As 50 million Europeans emigrated to North America during the 19th century, only around one percent settled permanently in New Zealand – yet those that did created an extraordinary and long-lasting destination.
New Zealand is revered by travelers worldwide. Its landscape abounds with breathtaking beauty – unspoiled rivers and lakes, stunning fjords reaching toward the heavens, as well as ancient mountains that seem to stretch forever.
1. The Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands provides one of New Zealand’s most stunning cruise wedding venues, boasting its beautiful natural setting. A sheltered enclave consisting of 144 islands and bays, this region features both indigenous and European historic sites – from Waitangi Treaty Grounds to 19th-century whaling port Russell; from dense kauri forests and frontier history to beaches with clear waters to create an alluring setting for your big day!
Bay of Islands provides an abundance of indoor and outdoor venues suitable for weddings of any size or style, making it an ideal destination. Award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban created sustainable masterpieces such as The Cardboard Cathedral that are sure to impress. Crafted entirely out of recycled cardboard tubes and steel shipping containers, this iconic structure can host up to 700 guests!
Tabula Rasa is an elegant Bay of Islands wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor options for your big day. Boasting manicured gardens, covered gazebo, an infinity pool and catering services onsite for up to 100 guests – Tabula Rasa provides everything you need for your ceremony and reception!
To avoid crowds and save on costs, couples may wish to tie the knot during fall (March-May) or winter (June-August). Although these months are considered low seasons in New Zealand venues, plenty of dates remain open with discounted accommodation rates available.
2. The Coromandel
The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand’s south is known for its stunning coastal and pastoral scenery, boasting white-sand beaches and charming little coves that stretch for miles along its length. But its beautiful coastal and pastoral scenery also make for great arts and crafts scenes; many artisans work from their homes or small studios here, including woodworkers, potters, glass artists and Maori greenstone workers; there are even galleries with art inspired by its coastal and pastoral scenery!
There are also plenty of great hiking trails to discover here, such as the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, Muriwai Beach Walk, Cathedral Cove Trail and Karangahake Gorge – which boasts old tunnels carved into its rugged volcanic hills – as well as Karangahake Gorge with its ancient tunnels carved from volcanic stone hills that protrude from it.
Are You Searching For the Ideal Venue to Celebrate Your Wedding and Reception in Auckland? Oruawharo Homestead with its expansive gardens and Victorian architecture is a fantastic spot. Or, perhaps Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat’s more seclusion will meet your requirements; otherwise Mansion House on Kawau Island provides grand elegance that is easily accessible yet feels private – accommodating up to 80 guests for your big day.
3. The North Island
New Zealand is an idyllic destination to celebrate love – whether you’re planning or hosting your big day! From idyllic beach settings to intimate mountaintop locations, there’s something here for every couple looking for romance.
Are you searching for the ideal venue to host your big day in New Zealand? Look no further than Alongside on Waiheke Island. With spectacular water views, this exquisite beach venue makes an excellent setting for both ceremony and reception celebrations, plus there are various accommodations options on site for an island escape experience!
Eagle Ridge in Tauranga offers breathtaking panoramic views and is an excellent rustic yet romantic North Island wedding venue. This family-owned property is just 30 minutes from Auckland city, boasting picturesque spaces that your special day can spread out across. Additionally, this venue even has its own preferred caterer who can customize menus according to your specific preferences.
Maple Lodge at Lake Wanaka is an inviting boutique bed and breakfast with stunning alpine views and homely interior design for your guests to enjoy. This North Island wedding venue provides multiple outdoor settings for ceremonies as well as an illuminated reception hall that can host up to 200 guests for your reception event.
4. The South Island
The South Island (Mori: Te Waipounamu) of New Zealand is its signature region, famed for its breathtaking snow-capped peaks, fiords, vast beech forests, golden beaches and fertile plains. Here lies an island full of contrasts where hikers can witness spectacular scenery; world-class ski fields offer fresh tracks; or you can get your adrenaline pumping with an adrenaline-pumping bungee jump.
Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke Island offers the ideal destination wedding experience, featuring ceremony sites, light-filled reception spaces and endless photo opps. High ceilings and an exquisite chandelier create an atmosphere perfect for celebration with as few or many guests as desired – accommodating for overnight accommodation so your loved ones can join you to help celebrate in style!
Eagle Ridge Vineyard in Tauranga provides scenic ocean vistas and offers rustic or romantic indoor/outdoor venues, plus has an on-site caterer who can tailor a menu specifically to you and your partner’s tastes.
Tui Hills Estate Vineyard is another choice, just 30-minutes away from Auckland. Their Village Green of cottage gardens surround by buildings is ideal for ceremonies; their Grand Marquee holds up to 200 guests while they also provide modern function centre seating capacity of up to 200. Plus, their team of wedding specialists will ensure every aspect from food, drinks and decorations through to entertainment is taken care of!