Are you ready for New Zealand?! After a badass location matchmaking service, New Zealand is officially added to our repertoire. THINK rainforests with waterfalls. Cliff jumps. Glacier viewpoints. HOBBITON!!!! Polynesian Spa. Hot springs. All of this and more is included in the ultimate New Zealand elopement guide!

First things first. You’ve heard of New Zealand, but do you know where it is? New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It’s slightly smaller than Colorado and is broken into two parts, the North Island and the South Island. There are also over 600 smaller islands, but for this guide, we’re going to stick to the big two islands. Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and Auckland is its most populous city, both in the north.

When

When should you elope, according to the New Zealand elopement guide? Uh, Christmas. BECAUSE GUESS WHAT?!?!?!? It’s FREAKING SUMMER during Christmas. SUMMER! 

On the North Island (Auckland, Bay of Islands, Coromandel), it’ll be around 68-77º. The far north coasts are drier and warmer. Over on the South Island (Christchurch, Queenstown), it’ll be around  64°F–75°F. It’s mostly dry, but can get some showers. (Don’t worry, I have all sorts of rainy day elopement hacks.) Due to the warmer weather and longer daylight hours, New Zealand’s peak tourist season is December–February.

Auckland & Northland are known as the winterless north. These areas are warmer, with daytime temperatures hovering around 58°F and rarely dropping below 45°F at night. Wellington will get a little cooler, with windy days, and temperatures usually range from 45°F to 54°F. If you choose to go in the New Zealand winter, June to August, you’ll still be in good shape temperature-wise, but it’s only about 9-10 hours of daylight, so we will pack your itinerary to maximize the sunshine!

How to Travel for an Elopement – 15 Tips for Couples

Make it legal

You can legally elope as a foreigner in New Zealand! The two types of civil unions in New Zealand are registry ceremonies and personalised ceremonies. Make sure everything is planned in advance by reading this step-by-step guide to civil unions in New Zealand.

An option is to have a legal elopement ceremony in the States and a symbolic ceremony overseas! This is one way to include friends and family when you elope, but we have a whole guide on how to do that while still keeping your elopement vision.

How to Elope with Friends and Family – creative ideas!

New Zealand Elopement Guide: How to get there

Flight prices vary depending on when you elope in New Zealand. March–May and September–November are the cheapest times to fly. June – August are mid-price. And, of course, the tourist season from December to February is the most expensive. Traveling during this time can cost up to 40% more. While travelling on holidays can be cheaper, that’s not the case in NZ. Travelling on Christmas holidays and New Year’s Day is still expensive. 

How to Get Around

For adventure seekers, I highly recommend a camper van. It’s the best way to see most of New Zealand. You can even pick it up at Queenstown airport. Make sure you don’t wait around for booking this. Ask for self-contained certification + one-way pickup/dropoff. One option I like is the JUCY Campervans.

What to do

In the ultimate New Zealand elopement guide, we’re getting into why you are choosing New Zealand- the adventures! 

Dart River Valley

The Dart River Valley should definitely be on your list! If you want to hike the Routeburn Track, be sure to start early and make it a sunrise adventure. The first hiking section doesn’t require a permit. If you want to adventure in the open water (who doesn’t?), then sign up for the Dart River Jet Boat!

South Island Helicopter Adventure

I’ll always recommend a helicopter adventure. Southern Lakes Helicopters or Heli Glenorchy lists this Experience at $550- $900 NZD/person. You’ll have a Scenic flight over Dart Glacier, a Remote alpine landing IE seclusion for your vows (!!). There’s also the option to have a short unguided or guided hike (photo wander, ridge walk). Meaning BIG ROMPS. Then they’ll fly back or land you near the trailheads. Typically, this takes under 3 hours for an excursion of a lifetime. 

New Zealand Elopement Guide: Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, West Coast

I highly recommend taking the drive from Glenorchy to Wanaka via Crown Range or Lindis Pass. The Crown Range and Lindis Pass are EPIC views. Exactly why you CHOOSE New Zealand. Seriously, you’ll have heart eyes IRL. 

If you’re hanging in Wanaka, check out getting a Lux Airbnb on the lake or camping. Waking up with that water view??? Unbeatable. You’ll also get a more chill local vibe in Wanaka. Stop by the farmer’s market. Pick up a treat from tiny local bakeries. Tour the Lavender farm. Just have a hyper intentional experience, ya know?

If an epic sunrise hike is on your must-list. Check out Mount Aspiring National Park. You can exchange your vows at Hike Roy’s Peak at sunrise, and sail off into the sunrise as husband and wife.

The Haast Pass is about 2 hours from Wanaka. You’ll take State Highway 6, which is a scenic route with waterfalls, rainforest, and alpine views. Once in Haast Pass, the rainforest adventures are limitless. Take a short hike, jump off a cliff, and soak in Glacier viewpoints. Remember this is New Zealand SUMMER! Get ready to get wet!

To make our New Zealand Elopement Guide even more epic, we’ve added an evening glow worm cave tour! You’ll learn all about the lives of these amazing little creatures, as well as the natural environment that hosts them. Start with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the caves, then go deep into the caves with a knowledgeable guide. Be sure to dress warmly!

New Zealand Elopement Guide: Auckland & Devonport

Nothing beats a sunset on the West Coast of Auckland. Think: black volcanic sand, rugged coastlines – places like Bethells, Karekare, Muriwai, and Piha. It’s easy to see why they made it on this top elopement location trends list. Only a 45-minute drive from central Auckland, these areas are remote enough to feel like you are a million miles from the busy city. Perfect for eloping – the nearby towns have a relaxed vibe, and the extensive Waitakere Ranges with its famous Hillary Trail (a 4-day, 3-night hike!) and Karekare Falls. Will have you adventuring and wanting to stay a few days to explore the area after your elopement!

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, but it still has a low-key vibe. In town, you’ll find great restaurants and adventures alike. One of the most recognizable landmarks in Auckland is the Sky Tower, which rises 328 meters above the city. Visitors can ride to the top for panoramic views of the skyline, harbors, and surrounding islands. For thrill-seekers, there’s the SkyWalk around the outer edge or the SkyJump for a controlled base-jump experience. Whether you go up for the view or for the adrenaline, it’s a must-see feature of Auckland’s skyline.

10 Amazing Things Auckland is Known For

After you explore the city, you can take a short ferry ride to Devonport, a charming seaside village known for its Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and scenic views of the Auckland skyline. Walk up Mount Victoria for a 360-degree lookout, then chillax at Cheltenham Beach. The North Shore is home to several beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just soaking in the sun with an ice cream in hand. We’ll wander into shops, feast on Fish n chips, and soak in the culture.

New Zealand Elopement Guide Bonus: Hobbiton

Okay, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that two hours from Auckland is Hobbiton. HOBBITON!!!! Like furry feet, second breakfasts, and the land of adventure. Am I begging? I might be begging. This walking tour allows guests to find themselves engulfed in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of The Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

You will be taken around the 12-acre set: past Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.

Polynesian Spa

TBH, I haven’t heard as much about the Polynesian Spa as I used to! For couples looking for relaxation, though, it’s a must-visit. It’s a three-hour drive from Auckland to the Polynesian Spa, so prepare to stay a couple of days. The Polynesian Spa is located in Rotorua on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s a famous geothermal spa and wellness destination known for its 28 natural hot mineral pools and views over the lake. Enjoy spa therapies such as massages and Aix hydrotherapy, mud wraps and facials, Yoga, meditation, and sound-healing classes. These are often combined with pool time for a deeper relaxation experience.

Guided Māori cultural experience at Te Puia

You can either drive or fly from Auckland to Te Puia for a cultural performance like no other. The Te Rā guided experience features a 90-minute walk through our geothermal valley, where you’ll visit the Pōhutu Geyser, the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Along the way, guides will share their Māori traditions, heritage, and ancestral stories, offering unique insights into our rich culture. Other experiences include One-on-one storytelling, Carving & weaving, and a Geothermal valley walk. If you love to learn about local culture, this is the experience for you.

Redwoods Rhakarewarewa Forest

There are tons of adventure options as Redwoods Rhakarewarewa Forest. Rotorua is renowned among mountain bikers as a premier riding destination. It has master-crafted trails, unbeatable riding surfaces, well-draining volcanic soils, varied topography, and fantastic scenery. You can also camp at the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, which is a calm lakefront, perfect for newlywed bliss. Take relaxation up a notch and visit the Rotorua Hot Springs Spa and Pools!

Bay of Islands & The New Zealand Elopement Guide:

Near the north tip of New Zealand is the Bay of Islands, a perfect spot for kayaking or sailing. Kayakers can explore up close, paddle through mangrove forests, or photograph a colony of sea birds that nest in trees hanging over the river. The final destination on the kayak adventure? A waterfall dropping into the sea! Oh hell yes. After your day on the water, enjoy sunset fish & chips in Russell! There are plenty of lodging options in town.

New Zealand Elopement Guide: Piggyback Discount

Plan your New Zealand elopement between December 20 -29 and get a discount. Elopements available from $5,400.

Wedding photo/video collections start at $8,800. Our average couple invests $11,800 for complete coverage. So, are you ready for your own one-of-a-kind elopement experience in New Zealand? Let’s get started! I can’t wait to be your New Zealand photographer, curate your elopement, and get to know you and your partner for the adventure of a lifetime!