Amelia WilliamsI once attended a philosophy event where the microphone malfunctioned every few seconds, and the keynote speaker’s presentation kept blinking on and off.
By the time the lights flickered out mid-panel, I found myself pondering not the meaning of life but the meaning of event planning—and how crucial it is to get it right.
So, when I was tasked with overseeing the preparation for a writing workshop our company is hosting, I knew I couldn’t risk a repeat of that fiasco. I rallied the Auckland Magazine team, and we went behind the scenes.
We spoke to industry experts and people who’ve survived everything from weddings to workshops, all to track down the best professionals. And now, we finally have a list of the top event planners in Auckland who can help us, and you, pull off a flawless event.
How much does it cost to hire an event planner for an event in Auckland?
Hiring an event planner in Auckland costs at least 1000 NZD. However, this is just an estimate. The price will vary depending on the event, the planner, their rates and more.
1. The Event Refinery
Contact Details: +64 21 416 300
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Event Refinery is ideal for anyone who wants expert help with planning and a stress-free event from start to finish.
Their vendor management is top-notch. Everyone knows exactly what they’re doing, and communication stays clear, even when plans change at the last minute.
They also do a great job of balancing the creative and practical sides of planning. Budgets, payments, setup, and cleanup all run just as smoothly as the styling details.
A few vendors even told us they love working with The Event Refinery because it takes a lot of the usual last-minute stress off their plates.
Couples who’ve had the team plan their weddings rave about the special, custom touches—everything from table décor to flowers was thoughtfully tailored. Plus, the schedules are well-organised, so the event flows naturally.
We also appreciate that they don’t settle for boring company events. Businesses we talked to said the team matched the brand’s personality, right down to the smallest details like outdoor games at team events.
Just keep in mind that this level of quality comes at a price. Their planning and coordination services aren’t cheap, so they may not be the best fit for smaller events or those on a tight budget.
Made the planning process fun and stress-free
“We couldn’t recommend Mel and the Events Refinery team more! Mel is incredibly professional, organised and creative and is also one of warmest and most generous people you’ll meet. With all of our guests travelling from overseas, we organised glamping and a party the day after, so Mel essentially single-handedly organised and coordinated a two-day festival for 120 people! The entire weekend took a huge amount of work and coordination by Mel and it flowed seamlessly. She thought of details that never would have occurred to us and made the planning process fun and stress-free. We couldn’t have been happier and are so grateful that we found Mel!“
–Daniella Genende, Google Reviews
Incredibly helpful
“We had a fantastic experience with Mel at The Event Refinery. We hired a grid stand, signage frame and brass vases, and everything was perfect. Communication with Mel was always easy, and she was incredibly helpful sorting out delivery and drop-offs. Would highly recommend!”
–Catherine Doo, Google Reviews
2. Stylez NZ Decorations – Event Planner
Contact Details: +64 21 994 458
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
If you’re after a lively, energetic event with awesome cultural vibes—think Bollywood or Indian themes—Stylez NZ Decorations is a solid choice. They’re a one-stop shop for both entertainment and decorations, with interactive and fully customised setups.
Clients we talked to praised how well they listen to what they want, ensuring every detail is spot on. Whether it’s organising a DJ, Bollywood dancers, or henna art, they’ve got you covered.
The MCs and entertainers are incredible too. Guests often praised the hosts’ ability to keep the party buzzing and everything running smoothly. Meanwhile, the dancers and drummers are such crowd-pleasers that people still talk about them after the party ends.
Another big bonus is they handle everything in-house. You’re not left juggling a heap of different suppliers. From stage and furniture hire to lighting and backdrops, they take care of it all.
They also go all out for Diwali parties, with beautifully set tables and even a turban-tying station.
Just a heads up—their style is bold and bright. It’s perfect if you want your event to really stand out. But it might be a bit much if you’re after something more low-key.
The job was carried out as per the expectations
“Entire team of Stylez NZ decorations completed our business event with thorough professionalism. The communication was precise and the job was carried out as per the expectations. I would definitely use their services again and Lucky has been amazing to deal with.“
–Vinesh Kugaonkar, Google Reviews
The communication was amazing
“Lucky and the team were so great! Not only did they deliver late night but the communication was amazing! Thank you for helping us create the most perfect event 💯 Definitely Recommend to all!”
-Solz TaMz, Google Reviews
3. The Revelry
Address: 7A Berwick Street, Glendowie
Contact Details: +64 21 713 093
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
Anyone wanting both event planning and styling sorted in one place will find The Revelry an excellent option. They manage all sorts of events, from small baby showers to big corporate parties.
Jane and her team are particularly great at choosing decorations and accessories that feel fresh and suit your style. Couples who hired them for their engagement party said the styling was both fancy and fun.
Plus, the personalized gifts they put together really seemed to leave an impression with guests. Just let them know your budget, and Jane will prepare lovely, hand-picked gifts or favours.
We also love that they have a huge inventory of unique rental items. It saves you the hassle of chasing down different suppliers, and helps create a cohesive, polished style without extra stress.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Revelry is clear about its payment terms: they ask for 0% upfront, with the rest due a month before your event.
If any rented items get damaged, you’ll be charged the full replacement cost. We recommend being extra careful during setup and pack-down to avoid surprises on your final bill.
Brings events to life with elegance and edge
“Flawless styling and an incredible creative vision. Jane brings events to life with elegance and edge — always a standout!”
–Tori Phillips, Google Reviews
Does what she does with such style and finesse
“Huge thank you to Jane from The Revelry! Jane is extremely creative and does what she does with such style and finesse. Jane was great to work with, very positive and so willing to go the extra mile to ensure great outcomes. We would highly recommend Jane for any kind of event planning and styling.”
–Bracu Weddings and Events, Google Reviews
4. AP Events Limited
Contact Details:+64 210 663 388
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
If there’s one thing that really makes AP Events Limited stand out, it’s their incredible scavenger hunts. These aren’t your standard “find the next clue” games—they’re thoughtfully designed around your group and the event theme.
For corporate events, they’ll often include team-building tasks or puzzles that get everyone working together. Guests say these hunts break the ice, and get people mingling.
Beyond their standout scavenger hunts, AP Events is a solid choice for anyone who wants a full-service event planner. They handle everything—from the venue and decorations to the food, entertainment, and even transport.
That one-stop approach can be convenient if you want to avoid dealing with multiple vendors. Several clients have noted that the team puts in extra effort to make each event feel personal and tailored to them.
Their wedding packages are another bonus. Clients can choose anything from on-the-day help to full planning, even for out-of-town events.
One thing to note though: they don’t always answer the phone straight away. When you need to get in touch quickly, the wait can be a bit frustrating.
The planner took care of things
“We had an event on for my brother and AP events really helped me relax during the entire process, I was quite anxious about the event and how it would unfold but the planner took care of things. Very easy to communicate with and extremely efficient with their work, AP events possess great skills to be successful in this field, we look forward to working with them again should we have future events.“
–Dawit Baye, Google Reviews
Hands down, best to deal with
“Hands down, best to deal with. Went above and beyond. Designed just what I needed and delivered with care. Recommend him to anyone wanting anything done wedding related or any event for that matter. Appreciate this brother. Definitely do some more work together soon!”
–Irfan Ali, Google Reviews
5. Twist Events
Contact Details: +64 210 264 1954
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM
If you want your next gathering to be unforgettable, Twist Events’ murder mystery parties are a brilliant choice. Their events turn guests into detectives, suspects, and storytellers for the night.
A key strength is how well Twist Events tailors the storyline to the group’s interests—whether that means a 1920s speakeasy, a Hollywood-themed gala, or a haunted mansion. That flexibility helps the experience feel more relevant and engaging.
We also love that they handle the logistical details: invitations, props, scripts, and even themed playlists. On the day, their professional host arrives in character. They set the scene with dramatic flair and guide everyone through the unfolding mystery.
The virtual version (via mistressofmurder) is just as interactive. They use breakout rooms for secret meetings and digital clues—perfect for remote teams or friends in different cities.
Guests often comment on how the room transforms into a crime scene, with scattered clues and props that make everyone feel part of the story.
The host plays a big part in keeping the energy high. They encourage guests to interrogate each other, form alliances, and piece together evidence.
One limitation worth noting is that Twist Events focuses exclusively on murder mysteries. If you’re after a different type of event, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Incredible to deal with and highly professional
“Katy (Twist Events) was incredible to deal with and highly professional. For anyone wishing to host a Murder Mystery Part we definitely recommend Katy from Twist Events. If we decide to host another Murder Mystery Event we will not hesitate to use Katy once again.”
–Experiences Coordinator, Google Reviews
Everyone absolutely loved the game
“We booked Twist Events for a surprise birthday party! Could not be happier with how the night turned out! Katy was so organised leading up to the event and ran the night so well. Everyone absolutely loved the game and won’t stop talking about it! 🙂 🙂 Thanks Katy you legend!”
–Courtney Goudswaard, Google Reviews
