Why is Queenstown harder to book than Dunedin?
Demand and housing: the Lakes have more work than trades most of the year, and many businesses are quoting weeks out. Putting your dates and flexibility in the request is what gets a usable answer rather than silence.
What is a minimum spend?
Most venues hold a room against a dollar figure rather than a hire fee, so you commit to spending it whether or not you do. Ask for it in writing along with what counts towards it.
How far ahead should I book?
For November and December, months. Venues fill for work functions well before people start organising them. Any other time of year, a few weeks is usually enough.
Can we have the place to ourselves?
Exclusive hire is usually possible and usually costs more than a reserved area. Say which you want, because a quote for one is not a quote for the other.
What about dietary requirements?
Give numbers rather than a note on the night. Say the requirements in your request and the set menus that come back will already work for everyone.