Does a Wellington business cover the Hutt and Kapiti?
Many do, but the further ends of the region carry travel time and it shows in the quote. NovaPay asks businesses covering your end first — the Kapiti Coast in particular is served by its own trades rather than by the city.
Why do Wellington quotes ask about access and steps?
Because they are most of the labour. Carrying materials up sixty steps or working off a boundary with no parking is genuinely a different job to the same work on a flat Hamilton section, and a quote that ignores it is the one that gets revised on the day.
How far ahead should I book?
For a wedding, months, and the good ones go first for Saturdays in summer. For a work lunch, often a week or two. Put the date in your request so only caterers who are free that day reply.
Is service and equipment included?
It varies more than anything else in a catering quote. Drop-off catering and fully staffed service are very different prices, so ask which the quote is and what hire is included.
Can they handle allergies and dietaries?
Nearly all can, but they need numbers rather than a note on the day. List the requirements in your request and the quotes come back already allowing for them.
What happens to the leftovers?
Worth asking, since food safety rules limit what can be sent home after being out at temperature. A caterer who is clear about it up front is one who takes the rest of it seriously too.