© Copyright 2022 Akarana Marine Sports Charitable Trust
Common Questions for Memorials & Celebrations of Life
Venue
We’re located at beautiful Okahu Bay, Ōrākei, with stunning sea views. Our venue offers plenty of free parking for your guests.
Yes, we can accommodate services with a casket. Logistics and timing may need to be flexible due to other venue activity. For services with a casket, we facilitate a blessing of the room with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, but participation is completely optional—you don’t need to do anything if you prefer.
No, the internal stairwell cannot be used for caskets. Akarana is a busy community and sports facility, so access inside the building is shared with other activities. The only entrance and exit for caskets is the external staircase on the Western side of the building. This entrance is private, covered, and provides safe, respectful access for your service.
Yes, all our rooms are wheelchair accessible, and there are accessible restrooms and parking nearby. An elevator is located at reception on the ground floor.
We have two main spaces: the Combined Rooms (for up to 200 guests) and the Te Kawau Room (up to 350 guests). Both rooms are light-filled, elevated, and feature in-room bars, AV equipment, and balconies overlooking Rangitoto.
Yes. We also have the Joyce Fisher Room downstairs, which is perfect for smaller services and wakes.
Yes – depending on the time, and if it is available. Minimum spends apply, please speak to your Event Manager for more details.
While we do our best to make your service private, Akarana is an active community hub, so complete exclusivity cannot be guaranteed. Your function room however, is private.
No. You are welcome to work with a funeral director, but it is not required. Our team can support families who wish to organise the service directly with us.
Absolutely. We encourage families to arrange a site visit so you can see the spaces and discuss your requirements with our team.
We have plenty of parking onsite that is free, as well as plenty of on street parking which is un restricted. Please note that there is paid parking on the marina side only. These spaces are marked in red.
Absolutely. Please speak directly to your Event Manager regarding delivery and collection.
A: Yes, we allow up to one hour of early access before the service begins. This time is separate from the standard four-hour room allocation, giving you extra time to prepare or welcome guests.
Catering
Yes, all catering is provided by our on-site team. We offer a range of menus designed to suit different styles of services and gatherings.
We understand guest numbers can be uncertain. We can help you select a suitable package or menu based on an estimate, and adjust quantities closer to the day if needed.
We offer two simple catering packages, or you can select alternatives from our full menu. Options include afternoon tea, finger foods, canapés, or more substantial buffet-style meals.
Catering and beverage choices are best considered based on the time of day and the type of gathering you’re planning. Our team can help guide you on suitable options for morning, afternoon, or evening services.
Yes, our rooms can be reconfigured after the service to accommodate food and beverage service. For services with a casket, this often follows a send-off or gathering for guests, usually running for two hours or more.
Yes. Tea and coffee can be served as a standalone option or alongside other beverages. If a bar is open after the service, a full tea and coffee service may not be needed, though we can provide it on a smaller scale if desired.
No, outside food or beverages are not permitted. All catering must be provided by our on-site team to ensure quality and compliance with our health and safety standards
Yes, leftover food can be taken home. We provide a simple waiver for this, which can be signed on the day to allow you to safely take the food with you.
Beverages
Yes, both rooms feature in-built bars which can be opened following the service. Bar service can be arranged as a tab, cash bar, or a combination of both.
We offer a selection of wines, bottle and tap beers, spirits, and cocktails. Cocktail service is optional and can be included or excluded depending on your preference.
Yes, a minimum spend applies to cover staffing costs. Our team can help you plan a bar option that fits your needs.
Yes, security is required whenever beverages are served and is an additional fee.
No, external security is not permitted. We work with a reliable, contracted security company to ensure the safety and smooth running of all events at Akarana.
Tea and coffee service can be provided separately or on a smaller scale alongside the bar. If a bar is open after the service, a full tea and coffee service may not be necessary, but can still be offered if desired.
Yes. Tea and coffee can be served as a standalone option or alongside other beverages. If a bar is open after the service, a full tea and coffee service may not be needed, though we can provide it on a smaller scale if desired.
No, all beverage service is managed by our staff to ensure safety and compliance with licensing requirements.
No, outside alcohol or beverages are not permitted. All drinks must be provided by our on-site bar to ensure compliance with licensing and safety requirements.
Keep up to date with Akarana
For the latest updates and news from Akarana, subscribe to our newsletter.
Akarana