How Much Does Catering Cost Per Person in Invercargill?

If you're planning a work function, a team lunch or a community event, the first question is usually the same: how much does catering cost per person? The honest answer is that it depends on what you're serving and how many people you're feeding - but you don't have to guess. Here's a clear breakdown of typical per-head pricing in Invercargill and across Southland, so you can budget with confidence.

Typical Catering Prices Per Head

As a rough guide, here's what you can expect to pay per person for common catering styles. Final pricing depends on your menu and numbers, but these ranges give you a realistic starting point:

• Morning or afternoon tea - from around $12.50 per head (baking, slices, fresh fruit and a hot drink moment for the team).
• Office or workplace lunch - from around $18.90 per head (individually packed lunches, sandwich and wrap platters, or a shared spread).
• Grazing boards and buffet catering - from around $26 per head (generous platters, salads and a proper feed for an event or function).

What Affects The Price

A few things move the per-head price up or down. The biggest factors are the style of catering, the number of guests and any dietary requirements. Larger group bookings often work out better value per person, while more elaborate menus, hot food and full grazing tables sit at the higher end. Letting us know your numbers, dietaries and budget upfront means we can build a menu that fits.

Minimum Orders & How To Book

A minimum order applies to most catering, and it's shown clearly as you build your order online - no surprises and no waiting on a quote. You can see per-head pricing as you go, choose your date, and pay online to lock it in. Approved corporate and government accounts can also pay by invoice and set up regular workplace orders, which makes ongoing catering simple to manage.

Everything is cooked fresh in our MPI-registered kitchen in Invercargill and delivered ready to serve across Southland. Ready to see exact pricing for your event? Build your order online at Southern Kai and we'll take care of the food.