As the end-of-year festivities begin to fill our calendars, the annual question of where to host the Christmas celebration inevitably arises. This year, we’re taking the party offshore. After all, what better way to reward your team, gather your favourite people or toast another year than with Champagne, exceptional food and an afternoon overlooking one of the country’s most beautiful beaches? At Ki Māha, positioned on the waterfront of Waiheke Island’s spectacular Onetangi Beach, the Christmas party becomes something of a summer escape. And frankly, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate.

Ki Māha is inviting guests to make the most of the festive season, accommodating everything from intimate gatherings of nine to celebrations of up to 120 guests, including exclusive use of the entire restaurant with specially curated menus to suit the occasion. Think long lunches that turn into even longer afternoons, towering seafood platters and roaming Champagne trolleys keeping the celebrations flowing. Quite the upgrade from the usual office Christmas party.

The food, naturally, is every bit as impressive as the setting. Following its official selection for the Michelin Guide 2026, Ki Māha is celebrating the season with menus showcasing sustainably harvested seafood, ethically raised local meats and beautiful seasonal produce. The three-course festive menu, priced at $130 per person, features dishes such as tuna crudo with finger lime and ponzu, BBQ Lumina lamb rump and summer coastal pavlova with kawakawa chantilly.

For those looking to make a greater occasion of it, the five-course tasting menu, at $185 per person, includes Haku kingfish sashimi and BBQ Wagyu sirloin with bone marrow purée. Both offer optional wine pairings, alongside specially curated non-alcoholic botanical pairings. And for the wine enthusiasts, Ki Māha has recently earned a Coravin Exceptional recognition for its outstanding by-the-glass offering, which includes what the restaurant describes as New Zealand’s finest selection of Waiheke wines.

Between the exceptional food, flowing Champagne and sparkling waters of Onetangi Beach just beyond the table, Ki Māha offers a festive celebration that feels more like a holiday than a Christmas function. If ever there were a reason to take the party to the island, this is it. We’d suggest getting your bookings in early. Book your function here.

kimaha.nz