Ultimate Guide to Planning a New Zealand Elopement
Want to plan a once-in-a-lifetime elopement in a gorgeous country like New Zealand? In the guide below, you’ll find everything you need to know about jetting off to New Zealand to get hitched. I’ve included flight information, how to obtain a marriage license, the best season to get married in New Zealand, and some of the most epic locations on the north and south islands where you can say I do (including the coveted location for a LOTR elopement). Keep reading for more!
Traveling to New Zealand from Canada
If you are visiting New Zealand directly from Canada as a tourist (without a visa) you will need to obtain an electronic travel authority (NZeTA) online before your arrival. You will be required to have this in place even if you are transiting to another country. Once received, your NZeTA will be valid for up to two years and will also allow you multiple entries to New Zealand.
How Long is the Flight from Canada to New Zealand?
There are three Canadian airports that fly to Auckland Airport in New Zealand. Your total flight time will depend on which airport you flying out of. Here is a breakdown of each airport with the expected total flight time.
- Vancouver International Airport to Auckland Airport – 18 hours in flight
- Toronto Pearson International Airport to Auckland Airport – 24 hours in flight
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Auckland Airport – 24 hours in flight
Obtaining a Marriage Certificate for Your New Zealand Elopement
There is a three-step process for obtaining a marriage certificate in New Zealand when you are arriving from outside the country. It is important that you begin this process at least 3 business days prior to the date of your wedding.
1. Fill Out the Form
You will need to complete an online form, filling out all parts except the statutory declaration
2. Pay the Fee
You will need to pay the fee for your marriage certificate and send it to the Births, Deaths, and Marriages office. There is a list of offices in New Zealand at this link. The payment must be paid in New Zealand dollars and made out to the Department of Internal Affairs. The total cost is $150.
3. When you Arrive
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you’ll need to visit a registry office to sign your declaration in front of an authorized person before your ceremony. You can find a list of people who are able to witness your declaration on page 6 of this form.
Do You Need Witnesses To Get Married In New Zealand?
Yes! Your New Zealand elopement will require two witnesses. Your witnesses must be able to comprehend what is happening during the ceremony, clearly identify both of you, and be happy to endorse your marriage. In other words, your witnesses can be children of any age as long as they are able to understand the nature of your wedding ceremony. Also, you don’t need to have known your witnesses for any specific length of time. Lastly, if there is a language barrier between you and your witnesses, you will need to find an interpreter who can sign a declaration before the ceremony stating that they will interpret the ceremony accurately.
Can You Get Married On A Beach In New Zealand?
Yes! You can host your New Zealand elopement on one of their picturesque beaches. You can find a list of stunning beaches and coastal towns below, or by navigating through the table of contents.
Want To Host A Symbolic Ceremony Or Vow Renewal In New Zealand?
You can, however, it is recommended that you work with a celebrant. You can find a legal New Zealand celebrant at this link.
Best Season to Elope in New Zealand
Wondering about the best season to elope in New Zealand? The first thing you need to know is that the seasons in New Zealand are the opposite of what we experience in North America. Our winter months are their summer months. So if your idea of an elopement in NZ is to escape the cold, harsh winter, then you’ll find yourself in New Zealand experiencing the warmth of the coast while relaxing on the beach. Below is a breakdown of each season in New Zealand, including average temperatures.
Winter Elopement in New Zealand
June through August
The landscape of New Zealand during the winter is truly magical, and the country enjoys mild winters. There are no freezing or below-freezing temperatures, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and alpine hiking. For a true New Zealand experience, be sure to witness the southern lights during your elopement or go for a dip in a geothermal hot pool (which you can find in Rotorua).
Average Temperatures During Winter
You can expect the average daytime temperature during winter in New Zealand to be around 12 – 16˚C (53 – 61˚F)
Spring Elopement in New Zealand
September through November
Spring in New Zealand is when nature abounds! Flowers are in bloom, and the hibernating animals come out to play. The landscape is vibrant,t and a feeling of renewal fills the air. The temperatures are mild (a recurring theme with New Zealand weather!), making it an ideal time for adventuring outdoors. Some crowd favorites during spring are hiking and kayaking. Additionally, if you want to experience some whimsy during your elopement, New Zealand enjoys its very own cherry blossom season in springtime!
Average Temperatures During Spring
You can expect the average daytime temperature during Spring in New Zealand to be around 16 – 19˚C (61 – 66˚F)
Summer Elopement in New Zealand
December through February
Want to escape North America during the winter months and experience the balmy New Zealand sun? Summer is an amazing time to plan an elopement in New Zealand. It’s also the perfect time to experience local flavors, energetic landscapes, and go for a swim off the coast. In fact, the beaches are the best place to visit during a summer trip to New Zealand!
Average Temperatures During Summer
You can expect the average daytime temperature during Summer in New Zealand to be around 20 – 25˚C (68 – 77˚F)
Fall Elopement in New Zealand
March through May
Fall in New Zealand offers some long-lasting effects of summer. You’ll find that many outdoor activities will still be available alongside the traditions of fall. The fall foliage in New Zealand is breathtaking with warm earthy tones coming out to play. Fall in New Zealand is an amazing time to enjoy the rugged terrain or go for a scenic drive to take in the views.
Average Temperatures During Fall
You can expect the average daytime temperature during Fall in New Zealand to be around 17 – 21˚C (62 – 70˚F).
Best Places to Elope in New Zealand
Curious to know where some of the best places to elope in New Zealand are? New Zealand offers landscapes that include amazing wonders of the world! If you want to elope in New Zealand with a truly breathtaking landscape, you’ll find locations with volcanoes, glaciers, hidden caves, national parks, and the most beautiful beaches you will ever lay eyes on. Here are 13 locations for a New Zealand destination wedding that you can consider for your vows or honeymoon.
Places to Elope on New Zealand’s South Island
1. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fiord located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island within Fiordland National Park. It is accessible via State Highway 94. Due to the climate, the Milford Sound does experience a high level of rain, so you’ll want to plan to elope in NZ during the dry season. However, Milford Sound provides a magical setting for spotting local wildlife, including seals, bottlenose dolphins, whales, and penguins.
2. Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park is located in the Canterbury Region in the central west of the South Island of New Zealand. Glaciers cover over 40% of the park, and they represent the remnants of the most recent ice age. You’ll also find U-shaped hollowed-out valleys in the park alongside over 35 different species of birds. The park features several different walking tracks and is widely accessible for your elopement in New Zealand.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, against the stunning Southern Alps. Queenstown is a go-to location in New Zealand for exploring local vineyards. The coastal region also features Lake Wakatipu, a long, thin, Z-shaped lake that was formed by glaciers. Additionally, Queenstown is known as a tourist hotspot when it comes to skiing. If you picture eloping in New Zealand while immersing yourself in the energy of the crowds, Queenstown is a fantastic choice.
4. Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is located at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. However, its location between Golden Bay and Tasman Bay makes it one of the country’s small national parks. This small but mighty national park is known for its golden beaches and calm blue waters. If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding in New Zealand, Abel Tasman is an amazing location! At the park, you’ll also find picturesque granite formations and a comfortable climate any time of the year.
5. Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier is a village located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This sprawling landscape was carved out of a glacier that descended from the Southern Alps. And yes, you can see the glacier! If you head towards Lake Matheson on Cook Flat Road, you’ll get a full view of the glacier. This beautiful village is known for ice hiking and delightful and cozy cafes, and restaurants with all the vibes. Making it a picturesque location to elope in NZ. Nearby Fox Glacier, you’ll also find Lake Matheson, one of the most photographed lakes in New Zealand.
6. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a small township located at the southern end of the South Island of New Zealand. In total, Lake Teapo only has around 500 residents. It is scenic and majestic, offering a view of the glittering turquoise waters. It’s also a popular location to visit for stargazing, with the glittering skies opening up at night. Lake Tekapo is New Zealand’s largest dark sky reserve and offers a range of tours and options to help you view this beautiful phenomenon. If you are both true romantics at heart, a New Zealand destination wedding at Lake Tekapo will provide you with the perfect setting!
7. Wanaka
Wanaka is a resort town located on New Zealand’s South Island. It is nestled against the lake of its namesake with gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains. From Wanaka, you can also gain access to the Southern Alps, Mount Aspiring National Park, glaciers, beech forests, and alpine lakes. There are plenty of places to stay in Wanaka, making your New Zealand elopement an all-in-one stop. Additionally, the weather in Wanaka features one of the very few New Zealand areas that offers four distinct seasons.
8. Christchurch
Located on the south coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is known for its English heritage. Much of the old architecture still exists, but it also makes way for modernity, giving you the ability to plan a New Zealand elopement with your own unique vision. Additionally, Christchurch offers all the amenities of a bustling city with the benefit of New Zealand’s stunning shores and gorgeous countryside landscape.
9. Moke Lake
The serene Moke Lake is a small lake near the suburb of Closeburn in Queenstown, on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. So if you are planning a private & intimate elopement in New Zealand, I highly recommend checking out Moke Lake in Spring, Winter, or Fall. Moke Lake features campsites and also offers outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and canoeing.
10. Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. However, it’s not technically one of the North or South islands, so you would need to catch a ferry to Matakia Bay from Auckland in order to access the island. However, this ethereal island is well worth the trip for a New Zealand Destination wedding! The island is full of countless beautiful beaches and offers a sub-tropical climate full of lush blooming vegetation (which usually begins blooming in spring).
Places to Elope on New Zealand’s North Island
1. Tongariro National Park
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Tongariro National Park features three active volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (featured as Mount Doom in “The Lord of the Rings” films), and Ruapehu. Yes, this is the location to plan a LOTR elopement! Additionally, within the park, you’ll also find boiling mud pools, rapids, Emerald Lakes, various hiking trails, and the Red Crater. Picturesque does not even begin to describe this utopia!
2. Pūtangirua Pinnacles
A breathtaking geological formation, Pūtangirua Pinnacles is the result of badlands erosion. The area is made of a large number of earth pillars (aka hoodoos) located at the head of a valley in the Aorangi Ranges, on the North Island of New Zealand, in Wellington. It’s a scenic reserve that is a must-see, whether you decide to host your New Zealand destination wedding here or visit after your vows!
3. Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove is a Marine reserve on the southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. From the coast of the mainland, Cathedral Cove runs from Cook Bluff to the northern end of Hahei Beach in the southeast. However, to access Cathedral Cove, you will need to arrive via shuttle bus, water taxi, or boat.
New Zealand Elopement Photographer
As a New Zealand elopement photographer, the experience I provide my couples is so much deeper than capturing breathtaking wedding photos to look back on for a lifetime. My elopement photography packages for New Zealand come with my assistance in every aspect of making your globe-traveling dream elopement a reality. That includes lending a hand with obtaining permits for getting married in one of New Zealand’s national parks, as well as providing you with access to my coveted list of suggested local wedding vendors. I love to help my couples find the best wedding pros for bouquets, offer suggestions on where to stay, and so much more! After all, this once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand destination wedding is an unforgettable experience in a stunning location and a moment to enjoy and savor until the very last drop.
