Makoura Lodge Function & Event Venue

Makoura Lodge is a destination event venue in rural Manawatu, just a fifty-minute scenic drive from Palmerston North or a two-and-a-half-hour escape from the Wellington Region.

We provide everything you need in one location, including team-building activities, group accommodation, delicious catering, friendly hospitality, and a boutique bar. Whether you're planning a birthday, anniversary, Christmas party, or corporate event, Makoura Lodge is a popular choice for Wellington and Manawatū groups seeking a unique destination venue.

Christmas function venue set up at Makoura Lodge manawatu

Makoura Lodge Venue Amenities

  • Hospitalable event staff to ensure a smooth, stress-free function

  • Comfortable accommodation for up to fifty-seven guests

  • Delicious catering for up to 110 people

  • Boutique bar with a range of drinks for your guests

  • Full room set-up and clean-down services

  • Indoor or outdoor dining spaces

  • Audio-visual equipment and music available

  • Fun team-building and outdoor activities

makoura lodge dining area

Event Package Deals

Streamline your planning process and let us handle the details by taking advantage of one of our amazing package deals, which include activities and meals.

Makoura Lodge accommodation for group bookings at Makoura lodge

Group Accommodation

Makoura Lodge can sleep up to fifty-seven guests. Its accommodation consists of two charming cottages and six lodge suites, and you can book the secluded Riverside Retreat for another two. If our accommodation is fully utilised, we allow for camping and can recommend local accommodation providers.

Waitress handing out canapes at a family reunion function

Menus & Beverage

Whether you prefer an outdoor gourmet BBQ menu or a more formal 3-course buffet, our delicious menus will satisfy your taste buds.

Our boutique bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, RTDs, spirits, and barista coffee. You can set up a bar tab or pay as you go.

Guests doing activities at Makoura Lodge

Activities & Team Building

Looking for exciting team-building activities? Unleash your group's potential with sheep herding, axe throwing, or clay bird shooting! There is something for everyone.

braizer and bbq at Makoura lodge

Optional Extras

  • A 3m diameter brazier, seating, blankets

  • Projector and screen hire

  • Linen napkins | White tablecloths

Please enquire below with dates in mind. Viewings welcome.

Testimonials

“Just letting you know that we had a fantastic weekend last week at your venue it was outstanding, we could not have wished for anything better. Your staff made us so welcome and they were up to give us a great time thank you so much. Raewyn said it was her best birthday party ever. Keep up the great work.”

— Garry Moar, 60th Birthday Party

“I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you and your staff for a wonderful night on Saturday, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The lodge and your setting is gorgeous, it really does have the ‘wow’ factor. The food was delicious and the service second to none. Again, thank you. The word has spread Makoura is the place to go!

— Ang Johnson, ITM, Christmas Function

“Thanks so much for hosting our Remax midwinter xmas function. The food was amazing, activities were so much fun, venue was cosy and warm with the open fire, and your hospitality was very welcoming!! Everyone had such a great day we didn’t want to leave thanks again and we will definitely recommend Makoura Lodge to others!” 

— Lisa Bron, Remax, Christmas Function