My Blog

Artisan
Catering

Artisan Catering is a dedicated team of chefs, event planners and waiting staff ready to help make your next event a success.

Our philosophy is simple. To create innovative award-winning cuisine and deliver it with exceptional service at every event.

A Menu to Match Any Occassion

Whatever your event, Artisan has the experience and understanding to create a world class culinary experience to match.

From an intimate wedding through to a large-scale corporate event. All our food is made by hand, using the finest and locally grown ingredients that reflect the best Otago and the surrounding regions have to offer.

Our Menus

Exceptional Service with a Personal Touch

Our staff are hand-selected and personally trained to ensure a gold standard of service at all occasions.

From start to finish, we listen and take the time to understand your vision. All our client’s needs are met with a personal touch and we are with you every step of the way.

Our
Story

For the Love of Fine Food

Artisan catering has grown to become one of the regions most respected catering companies. Founded in 2010 by husband and wife team, award-winning Executive Chef John Pickens and hospitality icon Debbie Pickens, Artisan was born from a desire to bring innovative, adventurous cuisine and exceptional service to Queenstown events.

In 2016 Artisan Catering partnered with the Central Otago winery Mora Wines, formerly Akarua Wines, to create Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen – now established as one of Queenstown’s favourite restaurants.

Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan

AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

Today, Artisan caters a wide range of private and corporate functions from small intimate dinners and weddings through to large-scale 1000 pax music events.

Artisan has earned itself an international reputation with a client list that includes Hollywood celebs, politicians and royalty, as well as some of the world’s biggest names in the music industry and business world.

Outstanding Chef of the Year 2019

Awarded to Executive Chef and founder of Artisan Catering, John Pickens at the Queenstown Hospitality Awards 2019.

The award represents the New Zealand Restaurant’s Association and hospitality industry’s Mark of Excellence

PEOPLE’S CHOICE OF THE YEAR 2021

Awarded to Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan with members of the dining public overwhelmingly selecting it as their favourite place to dine.

Everything was faultless from the service, staff to the food. I have had emails and phone calls flowing in this morning thanking us for the event but mostly commenting on the incredible food.
Anna and JamesLake Hayes, Queenstown
Debbie, John and the Artisan Catering team, you provided us and our guests with food and service that everyone is still raving about. The menu you created was incredible, really beautifully showed off the local wonderful food. The next day, the effort you went to, all just awesome!! Thank you all so much!
Ann & DarrylRippon Winery, Wanaka
The quality of each course was better than I would expect at a fine dining restaurant, let alone catering for 200 people. Every course was a highlight, but special mention must go to the dessert, which several people at my table would have done almost anything to get seconds of
Ann & DarrylRippon Winery, Wanaka
The quality of each course was better than I would expect at a fine dining restaurant, let alone catering for 200 people. Every course was a highlight, but special mention must go to the dessert, which several people at my table would have done almost anything to get seconds of
KatEvent manager for the New Zealand Olympic Committee

Corporate

With more than 10 years’ experience catering in Queenstown, we have the expertise to ensure your next corporate event is a success whether it’s a casual lunch, a black-tie evening or a multi-day event.

Weddings

Tying the knot in Central Otago? We have built our reputation on helping clients tailor the perfect wedding experience in a range of venues around the region.

Private

From celebrating a milestone or entertaining guests in the luxury of your own accommodation - we can help organise everything from cocktails and canapes, a gourmet barbecue lunch or a seven-course dinner with private chef and sommelier.