FISH at Hilton Auckland is serving up seaside views without the sad buffet lines this festive season

With events seasons rapidly descending upon us, our inboxes are filling with invite threads and our calendars are getting tight. If you still haven’t figured out where to book that end-of-year gathering, FISH at Hilton Auckland has a festive dining lineup that’s more about elevated experiences and less about sad buffet lines. 

Running from 13 November to 22 December 2025, FISH’s Festive Group menu is made for groups of ten or more who prefer their celebrations paired with sea views. It’s a curated three-course affair, spotlighting the best of seasonal New Zealand produce with just the right amount of holiday flair, sans tinsel – of course. 

The vibe? Elevated, but not uptight. Think a buttery mini turkey & cranberry sausage roll wrapped in sage pastry as an amuse bouche, followed by house-baked focaccia and a whipped pumpkin and feta dip that will have you thinking about it until Christmas. Starters are made to share, expect Mediterranean crab cakes with crayfish lemon, coconut-laced Marlborough mussels, and a duck and cherry terrine that’s as rich as your December social schedule.

When it comes to mains, options include herb-crusted lamb cutlets with black garlic jus, pan-roasted market fish in a ginger lemongrass cream, or a festive glazed Manuka smoked ham with clove and orange reduction. Vegetarian? The pumpkin gnocchi with truffle mushrooms and whiskey cream sauce is anything but an afterthought. Communal sides offer thyme-glazed root veg and smoky maple sweet potatoes to keep the table cosy. 

And of course, there’s dessert. Choose your holiday nostalgia: a classic Christmas pudding with brandy custard, a fresh pavlova with rhubarb and berries, or a cinnamon-spiced apple tartlet swimming in vanilla bean custard.

Not into sit-downs? FISH also has canapé and grazing packages that swap white tablecloths for relaxed, cocktails-in-hand. Expect moreish bites like buttermilk fried chicken with chipotle yoghurt, prawn croquettes, salt & pepper squid, and oozy Camembert wedges with fermented honey, perfect for after-work drinks or weekend soirées by the harbour. 

Whether you're planning a luxe long lunch, a corporate catch-up, or just want a reason to dress up and drink bubbles with your friends, FISH delivers the festive goods with the best views in Auckland City. There’s just one catch: you’ll need to book ahead. This kind of end-of-year offering doesn’t stay available for long. 

BOOK HERE.