A space as beautiful as it’s surroundings
Hidden away from the bustle of the city Ilex stays true to the rich origins and beauty of the breathtaking Christchurch Botanic Gardens. From design through to service, Ilex is passionate about creating unique event experiences with effortless attention to detail. Offering full sensory journeys inspired by our vibrant backdrop, Ilex is renowned for delivering some of Christchurch’s most iconic events.
Our Ilex Venues
From lavish parties to sit-down dinners and bespoke corporate events, Ilex offers four diverse spaces and additional services to fulfill all your event needs. Our private event spaces differ in their charms and functionality. Designed to complement the nature around us this is a secluded sanctuary in the heart of Christchurch. Whether you want to host drinks under a greenhouse glass-ceiling, dinner by the river, or party in your own tropical hideaway.
Ilex Events Space
Absorbing the tranquillity of the Avon River views, the Ilex Events Space has floor to ceiling windows that invite natural light into every corner of the room. This stylish, versatile space and private outdoor courtyard have a sense of intimacy and exclusivity, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind Botanic Gardens experience.
- Private space accommodating up to 130 people for a sit-down function or 180 people for a stand-up event
- Private outdoor courtyard
- High-end inbuilt Audio-Visual equipment
- Dedicated Ilex event manager to organise all arrangements for your function
- Full Day:$4000
Ilex Café
Nestled below an architecturally inspired canopy of oak tree leaves is the Ilex Café. In the evenings this space is brought to life, transforming into multiple indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. Inside, floor to ceiling windows fill the room with light and views that overlook vast lawns and the luscious palm-filled nursery. Outdoor guests are treated to an extensive outdoor area surrounded by nature, with bar and food stations setting the scene for a lively garden party.
- Private space accommodating up to 80 people for a sit-down function or 180 people for a stand-up event
- Covered outdoor seating for up to 200 guests
- Outdoor bar, food stations and coffee cart
- Dedicated Ilex event manager to organise all arrangements for your function
- 6pm - 12am:$2500
Cuningham & Townend House
Think champagne and oysters when imagining a function in this stunning heritage structure, because Cuningham House is nothing short of majestic. Built in 1923, it’s the largest house in the Botanic Gardens and also features the largest collection of tropical plants. At the top of an elaborate staircase, a greenhouse spreads across two levels boasting everything from kentia palms, to banana trees and the native nikaus. Although formally known as the Winter Garden, this unique, elegant venue is suitable for events year-round.
- Private space accommodating up to 180 people for a stand-up event
- Exclusive hire after 4:30pm
- Seasonal Conservatory displays
- Access to Conservatory and central rose garden for photography
- Dedicated Ilex event manager to organise all arrangements for your function.
- After 4:30pm for maximum four hours:$2,500
Ilex Corporate Naturally Unique
Down to the most intricate detail, your dedicated event manager and Ilex team will work with you to create corporate events that are truly unique and tailored to your company needs. With our sophisticated style and tranquil views we specialise in intimate boardroom lunches, multi day conferencing, exhibitions, parties and awards nights
Ilex Weddings Naturally Beautiful
Founded over 150 years ago, with the planting of a Holm Oak as a symbol of love and marriage, Ilex stays true to these rich origins and beauty of the breathtaking Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Situated at the centre of this world-renowned site, surrounded by majestic trees, exotic flowers and the tranquil Avon River, Ilex’s wedding spaces are a celebration of the nature around us. This is an oasis in the heart of Christchurch. From design through to service, we’re passionate about creating unique wedding experiences with a sense of effortless elegance; a full sensory journey inspired by our vibrant backdrop.
- ilex events space$4000.00+gst
- additional cafe space hire-6pm-12pm$1250.00+gst
Menu
Please custom design your own breakfast from the selections below. We suggest either a sweet or savoury item to the table and then a plated breakfast. All breakfasts main courses are served with are served with Grizzly Breads, local butter and preserves.
Please custom design your own breakfast from the selections below. We suggest either a sweet or savoury item to the table and then a plated breakfast. All breakfasts main courses are served with are served with Grizzly Breads, local butter and preserves.
Sweet
Morena brioche Bun with supreme espresso and walnut caramel
V
$6.00
Almond, kahikatea honey and marmalade croissant
V
$6.00
Seasonal melon wedges with mint and lime
V GF DF
$4.20
Coconut chia with preserved plums, puffed barley and honey poached pears
V GF DF
$5.00
Savoury
Cheddar Cheese scone with butter
$5.00
Pretzel Breakfast roll with soft scrambled egg, caramelised onion, chipotle mayo & grilled cheese
$6.00
Peter Timbs bacon and lamond egg pie
$5.00
Akaroa salmon pastrami bagel with cream cheese, capers and rocket
$6.00
Plated Breakfast
Smoked mushroom, creme fraiche, lemon & parsley on midnight rye with poached eggs & parmesan
$22.00
Black Forest Waffle with white chocolate mascarpone, cherry jelly & dark chocolate
$20.00
Ilex Breakfast streaky bacon, butchers sausage, pastrami hash, spinach, poached eggs & mustard hollandaise
$24.00
Avocado, feta, lemon & mint on midnight rye, poached lamond farm egg, tamari almonds and kale
$23.00
Breakfast Drinks
Chilled juices with botanic herbs and soda
$5.50
Selection of Noble & Savage Teas and Supreme single origin Coffee
$5.00
Orange, pineapple or apple
$5.00
Aroha sparkling rhubarb
$6.00
Aroha apple and Pear
$6.00
Raspberry and black currant
$6.00
Entrée
Farm
Steak tartare with traditional acurtiments and rye crackers
$22.00
BBQ lamb with smashed olives, mint, whipped feta, baba ganoush and fattoush salsa
$24.00
Slow cooked BBQ pork belly with cherry hoisin, red cabbage kimchi and pickled cucumbers
$23.00
Bird
Soy and ginger chicken salad with wafu dressing, savoy, water chestnuts, mint and cucumber
$21.00
Duck parfait with botanical salad, chutney, brioche and dried pear chips
$22.00
Ras el hanout spiced chicken thigh with pearl cous cous, green olives, red onion, feta and fresh tahini
$22.00
Fish
Line caught sashimi with pickled daikon, nashi pear, wasabi and black tapioca cracker
$22.00
Fried calamari with cucumber salad, green nahm jihm, kaffir lime and puffed wild rice
$20.00
Cured Akaroa salmon with citrus, spring peas, smoked creme fraise, fresh herbs and toasted rye
$22.50
Garden
Broccoli, lemon, chilli, smoked ricotta, salsa verde, green olives flat bread
$20.00
Smoked beetroot, charcoal cracker, cashew nut cheese and candied grapefruit
$20.00
Confit king brown mushroom, shallot jam, portobello and kawa kawa crumb
$20.00
Main Course
Bird
Wood fired BBQ Chicken with roasted carrots, hazelnuts, lemon, potato creme, salsa verde and botanic herbs
GF
$29.00
Roasted chicken breast with porcini risotto, toasted grains, herbs, chimmi churri oil and pecorino
$29.50
Smoked duck with potato gnocchi, wild mushrooms, organic walnuts, chili, rocket, parmesan and roasted red onions
$32.00
farm
Slow roast pulled lamb shoulder with potato rostis, smoked yogurt, mint, lemon, sumac and green pea chimichurri
$30.50
Grilled Beef sirloin with cafe du paris butter, smoked garlic paris mash, confit baby onions and rocket
GF
$33.50
Roast pork belly with BBQ carrots, roasted hazelnuts, cider aioli and smoked apple gratin
GF
$30.00
Local beef fillet with smoked brisket & organic barley risotto, salsa verde, lemon and jus
$40.00
Garden
Wild mushroom lasagna with truffle bechamel, black garlic and wild roquette
$24.00
Green pea risotto with pine nuts, pine oil and sheep's cheese
$24.00
Gnocchi with grilled cauliflower, hazelnuts, truffle oil and shaved parmesan
$24.00
Dessert
Lemon tart, cherries, cream and smashed meringue
V
$16.00
Rose garden pavlova with orange blossom curd and all the trimmings
V GF
$16.00
Confit pear, white sponge, pink salt caramel, hazelnut and fromage fraise
V
$16.00
Milk and honey creme caramel, walnut biscotti
V
$16.00
Cheese
Cheese, curated and conditioned by the Canterbury Cheese Monger
$14.00
Banquet Menu
Breads
Served with grizzly bread and local butter
Entree
Cured Akaroa salmon with citrus, spring peas, smoked creme fraise, fresh herbs and toasted rye
Salads
Savoy, chili, rocket and heirloom carrot slaw with aged white wine vinegar and evo
Mains
Roast free range organic chicken with black garlic butter and botanics
BBQ free range pork belly with doris plum bbq sauce
Slow roast lamb shoulder with with chimichurri and aioli GF
Sides
Fried gourmet potatoes with roman mustard vinaigrette, chives and feta
Dessert
Lemon tart, cherries, cream and smashed meringue
Two Courses
$70.00
Three Course
$80.00
Canapés
Please select from our canapé menus or packages
Garden
Leek & cheddar croquettes, leek ash aioli
$4.00
Crispy broccoli, black vinegar, pickled radish, pink salt & green chilli
$4.00
Cauliflower gruyere & olive arancini, gremolata mayonnaise
$4.00
Smoked beetroot, charcoal cracker, cashew nut butter, candied grapefruit
$4.50
Fish
Spicy akaroa salmon, charcoal cracker, yuzu roe & ruby grapefruit sam tam
$5.00
Smoked scallop, ginger and lemongrass spring roll with xo dressing and rice paddy herbs
$5.50
Prawn hot dog, wasabi tomato mayonnaise, konbu mustard, pickled cucumber
$6.00
Oysters with nashi pear and champagne vinegar
$6.00
Birds
Poached chicken, celery and soft herb cocktail sandwich with nettle aioli
$4.00
Lebanese chicken and preserved lemon borek with cinnamon yoghurt
$4.50
Kung Fu Peking duck pancake with hoisin, spring onion and lime
$5.50
Parfait cornetto with gingerbread, pear and hazelnut
$5.50
Farm
Slow cooked lamb shoulder & feta sausage roll, black olive marmalade
$4.50
Pork hock lollipop, chilli caramel & crackle
$5.50
Grilled steak wonton taco, tomatillo salsa, edamame, avocado and coriander shoots
$5.50
Miso pork belly with pickled cucumber, cherry hoi sin and black bao
$6.00
Canape Packages
The Botanist
The Botanist package is suitable for a two hour cocktail party
$30.00
Leek & cheddar croquettes, leek ash aioli
Spicy akaroa salmon, charcoal cracker, yuzu roe & ruby grapefruit sam tam
Prawn hot dog, wasabi tomato mayonnaise, konbu mustard, pickled cucumber
Silken chicken, mandarine chili jam, pickled cucumber rice paper roll with nouc cham chilli sauce
Slow cooked lamb shoulder & feta sausage roll, black olive marmalade
Grilled steak wonton taco, tomatillo salsa, edamame, avocado and coriander shoots
luxe Canapes
The luxe package is suitable for a two hour cocktail party
$37.00
Smoked beetroot, charcoal cracker, cashew nut butter, candied grapefruit
Yellowfin tuna sesame crusted on blini with spring onion and wasabi tobiko
Smoked scallop, ginger and lemongrass spring roll with xo dressing and rice paddy herbs
Kung Fu Peking duck pancake with hoisin, spring onion and lime
Pork hock lollipop, chilli caramel & crackle
Parfait cornetto with gingerbread, pear and hazelnut
Superluxe Canapes & Bowls
The Superluxe package is suitable for a three hour cocktail party over a meal period
$48.00
Canape
Cauliflower gruyere & olive arancini, gremolata mayonnaise
Smoked scallop, ginger and lemongrass spring roll with xo dressing and rice paddy herbs
Cold smoked beef tartare, caper, horseradish yoghurt and charcoal cracker
Miso pork belly with pickled cucumber, cherry hoi sin and black bao
Bowl
Smoked beef brisket, paris mash, pickled onions bearnaise and crispy onions
Coconut laksa, hot smoked salmon, noodles, bean shoots, asian herbs and crispy fish
Bowls
Bowl dishes are served pass around an event
Cold
Miso sesame roasted pumpkin, soda noodles, japanese pickles, soy, nori crisps
$12.00
Ras el hanout chicken, white hummus, peanut tahini and green olives
$12.00
Hot smoked salmon, roasted baby beets, rocket , goat cheese, pickled onion, soft herb
$14.00
BBQ duck salad with fennel, apple and fried organic barley
$14.00
Hot
Beef rendang, jasmine rice, smashed cucumber, coconut, kaffir lime
$14.00
Mushroom risotto with pecorino, herbs, hazelnuts and fried barley
$14.00
Smoked beef brisket, paris mash, pickled onions bearnaise and crispy onions
$15.00
Coconut laksa, hot smoked salmon, noodles, bean shoots, asian herbs and crispy fish
$15.00
Sweet
Lemon tart, cherries, cream and smashed meringue
$12.00
Rose garden pavlova with orange blossom curd and all the trimmings
$12.00
Triple chocolate brownie with raspberries and caramelised white chocolate
$12.00
Milk and honey creme caramel, walnut biscotti
$12.00
Seafood Bar
Mahurangi pacific oysters on crushed ice
Akaroa cold smoked salmon
Pickled peninsula green lipped mussels
Shallot vinaigrette, mini tabasco bottles and gin dressing
Per Person
$32.00
Produce Bar
Artisan salumi boards with bresaola and chilli salami
Roasted zucchini with goats curd and red peppers
Marinated artichoke hearts with lemon oil and basil
Grana Padano with baby muscatels
Marinated olives with chilli and lemon
Per Person
$30.00
Supper Bar
Glazed smoked ham on the bone with pickles, mustards and relishes
Grilled lamb cutlets with oregano and lemon
Zucchini and ricotta tart with truffle pecorino and basil
Heirloom baby carrots, raw radishes and Lebanese finger cucumbers
Marinated olives with lemon zest
Hunks of aged vintage cheddar and pickled figs
Wheel of triple cream white mould cheese with muscatel grapes
Grizzly artisan bread and crackers
Per Person
$50.00
Beverage List
A mix of traditional beer and wine alongside some of Canterbury's finest crafted offerings make up our beverage list.
You can choose from our range for use to supply on your event-generally these beverages are charged on consumption.
You can choose to use a beverage package to give your guests a great night “out” as well as having an exact budget set prior to the event.
Traditional Beers
Speights Traditional Ale
$8.00
Steinlager Pure
$10.00
Corona Extra Pale Lager
$10.00
Craft Beers
Cassels Brewery pilsner
$10.00
Cassels Brewery NZ IPA
$10.00
Cassels Brewery Milk Stout
$10.00
Three Boys Local 2.5IPA
$10.00
Cider
Zeffer CIder
$10.00
Canterbury WInes
Pegasus Bay Riesling
$50.00
Main Divide Sauvignon blanc
$45.00
Main Divide Chardonnay
$45.00
Main Divide Pinot Gris
$45.00
Main Divide Cab Merlot
$45.00
Nor Wester Pinot Noir
$45.00
Georges Road Rose
$45.00
Black Estate Rose
$55.00
NZ Bubbles