Thinking of planning an intimate adventure elopement in New Zealand? Then you’ve come to the right place! New Zealand is the perfect location to elope offering magnificent landscapes perfect for the adventure-seeking couples! In this blog I’m going to tell you the little secrets about eloping in New Zealand. Let’s dive in!
Where to elope in New Zealand:
New Zealand has an overflow of breath-taking locations for your elopement day! The fun thing about New Zealand locations is that they are all within driving distances, so you don’t have to worry about flying from point A to point B (unless you want to or plan on travelling from the North Island to the South Island). As a photographer, I’ve travelled all over New Zealand, but these are some of my favourite locations for adventurous couples to elope in.
Kaikoura – East Coast of the South Island – Kaikoura is the best place to see Seals up close along the coastline. From rocky beaches to sandy beaches and endless ocean and surrounding mountain views Kaikoura is definitely a must see location. One of my favourite reasons for loving Kaikoura is when the mist starts to set in and creates this moody ocean view. This is also the best region if you plan on booking a whale watching flight where the pilots take you in the air to spot whales from the sky.
Hurunui – East Coast of the South Island – About two hours drive further south from Kaikoura you get to Hurunui district which offers mountain hikes, lake walks, secluded beaches, and luscious forests. My favourite is along the coastline where you can access a few secluded beaches either by hike or by 4WD.
Akaroa – Peninsula on the East Coast of the South Island – I love the variety of views and activities you can find in the Akaroa region. From waterfalls, to hikes, to dolphin tours and divine food it’s the perfect quaint little place on the east coast of the South Island. This region offers guided animal tours perfect to add to your adventure and if you’re brave enough you could even book a swim with the dolphins – cool right?!
McKenzie Country – Where our Famous Mt.Cook is located – I’m sure if you’ve done some research about eloping in New Zealand or travelling New Zealand you would’ve come across our famous snowy mountain – Mt. Cook. The lakes surrounding it creates the most magical landscapes looking on the mountain. And famously our lupin fields flower every year from mid November through to early January creating the most luscious swaying fields or blues, purples and pinks in this region too. Tekapo and Pukaki is the perfect locations to view Mt.Cook and the lupins during your elopement in New Zealand.
Otago – Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown, Glenorchy – Otago region offers skiing adventures and luscious hiking waterfalls. Planning a hike for your elopement? This is the perfect region for you, with stunning hikes throughout the area with views worth the climb! Although there are many mountain areas in this region you’ll also find famous lakes like Lake Wanaka with the Wanaka Tree, Queenstown, and more. If you’re thinking of a winter wonderland elopement then I would recommend this as the perfect place for you.
Pro-tips for planning your elopement in New Zealand:
- Our seasons are opposite to the American/european seasons e.g. when America has Spring we have Autumn in New Zealand and so on. So always check that the month you’d like to elope in is the season you’re wanting as well.
- In New Zealand our Internal Affairs Department (government) requires that you have two witnesses at your ceremony to sign your legal documents and agree that you should be married. To bypass this you can always get married at the courthouse in your own country and plan for a Symbolic Elopement Ceremony to have here in New Zealand instead.
- Plan for a weekday elopement that way you have the best chances of having locations all to yourselves.
Looking for a New Zealand Elopement Photographer?
Check out my New Zealand Elopement Photographer Page. I plan your epic New Zealand elopement from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a New Zealand elopement photographer who values the experience and who knows the ins and outs of weather, secluded locations and can create the perfect day of your dreams, then let’s start planning!
