Kauri Bay Boomrock - Wedding Venue Review

Kauri Bay Boomrock is one of Auckland's newest wedding venues and they have done everything right. The location, the food, the venue itself, I don't even know where to start!

Here’s what a wedding day at Kauri Bay Boomrock looks like from a local wedding photographer’s perspective. This review is structured in chronological order.

Getting to the venue

Boomrock have it all covered. They organise a charter bus that picks people up from Auckland CBD. This makes things super easy for all your guests and I think it creates a really special experience for people, travelling out together really makes it feel like a destination wedding. I love watching the guests faces as they arrive at the venue - it’s always obvious that they’ve enjoyed the scenic trip up!

Boomrock also offer the option to arrive at your wedding via a helicopter, which is pretty rad if you ask me. There's also a carpark for people who can't travel on the bus.

 Location, Location, Location!

If you don't already know, Boomrock is set in the most idyllic of locations. Atop a hill in the Clevedon countryside, with panoramic views in every direction. It's the kind of place that you would see photos of but never know where they were taken without knowing the right person. This makes Boomrock a truly stunning place to have your wedding, your guests will absolutely be wowed and captivated by the unique location. The surrounding landscape also makes for a stunning ceremony backdrop and is perfect for sunset photos - I'll go into more detail on those things soon.

As for the building itself, it nails the balance of modern and country rustic perfectly. It’s a stunning building on the exterior and the interior and has been designed and built with no compromises. The layout of the space is also really great, with the building flowing between the ceremony and reception areas so easily. This is great as once your guests are there, they are there, no extra travel between the ceremony & reception.

Ceremony location

The view behind the ceremony spot is absolutely iconic and creates an amazing backdrop. Boomrock have some lovely wooden bench seats and an option of two complementary arch options, a Manuka wood arch (pictured below) or you could bire your own unique arch like my couple did with their round arch below.

Whatever you choose, the backdrop creates the perfect opportunity to do something cool with an arch here. Boomrock also have a really great wet weather ceremony option for the ceremony - in front of a crackling fireplace. So if it's raining on your wedding day, this is guaranteed to bring all the good vibes. If the rain is really strong, there are transparent side curtains to shelter your guests from the rain so they are all kept warm and cosy.

Canapes, Hugs & High-fives!

Once the ceremony is over, it's time to let the good times roll. The Boomrock staff will have a bunch of refreshments and canapes ready for your guests. After all this has settled down, it's usually time to do some family photos.

Family Photos

There's a really stunning concrete wall that I find is perfect for family photos. As a photographer, what makes this spot so great is the fact that no matter what the weather, the lighting here will be perfect. If it's a sunny day, this area is always in what we photographers call open shade - which is some of the nicest light to shoot in. It's perfect - a clean and minimalist background, lots of space to add family members in, and far enough away from the guests that we can do the family photos without distractions but close enough that anyone you might need to grab is still going to be nearby.

Entertainment for the guests

While you're doing family photos all the guests will be kept entertained with a bunch of lawn games, Giant Jenga, Cornhole, Giant Connect Four. Or how about this - golf driving! Boomrock has a tee right next to where the family photos happen. Everyone can have a go at making the shot over the rolling field into a hole on a floating pontoon in a pond. Something which is incredibly unique and is guaranteed to be an absolute hit, every time!

Also, it should be mentioned that Axe throwing is also something offered, and I think the guests love it even more than the golf! It brought so much fun and laughter for all.

Photo Locations

Boomrock have a bunch of amazing spots on site, so there really isn't a need to go offsite for photos, which is a real bonus and saves a bunch of time. In terms of the locations, firstly, there's right there next to the ceremony - with that stunning view in the background.

There’s an epic forest onsite, which is one of my favourite places to shoot. There are also a bunch of spots where you can stop and take photos at along the many gravel roads that connect all the Boomrock. Even right next to the ceremony offers some amazing backdrops too.

In terms of getting around to all these spots you can totally drive around in your own cars, or you can opt to be driven around in the latest Landrover. To get to the forest, it’s ideal to have a 4wd weather it’s the Landrovers or you bring your own.

And of course there's the famous, 'top-of-the-hill' spot next to a trig station, which I think is best saved for sunset, which I'll get to later.

The Reception

The reception building is amazing, they've really done a great job with the design and build. It nails classy country vibes. All the tables and seating provided are really tasteful too and match the space perfectly and can be set up in a variety of ways to suit what you want. The wooden framework in the ceiling above also provides an opportunity to hang floral styling if you want to be a bit extra, but it also looks great left as is.

Now it's time for some food and I've got to say, Kauri Bay Boomrock really hits it out of the park when it comes to the food. They do some of the best wedding food I've ever eaten and I've eaten a LOT of wedding meals. I can't say it enough, the food here is really something special and is of a very high standard, I'm always so impressed. What's more, all of the staff deliver such good service with the best of attitudes. There is a really strong team vibe amongst the staff and everything is always done with a smile. It's a top notch crew at Boomrock, definitely one of my favourites.

Sunset Photos

The sunset spot at Kauri Bay Boomrock is one of their biggest assets in my opinion, it's right next to the building so you don't have to go far, and the view at the top is absolute perfection, it doesn't get much better than this for sunset. Sunset photos usually only take 15-20 mins as it's only a small walk up the hill. Having a spot like this right next to the reception is priceless, when you get to the top you won’t be disappointed.

The sunset time at Boomrock is a bit different from the offical sunset time due to the mountainline, that’s where I come in to help coordinate timing it perfectly.

Dancefloor time

Once the evening formalities have concluded there's only one thing to do - hit the D-floor. Boomrock move a few tables away and the dancefloor is really to go. Now I don't know if it's a coincidence, but so far all the weddings I've photographed at Boomrock have had the most pumping dance floors, I mean, T-rex costume anyone? What's also really great about KBB is that they setup dessert tables outside and get the fire going too, so if people want to grab some fresh air there are plenty of places to take a seat and do that. There's nothing like being gathered around a wood fire, sitting in some bean bags, enjoying some golden yarns with your friends. I really like how there's this separation so that the party animals can keep raging inside, and those who just want to talk and hang out, they can do in the outside area so they don't have to compete with the noise of the dancefloor.

All in all, Kauri Bay Boomrock is one of the best Auckland wedding venues

Boomrock hit the Auckland wedding scene with a bang, and it's clear to see why. They've paid so much careful attention in choosing the location of their venue as well as setting it all up in a way that makes so much sense. If you're looking to get married here, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at Boomrock.

More information

• Kauri Bay Boomrock can seat up to 200 guests

• Hire includes the exclusive use of the lodge for your ceremony & reception, use of the Manuka arch or white picture frame arch, wooden tables, chairs, and pews. Cutlery, crockery, glassware, napkins and staffing for full table service. Lodge setup and cleanup, printed menus for your guests, management and coordination of your wedding from start to finish. Two meetings with your coordinator. A rehearsal at KBB, and a picnic hamper for your bridal party photos

• Complimentary lawn games for your guests - Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Petanque - ‘extreme golf’ available for extra fee.

• Both an outdoor ceremony location and a wet-weather ceremony option available

• Are able to arrange transport options for all your guests, including, coach and a helicopter

• Onsite accomodation available

• Offer an extensive and customisable menu

Contact

You can check out Kauri Bay Boomrock’s website here to learn more about their packages and pricing www.kauribayboomrock.co.nz/weddings

If you’d like to get in touch with the team at Boomrock you can do so via the form on their website here, or via the contact details below.
Phone: +64 9 298 7779
Email: events@kauribayboomrock.co.nz
Physical Address: 777 Clevedon-Kawakawa Road, Clevedon, Auckland 2585, New Zealand

If you have any questions for me about anything wedding related feel free to shoot me an email: jonathan@jonathansuckling.com

Good luck with your wedding planning, and hey, maybe one day I’ll see you at your wedding! :D