Food Truck Booking Resources for Event Planners

How SIFoodTrucks works for event planners

SIFoodTrucks is a booking platform for South Island food truck operators. As an event planner, you can browse a curated directory of approved operators, view their full menus and pricing, and submit a booking request on behalf of your client — all in one place.

Each operator profile includes photos, cuisine type, dietary options, guest capacity range, and reviews from past events. You can filter by location, cuisine, and availability to shortlist operators quickly.

Once you submit a booking request, the operator responds directly — typically within 24 hours. You manage the booking thread, receive the quote, and confirm on behalf of your client. Deposit payments are handled securely through the platform.

What to brief your operator on

The more detail you provide upfront, the more accurate and useful the quote you receive. When submitting a booking request, include:

• Event date and time — including when service should start and end, and when the truck needs to arrive for setup
• Venue address and any access notes — gate codes, tight driveways, distance from road, indoor vs outdoor
• Expected guest count — even a range is useful; operators use this to calculate prep quantities and staffing
• Dietary requirements — give specific numbers (e.g. "12 vegetarian, 4 gluten-free, 1 severe nut allergy"), not just "a few"
• Whether the venue has power and water supply for the truck
• Event type and format — seated dinner, cocktail party, festival format, corporate team day, etc.
• Your client's budget range — optional, but often leads to more tailored proposals

Vetting operators for your clients

Every operator on SIFoodTrucks has been reviewed and approved before listing. Beyond that, here's what to look for when choosing an operator for a client event.

• Reviews — read for consistency and how the operator handles issues, not just the star rating
• Menu quality and breadth — a well-thought-out menu with good photos suggests a professional operation
• Response time — operators who respond quickly to enquiries tend to be more reliable on the day
• Guest capacity range — check this matches your client's event size
• Experience with similar events — ask directly if the operator has catered weddings, corporate events, or large festivals before
• Profile completeness — operators who have invested in a detailed profile tend to take bookings seriously

Insurance and compliance

Food truck operators in New Zealand are required to hold a current food registration certificate and comply with local council requirements for operating at events. Most reputable operators also carry public liability insurance.

As an event planner, you should confirm the following with any operator before confirming a booking:

• Current food registration certificate (required by NZ Food Act 2014)
• Public liability insurance — ask for the certificate of currency; most venues require it
• Any relevant council permits if the event is on public land
• Health and safety plan for the event if required by your client or venue

Coordinating multiple trucks

For larger events where your client wants two or more food trucks, a few additional logistics apply.

Ensure there is sufficient space for each truck to park, set up, and have a clear guest queue — typically 6–8 metres of length and 3–5 metres of queue space per truck. Trucks should not be positioned so their queues cross or block each other.

Stagger arrival times to avoid access conflicts. Let each operator know other trucks will be present and confirm they're comfortable with the shared setup.

For events with a main meal truck and a secondary coffee or dessert cart, timing the secondary service to begin as the main service wraps up keeps guest engagement high and avoids a lull.