 300) from classics like Battleship and Uno, to the lesser known games like Arcs and Civolution. You can see availability and book online for groups under 17, or give the team a call for larger groups.
• Wellington’s Counter Culture has an extensive range, with over 1,000 games to choose from so you know there’ll be something for everyone. Game passes are $5 per person for a two hour booking, with a $5 minimum spend on food and drink.
• Christchurch-based pizza lovers will love Dice and Slice. With over 250 games on offer, Dice and Slice is a great spot for your Christmas party this year, and they’re open until Midnight between Thursday – Saturday.

2. Classic Kiwi lawn bowls

An oldie but a goodie, you’d be remiss to find a Kiwi who hadn’t tried their hand at lawn bowls at some point in time.

An affordable option, for group events the average cost would typically be $15 – $50 per person, depending on the club.  Some clubs offer catering, a food and drink service and wait staff, while others might invite you to BYO supplies.

Lawn bowls is an active option, but doesn’t require too much physical exertion. The team might not jump at the idea of playing a game of rugby, but could still enjoy getting outdoors.

Where to play

• The Auckland Bowling Club in Parnell is just a stone’s throw away from Auckland CBD, making it a great option for teams based centrally.
•  Just a few minutes’ walk from Wellington’s bustling city centre is the Victoria Bowling Club.  This is a great option if your team wants to enjoy the nightlife after the Christmas party.
• At the Christchurch Bowling Club you’ll find a range of amenities, including a barbeque area, kitchen and licensed bar. When you need to get out of the sun, you can try your hand at a game of pool or darts.

Hero tip: Each club will be different, so we recommend you find your local club and get in touch with them directly.

3. Movie night

This Christmas party idea is sure to satisfy a team of film buffs (or popcorn buffs, for that matter). It’s also a good alternative if your team members aren’t particularly outdoorsy, and prefer a Christmas party requiring a little less exertion.

Costs can vary depending on the size of your team. Most movie theatres charge approximately $20 per ticket, and you may want to budget a little extra for a Choc-Top or two. For a team of 20, you’re looking at $400 to $800 all up.

For something extra special, you could also book a private showing for larger groups.

Top spots to watch

• Academy Cinema in Auckland will be playing a series of vintage films throughout the month of December. You can also book out the cinema for your team.
• Roxy Cinema in Wellington is a well-known art deco establishment, open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day), so it’s a great option to accommodate everyone’s schedules. For a little luxury, your team can order wine and snacks to be brought to their seats.
• Nestled within the beloved Christchurch Arts Centre, The Lumiere is a boutique cinema offering an array of craft beers and a bespoke wine collection, and a Bijou Bar to boot.

Hero tip: Choose a movie that will be appropriate for all ages of your team. You may even want to do a poll before you book!

4. Comedy night

Kiwis love a bit of banter, and a comedy show is a great way to help the team let off some steam. Whether you head to a comedy club or book a private comedian, this Christmas party idea will leave everyone with memories they can laugh about well into the new year.

The cost of shows varies based on your booking and comic choice. Local comedians often charge between $15 – $30 a ticket, while big-name comics can charge $80 or more.

Hero tip: When booking a show, be sure to check that the vibe and content are appropriate for your team.

Recommended venues

• Over the month of December, The Classic Comedy Club in Auckland is hosting multiple comedy shows on Friday and Saturday nights. The venue is on the smaller side, so this one is best for smaller teams looking for a night of laughs in the region.
• The Fringe Bar in Wellington is known for its eclectic mix of entertainment offerings. From stand up comedy, improvisation, sketch comedy, musical comedy, theatre, and more, there’s something to entertain everyone.
• Little Andromeda is a 100-seat indie theatre tucked away in the heart of Christchurch’s nightlife hub, The Terrace. You’ll find a whole lot of new shows here every week – emerging professional artists with awesome ideas, and established artists performing new material.

5. Archery

Photo by Tomas Martinez on Unsplash

If your team is interested in something a little more adventurous, archery could be a great pick. Plus, there’s something satisfying about the skill involved in hitting a target – which could be a great way to set everyone up for a productive new year.

Depending on venue and group size, an archery session typically comes in at $25 – $30 per person. Sessions are usually up to two hours long, and most venues ask for a minimum of 10 people per group.

Hero tip: as an employer paying for and hosting your Christmas party, you have a duty of care to the health and safety of your employees. Check out our Workplace Health and Safety Factsheet for more information.

Hit the bullseye at these locations

• Auckland Archery Club, One Tree Hill Domain (Maungakiekie), Auckland.
• Randwick Archery Club, Moera, Lower Hutt, Wellington.
• Christchurch Archery Club, New Brighton, Christchurch.

6. Trivia night

Kiwis love a good pub quiz or trivia night – they’re fun, affordable and super simple to organise.

Expect to pay $15-$30 per person for trivia nights, depending on the venue and the size of your group. While this option might call for a bit of mental agility, it requires no physical exertion, so it’s ideal for teams who prefer a more relaxed setting.

Hero tip: If you’re booking a trivia night at a bar or pub, check whether they offer group deals or special rates for larger parties.

Where to get quizzical

• Auckland’s Morningside Tavern hosts a classic quiz night every Monday at 7pm.
• The Green Man Pub in Wellington runs a quiz every Tuesday at 6pm, and teams get a 10% discount on mains.
• The Church Brew Pub in Christchurch hosts a quiz night every Monday at 7pm.

7. Escape rooms

Escape rooms challenge your team’s problem-solving skills. This Christmas party idea is a fun and engaging activity where team members work together to solve puzzles and “escape” before the clock runs out. Typically, escape rooms come in at between $150 – $400 for 6-10 people, but prices vary.

Your escape awaits

• Escapade NZ in Auckland offers a range of conventional indoor escape rooms, outdoor adventure activities, and even online escape rooms. For a small group of six, pricing is around $30 per person.
• Escape Rooms Wellington offers three themed escape rooms, from ‘Operation Beehive’, to ‘Diamond Heist’ and ‘Quest for the Magic Wand’. It’s typically around $30 per person for an 80 minute adventure, and it’s based right in the heart of Wellington city.
• Escape Artists in Christchurch offers a total of seven themed escape room adventures, so it’s a great option if you have a bigger team. Nestled right in the city centre, this is a great option for anyone who wants to keep the fun going after the party winds down.

8. Axe throwing

If you have a more adventurous team looking for a non-conventional Christmas party, axe throwing could be perfect. This activity combines fun, friendly competition, and stress relief in a way that conventional Christmas party ideas might not match. For a group of 10-15, you’ll be looking at between $250 – $600.

Venues just a stones throw away

• With venues in both Auckland and Wellington, The Sweet Axe Throwing Co. offers team building packages at $50 per person. Each team session includes a safety briefing, training, individual and team games, and even a team dress up and photo opportunity.
• Battle Axe Throwing in Christchurch is a five-star rated experience, and it’s a steal at $40 per person. Just a five-minute drive to the city centre, it’s an ideal spot if your team is based centrally.

9. Mini golf

Mini golf offers a fun, low-stress way to unwind after a long year. It’s a light-hearted activity that can be enjoyed by team members of all ages and abilities, because it doesn’t require much physical exertion. For a group of 10-15, you can expect to pay between $150 – $300, but prices vary.

Where to play

• Holey Moley Mini-Golf has venues in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. You can choose from one of their existing packages or build your own, tailored perfectly to your team.
• Welly-Putt Mini Golf is a popular venue in the capital, and priced at $24 per person, it’s great for teams on a budget. It’s also indoors, so it’s perfect if you’re expecting classic Wellington weather on the day of your do.

10. Paint and sip nights

Even if your team isn’t particularly creative, paint and sip nights can be a great way for teams to bond while they unwind. It’s also a great option for less extroverted teams who might prefer something a little less socially demanding, but still want to connect with their teammates. Prices vary, but typically come in at around $40 – $80 per person, which usually includes painting equipment, materials and drinks.

Hero Tip: Don’t forget, as an employer hosting your Christmas Party, you have a duty of care to your employees health and safety.

Where to paint and sip the night away

• Paintvine offers events in all the main centres and throughout the regions.
• If you’re Christchurch-based, take a look at Paint & Sip.

11. Beach day – our top pick for small teams on a budget

A beach day is our top pick for small teams on even smaller budgets. Whether you provide some catering or invite everyone to bring a plate to keep costs down, the sunshine, sand and sea is free of charge.

Getting out in nature is a great way to help your team relax and refresh, especially if your team is normally indoors. Just remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap – and bring some cash for Mr. Whippy (or even hire the truck for the day!).

With 15,000 kilometres of coastline, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your spot. From Auckland’s Piha beach to Sumner in Christchurch, just make sure it’s not too far out of reach for your team (and consider arranging transport).

Hero tip: If you’re considering this Christmas party idea, make sure you have a ‘plan B’ in case the weather takes a turn for the worst!

12. Cocktail making class

If you have a team that enjoys a drink or two, a cocktail-making class can be an entertaining and educational experience. Your team will learn how to shake, stir, and garnish their way to creating the perfect festive cocktail. Prices typically range from $50 – $80 per person, which usually includes drinks, instruction, and snacks.

Top spots for cocktail making

• Based in Auckland, The Cocktail Guy is a mobile food and beverage service which also offers mixology classes.
• Cocktail Masterclass, based in Wellington, hosts mixology classes at four separate venues in the region.
• In the heart of Christchurch city, Muy Muy offers cocktail classes at $79 per person, plus a delicious selection of margaritas and tapas.

13. Cooking class

Whether it’s learning to make gourmet Christmas dinners or mastering the art of sushi, a cooking class offers a fun and hands-on way to bond with the team. Expect to pay around $60 – $100 per person, depending on the venue and class type.

Where to cook up a storm

• Located in Auckland, Homeland is a fantastic space where you can learn from the experts and create festive meals.
• Wellington’s Savour Cooking School focuses on small group, hands-on cooking workshops in Wellington, and features cuisines from around the world and right here in New Zealand.
• A five-star rated experience, Riverside Kitchen in Christchurch will have you whipping up everything from delicious handmade pasta, to Vietnamese noodles, Mexican tortillas and everything in between.

14. Christmas potluck lunch

A potluck lunch is a fun and affordable way to host a festive Christmas party, where everyone brings their favourite dish to share. It’s an excellent option for smaller teams or businesses on a budget.

Best spots for a potluck lunch

• Auckland Cornwall Park is a beautiful and spacious area perfect for a casual potluck, with plenty of picnic areas and stunning scenery.
• Wellington’s Frank Kitts Park is on the smaller side so great for small but mighty teams. It’s also right in the middle of the central business district, so it’s ideal for teams based in the city.
• One of Christchurch’s most beautiful outdoor locations, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are perfect for a relaxed, nature-filled potluck.

15. Wine tasting tour

If your team enjoys a glass of wine, a wine-tasting tour could be the perfect event to relax and learn something new. A wine-tasting event typically costs around $40 – $60 per person, and you can usually arrange a guided tour with lunch included.

Hero tip: for any Christmas parties where alcohol will be provided, it’s important to set clear expectations with staff around their conduct and behaviour. To boost your compliance confidence, check out our free compliance bundle.

Where to wine and dine

• Famous for its lush vineyards and stunning views, Waiheke Island is reputed for its wine tasting tours in vineyards like Mudbrick, Man O’ War and Stonyridge.
• Known for its world-class Pinot Noir, Martinborough’s wine region provides an exceptional wine-tasting experience with a range of charming boutique wineries. A day out at Poppies, Moy Hall or Palliser Estate will make for a Christmas party to remember.
• Canterbury-based teams will love Tussock Hill, Langdale Vineyard Restaurant, and Rossendale Wines.

16. High tea – our top pick for big spenders

Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash

If you’re going all in and want to splash out on this year’s Christmas party, our top pick for bigger budgets is a high tea experience. While it’s certainly more expensive than a beach day at approximately $30 – $60 plus per person, this option will make for a Christmas party to remember.

All you have to do is select your menu preferences – whether that’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and everything in between – and get ready to indulge. This is a great option if your team enjoys the finer things in life, and aren’t looking for something physically demanding.

High tea havens

• Auckland’s Bluebells Cakery offers a delectable selection of sweet and savoury treats that are sure to impress. Priced at $55 per person, they offer a range of menu types to accommodate different dietary requirements.
• A small, quant and cosy venue nestled in the heart of Wellington’s Cuba Street, Martha’s Pantry is an iconic spot for High Tea in the capital. Boasting 25 different types of tea and proudly serving Wellington’s very own People’s Coffee, we think your team will love this spot.
• A highly sophisticated venue, The Mayfair’s high tea will leave your team feeling super special. Priced between $65 – $95 per person depending on your food and beverage choices, this one will be a hit with teams who want to indulge in a bit of luxury.

17. Christmas karaoke party

Speaking of tea, this Christmas party idea won’t be everyone’s cup. But if you have a team of extroverts, getting up to belt out a few tunes could be exactly what they need. Costs vary depending on the venue, and can be anywhere from $200 – $600 or more.

Best places to belt it out

• Auckland: Ace Karaoke
• Wellington: Chibob
• Christchurch: Midnight Shanghai

Hero tip: Karaoke can be great fun, but if alcohol will be served, just make sure you’re clear with staff about the businesses code of conduct.

18. Trampoline park

Trampoline parks are a great way to release energy and have fun with your teammates. This is one for teams who would prefer an active Christmas party, and it’s a great way to let off steam after a long year.

Many trampoline parks offer packages that include other activities too, like dodgeball, foam pits, or group jumping sessions. You pay between $25 and $40 per person for a trampoline park experience.

Where to jump

• A great spot for jumping fun, Bounce Inc has three locations in the Auckland region, and caters for people of all ages. They even offer a corporate wellbeing programme your team can access throughout the year.
• Jumperama’s Hutt Park is based in Lower Hutt, Wellington, and offers two olympic trampolines, high walls, a foam pit and even basketball hoops.
• Mega Air in Christchurch has all the trampolines you and your team will need to jump to their hearts content.

19. DIY and craft activities

DIY crafts are a budget-friendly, engaging way for teams to celebrate the year’s end. These activities cater to various skill levels and allow team members to create personalised keepsakes.

• Set up a station with craft store embellishments, blank cards, and decorative materials where employees can design and exchange Christmas cards.
• Provide bauble ornaments and supplies for creating origami or wooden decorations for the family Christmas tree.
• Ugly sweater station: Supply plain sweaters along with fabric paints, sequins, and other decorative items, allowing team members to craft their own quirky holiday attire.

20. Virtual Christmas party options

Yes, you can still celebrate if your team works remote! In fact, Christmas is a perfect time to bring the team together, even if it’s online, to celebrate after a long year.

Online mixology classes

The Cocktail Collective runs live mixology classes where your selected cocktail making kit is delivered to each team member, and an expert Mixologist takes you through a class. You can even include branded collateral or messaging to keep your company at the forefront of everyone’s minds, and make the day feel extra special.

Virtual games and trivia

Host online trivia games or a merry mystery party to foster team interaction. Platforms like Amazing Co. provide facilitated online events for remote teams, from online trivia nights with a host, to Murder Mystery parties and more.

Employment Hero supports great team culture year-round

Christmas parties are only a small part of building and maintaining a strong, healthy and productive workplace culture.

Employment Hero is designed to help you strengthen your workplace culture year-round, not just once a year. With a built-in reward and recognition function, custom surveys and feedback features, an HR advisory service, and so much more, it’s everything you need in one place.

And it’s not just the fun stuff we help with, either. From automating pesky payroll calculations like time-and-a-half, to providing real-time rostering updates, Employment Hero helps you streamline administrative and HR tasks so that you can focus on the growth of your business.

So if you’re ready to leave the manual tasks to us and enjoy your Christmas party this year – whatever option you choose – book a demo with our team today.