Destination Weddings in New Zealand by LuxAus
Your wedding is a big day in your life, and of course, you want it to be an unforgettable day; everything must be perfect.
The first step in wedding planning is choosing the destination and venue. If you’re looking for a dreamy, exotic destination for your wedding, what better place to plan than New Zealand?
Azure skies, snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, cosy hills, and sparkling seas – this island nation has it all. If you’re not outdoorsy, there are innumerable quaint chapels, rustic inns and barns, estates with landscaped gardens, country homes with manicured lawns, vineyards with huge halls, well-furnished event venues, and more.
From snazzy urban venues to the picturesque countryside, you can find it all in NZ. In short, there is something for every bride or groom! Wedding planner Sydney can help you zero in on the ideal destination based on your preferences and budget. We can assure you that you will be able to find something that appeals to you and your significant other.
To help you get started, here are a few destinations for you to consider:
Top 6 Destination Wedding Venues in New Zealand
We have categorized these wedding destinations according to the type of venues, making it super easy for you to choose:
1. Lakeside
Lake Tekapo is a mesmerizing wedding destination in the Mackenzie Basin. The mountains that surround the lake are snow-capped in the winter adding to the romance. In summer, the lakeshore is abundant with vividly coloured Russel Lupin flowers.
Wanaka Lake, situated in Otago, is an idyllic venue that offers breathtaking panoramic views. It is the best venue for a small, intimate wedding. The glacially-fed Lake Pukaki, with its brilliant blue waters and astounding view of New Zealand’s largest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook is another tranquil venue you can consider. Feeling adventurous? Head for the magical wilderness that is Lake Lochnagor. This can be accessed by helicopter, adding to the thrill.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
2. Golden Beaches
If you like golden sandy beaches, take a look at this off-beat treasure called ‘The Arches’, on the West Coast. Say ‘I do’ while the waves gently lap at the sandy shores. Your guests are sure to marvel at the gorgeous sandstone rock formations.
Get hitched in Akaroa, with cavorting dolphins, sunbathing seals, tiny blue penguins hopping on rocks, and birds soaring in the skies as your witnesses.
It’s unique wedding venue with proximity to volcanic formations, lofty cliffs, and magnificent sea caves.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
3. Church and Chapel Weddings
Looking for a conventional yet unique venue? Check these out:
- Queenstown Chapel – situated by Lake Hayes in Queenstown, this chapel reflects its alpine surroundings with huge reclaimed church beams, slate, and stone. We guarantee a fairytale wedding here, regardless of the season.
- Stoneridge Estate offers you the option of exchanging your vows outdoors, on the lakeshore with its immaculate gardens and infinity pool.
- Cashmere Church Wedding – this beautiful 1920s stone church in Christchurch can give you the traditional wedding you want, whether you have a handful of guests or a large gathering.
- Country Chapel – set in the midst of over two acres of landscaped gardens, with a heart-shaped bed of roses in the front, and clusters of flowering plants surrounding it, this country chapel is an absolutely dreamy venue for an intimate, romantic, yet traditional wedding.
- Onuku Church – take in the Maori heritage of New Zealand at this church on the banks of Akaroa, with its exquisite carvings, rustic flooring, picket fence, and serene atmosphere. It has no electricity, rendering it an unforgettable wedding venue.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
4. Majestic Mountains
For the modern couple who seeks adventure, this is right up your alley!
- Wanaka Lookout Hill – if you don’t fancy a lakeside wedding, get married on Lookout Hill which offers scintillating views of Lake Wanaka instead! You also have panoramic views of the enveloping mountain ranges. Land by helicopter and say your vows in a remote location with striking scenery.
- Wanaka Hidden Waterfall – fly by helicopter to this hidden gem: a gorgeous location with a secret waterfall that makes for an uber-romantic wedding. No mess, no fuss, just you and your beloved!
- Whare Kea Chalet – set amidst beautiful mountain peaks and glaciers, alpine meadows and snowfields, this is an elegant and idyllic winter wedding destination. Enjoy the luxurious accommodation in the chalet and set off on an alpine wedding adventure in this private venue close to Mount Aspiring National Park.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
- Earnslaw – this glacier, formed over several years, offers a fantastic venue for a wedding. You can tie the knot surrounded by rock-strewn mountains with cascading waterfalls – a truly magical place. Our wedding planner can arrange for you to land at a secluded site.
- Coromandel Peak – this is a popular destination for a mountain-heli wedding. It’s majestic, dramatic, and intimate. The sheltered location seems even dreamier at sunset, with the mountains around you bathed in golden light.
- Isobel Glacier – the perfect winter wedding destination! Spectacular 360-degree views of snowy peaks and flats, a true winter wonderland, located between Mount Ansted and Mount Tyndall, make for an unforgettable wedding venue.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
5. Quirky Venues
If you’re looking for a unique and unusual venue:
- Go eco-friendly! Have your wedding at Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat for a sustainable and memorable celebration, and check out their packages which include a stay for your first anniversary.
- Want to feel like a movie star? Then the Hobbiton Movie Set is the place for you. They have six venues to choose from. Enjoy the Green Dragon Inn, a themed cottage with wooden beams and high ceilings, The Mill House, a stone bridge, and Hobbit holes.
- If you’re looking for an all-in-one experience, Kauri Bay Boomrock is the place to go. From your stag or hen night, wine challenges, shooting arrows at targets or clay birds, or just chilling with friends; you can do it all on this beautiful property.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
- The Old Forest School is an old school tucked away in a forest between Rotorua, Whakatane, and Tauranga, and has been revamped and refurbished. It has a classroom, barn, tin shed, and even a tuck shop! A nostalgic and rustic venue if there ever was one. Absolutely ideal if you’re getting hitched to your high school sweetheart!
- Are you a wine lover? If so, this is for you! The picturesque Black Barn in Hawkes Bay offers six beautiful venues on their premises. These include an underground wine cellar, an amphitheatre market, a private bistro, and a solitary olive shed.
- Calling camping enthusiasts – here’s an ideal venue for your dream wedding: the Castaways Resort, set on the top of a majestic cliff and offering stunning views of the ocean. At an hour’s drive from Auckland, this venue offers glamping and other luxury accommodation that will make you want to extend your stay!
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
6. Urban Sophistication
These are for you if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and contemporary weddings:
- Glasshouse in Auckland is a tranquil and idyllic venue. Located in Morningside, it offers an escape from the mad bustle of the city.
- Riverside Market in Christchurch transforms into a magical venue at night and is great for large weddings. Your guests can enjoy locally brewed beverages and feast on delicacies prepared fresh.
- If you want a small, intimate wedding, you can’t go wrong with Flaxmere House. This boutique space, set on a 10-acre property by Bethells Beach in Auckland exudes charm and sophistication.
- Immerse yourself in the Victorian era at the Lake Taupo Hilton, but enjoy modern comforts. You can choose a private dinner or lead your guests to their restaurant, after your wedding ceremony in their beautifully manicured gardens that overlook the lake.
Pic Courtesy: Pinterest
This is by no means an all-inclusive list. New Zealand is full of amazing venues, some of them not yet discovered! No matter which destination and venue you fall in love with, we can make your dream wedding happen there.
Just tell us what you need, and we will handle everything. You can just focus on looking your best and feeling in love. Call us now to start planning your wedding.
