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Restaurant Events in Whanganui

Our evening programme brings together food, wine, music and good company. Each event is built around a meal at Rakilka, and most are designed for sharing a table with friends or meeting new people over dinner. All event prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST.

Places at events are limited, so we recommend reserving early using the form below. To reserve a regular restaurant table, call +64 6 617 2212.

Upcoming Evenings

Seasonal New Zealand Dinner

Friday, 23 October 2026 · 6:30 pm

Celebrate the arrival of spring produce with a three-course dinner built around what's fresh right now. Expect early-season vegetables, fresh fish and a dessert made with spring fruit.

Format: Set three-course dinner at individual tables
What’s included: Starter, main course and dessert
Price: NZ$85 per person
Optional New Zealand wine pairing: NZ$45, or an alcohol-free pairing: NZ$25
Capacity: 40 places
Reservation: Required

Request a place

Wine & Small Plates Evening

Thursday, 5 November 2026 · 6:30 pm · 18+

A relaxed evening exploring New Zealand wine styles. We pour a guided selection of whites and reds, each matched with a small plate from our kitchen. You'll be seated at shared tables, so it's an easy evening to come along on your own or with friends.

Format: Guided tasting with small plates at shared tables
What’s included: Five tasting pours of New Zealand wine and five small plates
Price: NZ$75 per person
Alcohol-free option: An alcohol-free drink pairing is available at the same price. Please choose it when we confirm your reservation.
Capacity: 30 places
Reservation: Required

Request a place

Social Poker Evening

Thursday, 19 November 2026 · 7:00 pm · 18+

A relaxed card evening in the restaurant, combining friendly games of poker with food and drinks. This is a social event, and the focus is on good company. No money is played for, chips have no monetary value, and there are no prizes. Players of every level are welcome, and our host will explain the basics at the start.

Format: Friendly card games at tables of up to eight, with a host
What’s included in the event participation fee: Your reserved seat, event organisation, a small plate from our kitchen, and a welcome drink or alcohol-free alternative
Event participation fee: NZ$35 per person
Food and drinks: The full restaurant menu is available throughout the evening
Capacity: 24 places
Reservation: Required

Request a place

Live Acoustic Dinner

Saturday, 28 November 2026 · 6:00 pm

Enjoy dinner with soft live acoustic music in the background. The music is kept at a level that leaves room for conversation, so the evening stays centred on the meal.

Format: À la carte dinner with live acoustic music
What’s included: Live music during dinner service
Price: No event fee. You order from the menu as usual.
Capacity: 50 places
Reservation: Required for event seating

Request a place

Chef's Seasonal Table

Friday, 4 December 2026 · 6:30 pm

An intimate evening around one long table. Our kitchen team prepares a five-course menu built around the best early-summer produce and introduces each course as it's served.

Format: Five-course tasting menu at a single shared table
What’s included: Starter, three seasonal courses and dessert
Price: NZ$120 per person. Optional New Zealand wine pairing: NZ$65, or an alcohol-free pairing: NZ$35.
Capacity: 14 places
Reservation: Required

Request a place

Restaurant Quiz Evening

Wednesday, 9 December 2026 · 7:00 pm

A casual quiz night with full restaurant service. Bring a team of two to six people and test yourselves on general knowledge, food and culture. The winning team receives a small non-cash prize: a shared dessert platter on us.

Format: Team quiz across four rounds, with full restaurant service
What’s included: Quiz entry and hosting
Price: No event fee. You order food and drinks from the menu as usual.
Capacity: 48 places (up to eight teams)
Reservation: Required

Request a place

Event Reservation Request

Use this form to request a place at one of our evening events. This form is for event reservations only. To reserve a regular restaurant table, call +64 6 617 2212.

Submitting the form sends us a reservation request. Your place is not automatically confirmed. We check availability and event capacity first, then contact you with confirmation and next steps, including payment details where an event fee applies. If you have allergies or dietary requirements, please tell us when we contact you to confirm your place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to reserve an event place in advance?

Yes. Every event on this page needs a reservation because places are limited. Please send your request through the form above.

Can I visit Rakilka without attending an event?

Of course. Rakilka is a restaurant first, and you’re welcome to dine with us on any open day. To reserve a table, call +64 6 617 2212.

What happens if an event is full?

We’ll let you know, and we can offer you a place on our waiting list or suggest another evening.

Can I reserve several places?

Yes. You can request up to six places in one form. For larger groups, please call us on +64 6 617 2212.

Is the Social Poker Evening 18+?

Yes. The Social Poker Evening is for people aged 18 and over, and we may ask for proof of age.

How do I cancel my event reservation?

Call us on +64 6 617 2212 or email info@rakilka.com. Our full Cancellation Policy is in our Terms and Conditions.

Can I choose an alcohol-free option?

Yes. Alcohol is always optional at Rakilka. Our paid events include alcohol-free alternatives, and our full alcohol-free drinks list is available every evening.

Is the Wine & Small Plates Evening 18+?

Yes. Because wine tasting is the focus, this evening is for guests aged 18 and over.