Red text quote saying, 'The Dreamers, the Creators, the Flavor Makers', referring to the owners of the catering business.

Viva La Vaca is the creation of Argentinian and Kiwi duo Matu and Chelsea. What began as a dream when they first met in Australia evolved as they travelled through Southeast Asia, South America, and New Zealand, drawing inspiration from diverse cuisines and cultures. In 2015, they returned to New Zealand to turn their vision into reality.

Starting as a humble food cart, Viva La Vaca has grown into a sought-after catering business specializing in weddings, private events, and corporate catering. Offering both set menus and bespoke options, every dish is thoughtfully crafted to suit the occasion. The philosophy behind Viva La Vaca is simple—creating moments through food. Colourful, vibrant, and packed with flavour, each dish is made with care using locally sourced ingredients.

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MATU

Matu, a classically trained chef with over 20 years of experience, has honed his skills in prestigious fine dining establishments across multiple continents. Originally from Argentina, his career has taken him through Australia, New Zealand, and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Spain, where he refined his craft at the highest level. Passionate about innovative cuisine and meticulous in his approach, he brings creativity and expertise to every menu.

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CHELSEA

Chelsea blends her Kiwi roots with an appreciation for global flavours, managing the behind-the-scenes operations that bring every event to life. From handling enquiries and social media to crafting menus and coordinating logistics, she ensures everything runs smoothly from the first enquiry to the final details. Her dedication to organization and customer service allows Matu and the team to focus on delivering exceptional food and seamless catering experiences.

A woman smiling with crossed arms standing in front of colorful graffiti on a textured wall. She is the owner of the business, event caterer Chelsea.

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COMBINED SKILL AND PASSION

Together, Matu and Chelsea combine their skills, passion, and diverse backgrounds to create extraordinary dining experiences. At Viva La Vaca, it's not just about food—it’s about bringing people together, celebrating flavours, and making every occasion truly special.

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Caterers standing together, one man with a beard wearing a white chef's coat and a woman with gray hair wearing a black t-shirt. The mural features stylized faces and abstract patterns in shades of purple, blue, and black.

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From our journey to your table - bringing unforgettable moments to life through food

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A bowl of fresh salad with leafy greens, orange segments, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled white cheese.

Salad with sliced fresh figs, crumbled feta cheese, and mixed greens in a black bowl on a light wooden surface.

A Caprese salad on a blue plate, consisting of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkled with ground black pepper, on a wooden surface.

A black bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, greens, garnished with green sauce, black sesame seeds, chopped nuts, and fresh dill on a white surface.

A white plate holding several fried snack bites topped with chopped herbs, placed on a wooden surface with a dark background.

Assorted salads and banana slices on a wooden table with floral centerpieces in the background.

Salad bowls with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and sprinkled seeds or nuts on a light-colored surface.

A black rectangular plate with a vegetarian salad including greens, yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, and orange slices, on a gray placemat with a glass of water, a soda bottle, and a partially visible bottle in the background.

Cheese platter with various cheeses, sliced and whole, along with green olives, sliced carrots, and other assorted snacks on a rustic wooden table.

A wooden serving board with various bread, cheese, and spreads at a wedding reception table. A man in a dark suit is seen in the background reaching for bread. A sign with

People dining outdoors at a long table with a variety of food including sliced meat, salad, and drinks, during a sunny daytime celebration.

An array of salads, sliced bread, and small dishes of butter and condiments on a wooden table.

Bowl of salad with shredded vegetables, chickpeas, seeds, and dressing, with wooden tongs resting on top, and several smaller bowls with vegetable toppings in the background. Catering example.

Slices of toasted baguette topped with cream cheese, beet relish, and walnuts on wooden serving boards at an event.

Salad with broccoli, spinach, pink onions, and edible flowers in a white plate, with wooden salad tongs. Wedding or event catering.