Thinking of planning an elopement for New Zealand? It can be daunting planning an elopement overseas when you don’t know where to start or don’t even know what is fully involved. This is where I come in, being a New Zealand Adventure Elopement Photographer, I’m here to help you plan your elopement in the South Island of New Zealand from beginning to end.
Why should we elope in New Zealand?
I may be biased in saying that we are the best country in the world because I live here, but we really do have some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes all within driving distances of each other.
We are an english speaking country which means for the most part you won’t need to learn a new language if you’re already coming from an english speaking country. One of our very popular tourist destinations (Queenstown) is known worldwide for being the Adventure Capital of the World – with the famous AJ Hackett bungee jumping.
Although Queenstown is known for it’s adventure, the rest of the South Island isn’t far behind, with hikes to beautiful glaciers and mountain tops, helicopter flights, riverrafting and more. The whole South Island is an experience out of this world!
Here in New Zealand we have the NZ$ which means that Euros, Pounds and US$ go a lot further here. Essentially you’re paying less for travel here than if us kiwi’s would be if we travelled to the US or Europe – so basically saving money right!
But in all seriousness, New Zealand offers amazing landscapes that you can only dream of, with natural waterfalls, hot springs and some of the best stargazing opportunities of the Milky Way, how could you not want to elope here?!
How to get to New Zealand:
We have two international airports in New Zealand – Auckland (located in the North Island) and Christchurch (located in the South Island). Some flights may require you to stop over in Auckland and then fly a domestic flight down to the South Island.
If you are flying into Auckland and then to the South Island, keep in mind that you will need some time to get through customs and then from the international to the domestic terminal (about a 10 minute outdoor walk).
Another tip for flying to New Zealand is try and book flights for evenings, that way you can sleep and have as little disruption to your sleeping patterns as possible for when you arrive in New Zealand.
If you are renting a car in the New Zealand (best way to take control of your trip) remember that we drive on the LEFT side of the road. And due to our roads being windy and narrower in some places expect to drive to the conditions and not always to the speed limit, but instead lower. My top tip is if you feel you need to drive slower, don’t hold up the traffic behind you, pull over in the next pull over bay, let them pass and then carry on with your travels. Stay safe on our roads!
When should we elope in New Zealand?
In all honesty it depends on what you’d like to achieve with your elopement adventure in New Zealand. My favourite seasons here are Autumn and Spring when all the leaves start changing or all the blossoms come out of hiding! Although our famous lupin season in summer has a very special place in my heart, I really love all seasons!
Our seasons here in New Zealand are opposite to the US and Europe:
Summer – December – February (this is our windiest season but also the season to see our lupins)
Autumn – March – May
Winter – June – August (this is the best time for skiing in New Zealand)
Spring – September – November
We have pretty consistent rainfall throughout the year and because we have a skinny country the weather passes by quite quickly which means it could be freezing in the morning but hot by lunch.
How to travel around New Zealand after your elopement:
Every year we have more and more tourists coming to New Zealand for the lupins that can be found in the South Island of New Zealand. From the areas of Mt.Cook National Park to Otago and Milford Sound/Fiordland you can see fields of pinks, blues and purples gracing our beautiful country for the warmer summer months.
And although they are an invasive plant that can be dangerous to certain native plants and birds, they add just a little bit of ‘spectacular’ to our scenery. A one of a kind experience.
If you want blue lakes, snow covered mountain tops, and fields of luscious lupins then New Zealand is the place for you.
Top Activities for your Adventure Elopement:
- Whale Watching via plane in Kaikoura
- Dolphin tours and guided swimming in Akaroa
- Tour the wineries of North Canterbury by bike
- Horse trekking in Hanmer Springs
- Rock Climbing in Wanaka
- Day hikes throughout the Island
- Visit our free entry National Parks
- Visit a Glacier
- Up close and personal encounters with Kea’s in Arthur’s Pass
We have an abundance of activities from super adventurous to easy going, perfect to suit you as a couple and what you’d like to do for your elopement.
Best places for your New Zealand Elopement in the South Island:
There are so many more locations located in the South Island that you could elope at but these are just a few of my favourite places.
- Kaikoura – seal colonies
- North Canterbury – the BEST wineries
- Akaroa – swimming with the dolphins
- Wanaka – beautiful hikes and the famous #thatwanakatree
- Lake Hawea – an underrated lake with the most beautiful views of snowy mountains
- Tekapo – lupins and the best place in all of New Zealand for Milky Way viewing and stargazing
- Mt.Cook – Hooker Valley track is very popular but its a fabulous walk through the mountains
- Pukaki – turquoise blue lake with Mt.Cook in the background, and during summer surrounded by lupins along the shoreline
What should we pack for our New Zealand elopement?
Besides packing the usual items like any other trip, these are my top item suggestions for packing when planning your New Zealand adventure elopement.
- Sunscreen (you can always buy this at the stores here)
- Bug repellent (again you could just buy this when you get here)
- Passport and visa info
- Power adaptors
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups (you can ask the local coffee shops to make your coffee in your keep cup instead of a throw away cup)
- Clothing for all weather (as mentioned before our weather can change pretty quickly so always make sure to pack extra layers in case things start to get cold. The mornings and the evenings are typically cooler/colder than during the day).
Can we legally get married in New Zealand?
The simple answer is yes. All that is legally required to make things official (apart from the paperwork of course – which you can find here) is a celebrant that lives in New Zealand, and two witnesses (and your photographer/s or videographer can be witnesses – they will be required to sign your marriage licence to state they agree that you should be married).
My top advice would be to apply for your marriage licence earlier than later so your mind is at ease that the paperwork has come through without leaving things to the last minute. Our registry office requires the marriage licence application to be made within 3 months of the date you want to elope on so the perfect sweet spot is anywhere between 3-1 months before your date.
You can pay the NZ$150 fee online so you don’t need to worry about going to an office to pay in person.
Note: You may need to process additional paperwork in your home country/state so check with your local governments to see what is required of you.
Ready to plan your New Zealand Adventure Elopement?
Hi, I’m Chaznel, New Zealand based Adventure Elopement photographer. I help you to plan the BEST New Zealand experience ever!
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!
