Elope in New Zealand: Adventure to the Milford Sound and Mt Cook
South Island, New Zealand
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everything on how to have the wedding of your dreams in a place of wonder
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A place of wonder and familiarity, welcome to new zealand
If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding immersed in breathtaking views, New Zealand’s South Island is the perfect place to elope. With its wild, untouched landscapes—think the towering peaks of Mount Cook / Aoraki and the serene, otherworldly beauty of Milford Sound—it’s the kind of place where you feel truly immersed in your surroundings, allowing you to be most present on a day that tends to go by quickly. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make your elopement in these unforgettable locations feel easy and natural, with everything you need to know about permits, photos, and the best spots to share vows. Whether you’re after something simple and intimate or an adventure you’ll never forget, the South Island will be an incredible place to do it.
Table of Contents
◆ Visiting the South Island
◆ Places to consider eloping on the South Island
◆ What to Expect, and how to travel to New Zealand
◆ Thoughts on a New Zealand Elopement
◆ Accommodations and Resources for eloping in New Zealand
◆ My favorite experiences in New Zealand
◆ How to legally have your wedding in New Zealand
◆ Some of my work from New Zealand
Visiting the South Island
Getting to New Zealand, cities and towns
New Zealand’s cities each have their own distinct vibe, and I can say with enthusiasm they are some of my favorite towns I’ve ever visited. Your options for flights into the South Island will be Queenstown (South) or Christchurch (North).
Queenstown
Queenstown is the heart of adventure in New Zealand. Known for it’s active culture, (think Jackson Hole or Denver) it’s a place of stunning beauty, with lakes, mountains, and vineyards around every corner. It’s small but vibrant, offering the perfect mix of outdoor heart and laid-back charm. Queenstown Airport connects you to major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Christchurch
The gateway to the South Island. It’s a city that blends urban development with outdoor beauty—gardens, parks, and a river running through it. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby mountains, the Antarctic, and beyond. Christchurch International Airport is well connected, with domestic flights and some international routes.
Wanaka
An hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is a quieter, more laid-back alternative with equally stunning landscapes. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, it’s a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, biking, and skiing without the crowds. Wanaka’s small size gives it a relaxed, friendly feel, while the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for adventure. While Wanaka doesn’t have its own airport, Queenstown Airport is just a short drive away, making it easy to access.
Places to Consider eloping on the South Island
When choosing a place to elope, I like to prompt my clients to consider a few things:
How do you want the day to feel? Would you like to be in a remote town where you can celebrate after with a private meal cooked at home? Or a smaller city, where you can head out to a beautiful meal in a luxury restaurant? What kind of colors, tones, and weather are you interested in? Deep lush emerald tones, or dry golden arid ones? Considering these things can inform where you decide to elope.
Fjordland National Park / The Milford Sound
Fjordland National Park is New Zealand at its wildest—towering cliffs, deep fjords, and lush rainforests. Located in the southwest of the South Island, it's home to iconic spots like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, where jagged peaks rise from dark waters. The landscape feels untouched, with only the sounds of waterfalls and birdsong breaking the silence. The weather is unpredictable, often rainy, which keeps the rainforest vibrant and the fjords mist-shrouded, adding to the park’s mystical atmosphere. Fjordland is for those who want to experience New Zealand’s raw, untamed beauty—remote, rugged, and unforgettable. I can say with confidence, this is one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to.
Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park
Mount Cook, or Aoraki, is New Zealand’s highest peak, standing tall at 3,724 meters. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, it’s a breathtaking sight—towering over glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The surrounding landscape feels otherworldly, with jagged mountains and vast, open skies that make you feel both small and in awe of nature’s scale. Mount Cook offers some of the country’s most breathtaking views.
Lake Pukaki / Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, is like stepping into a dreamscape—a canvas of turquoise waters framed by rugged peaks. The ever-changing light dances on the lake, casting hues that shift from cerulean to deep sapphire, making every moment feel fleeting and magical. The iconic Church of the Good Shepherd rests humbly on the shore, offering a timeless silhouette against the vast Southern Alps. At night, the sky transforms into a celestial masterpiece, with stars spilling endlessly across the inky expanse.
Wanaka
Wanaka, New Zealand, is a peaceful lakeside town known for its stunning natural landscapes. The calm waters of Lake Wanaka reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop. The town offers a relaxed vibe with easy access to hiking trails, water activities, and nearby ski fields. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.
Mt Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is a wild and beautiful escape with towering peaks, glacial rivers, and lush valleys, it’s a dream for outdoors lovers (and a short trip from Wanaka). Home to the stunning Tititea/Mount Aspiring, the park is full of trails like the Routeburn and Rob Roy Glacier Track that lead to endless views and locations to spend your wedding day.
The shoreline of Lake Pukaki
Mt Cook / Aoraki’s mountainous landscape
The church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
What to expect traveling to New Zealand
While initially New Zealand can be considered quite challenging to get to, it ultimately could not be more with it. The people, known for their warmth and hospitality, embrace visitors with a relaxed, welcoming energy. To the American dollar, food, beer and experiences will seem affordable and luxurious (think only farm to table, local and incredible- everything from cheese to wine).
Arriving by flight, traveling into Auckland is a direct flight from some US cities. From Auckland you can quickly get to many of the smaller airports around the North or South Island.
Renting a car is an easy experience (although mentally prepare to drive on the alternate side of the road if you are American!) it makes exploring this endless adventurous island a breeze.
My thoughts on a wedding in New Zealand
For people seeking an adventurous and intimate experience, New Zealand offers a stunning, thrilling, and easeful experience for a wedding. The Southern Alps and surrounding lakes provide countless options for ceremonies, with dramatic mountain backdrops or serene waterfront locations. Fjordland National Park is a place unlike any in the world- with its rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and iconic fjords offering an unmatched setting for feeling both small and in awe. It’s a place where the natural beauty speaks for itself, and the warm and abundant communities, and ease of travel leave you feeling grateful.
I have traveled the world shooting elopements and weddings, and my time in New Zealand is a standout. While the European alps offer quaint charm and rugged peaks, New Zealand is an other world all on it’s own. In the same way other extreme north and south climates (such as Iceland, Alaska, Norway, or Patagonia, to name a few) offer other-wordly, dramatic, untouched landscapes, New Zealand similarly offers a culture unlike any other. The warm and familiar culture leaves you feeling both at home and out of this world at the same time. The food is all local, fresh and accessible, and the accommodation standards are comfortable and stunning, often times offering views and experiences all their own.
Accommodations and Resources for eloping in New Zealand:
Where are the best places to stay on the South Island?
For Access to Fjordland National Park—
Fjordland Lodge, Milford Sound Lodge
A once in a lifetime experience – the town of Milford has limited and exclusive accommodations and resources, this lodge being one of the only places to stay right in the fjords. It offers stunning views nestled from every window and luxury accommodations.
For Access to Tekapo / Lake Pukaki—
Haka House Tekapo, Isolation Bay
I spent a week here hosting a Home in the Mountains workshop (an adventure elopement workshop for photographers seeking to deepen their craft) - you can even get married on site here! The team and their hospitality is unlike anything else.
For Access to Mt Cook / Aoraki:
Do you legally get married internationally, or within the US?
I have had clients do both! However, officially signing the papers in your home state can be streamlined and simplified, and you get an extra day of celebration. If you’d prefer to legally get married in New Zealand, resources for that can be found below.
What about sleeping in a campervan?
We spent a week with a campervan we rented from Camplify, and it was such a comfortable and fun experience - we only spent around 1500 NZD for 6 nights, meaning you could couple this adventure with some more luxury nights in lodges and really get the full experience of both. My couple used it both as a rental car and their home on wheels for our time spent on the South Island. We chose a vintage older model, to really lean into the spirit of vintage adventure, there is loads of freedom camping and free areas to park and stay at little to no cost, just ensure to Leave no Trace!
How to choose a season to elope in New Zealand?
One of the many reasons New Zealand is such an ideal location for me, is it’s position in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning their summer is our winter, and vice versa. It is very comparable to the seasonality of the Northern United States, spring will offer blooming fields (much like the famous views of Lupines you may be familiar with - close to Lake Pukaki and Tekapo for the best of them!) and late summer will offer fields of golden tones to compliment the turquoise lakes. I tend to opt for summer, especially in the extreme South Fjords of Milford Sound, when things will be most lush. On a perfect day in the Fjords (something we were lucky enough to experience) you will wake up to a drizzle of rain that is overflowing the waterfalls that fall into the salt-fresh water, and an afternoon burn-off leaving the waterfalls flowing and the deep emerald tones illuminated by the summer sun.
Do you know of any local florists and planners based in New Zealand?
I spent a week working with Gypsy West, of the Vase Foral Co who was an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only did she create masterful art, she was so willing to creatively collaborate on the pieces she provided. Based out of Queenstown, she also provides adventure planning for couples seeking assistance in executing their dream wedding.
What are some of your favorite local experiences that could be implemented into a New Zealand elopement?
Swim in the Milford Sound - taking a dip in these famous fjords will forever be the highlight of my trip
Wander Wanaka - this outdoors town is filled with concept shops, delicious coffee, endless opportunities to be inspired outside, and sweeping views of the mountains around
Kayak the Milford Sound - we saw everything from the famous peaks up close, to a penguin with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks
Helicopter or Seaplane out to the fjords - in a charter plane like this!
Roadtrip the South Island - countless places to be discovered, from central lakes to turquoise shorelines
Adventure the Shores of Lake Pukaki - a prime place to view lupines, and endless shoreline of this famous lake
Wine Taste all of the local Sauvignon Blanc - An incredible local winery, but you can also find tours that implement an adventure
Visit a farm - (you will never look at sheep the same after a roadtrip around the South Island) we stayed on site (at Isolation Bay) and spent an unforgettable morning at Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo
Sleep in a Campervan - there is no better way to wake up
Hike through Mt Cook / Aoraki National Park - Hooker Valley Track is an out and back accessible walk with little elevation gain which brings you to a view of the base of Mt Cook / Aoraki
Brunch along the shores of Lake Wakatipu - We returned to this breakfast spot twice throughout our trip, and it will remain one of favorite places to date
Wander the Queenstown sunday market - We were lucky enough to stumble upon it organically, filled with artists and local bites you get a taste for the art scene and it’s presence in this outdoors time
Spend a few nights in Te Anau - As the gateway to the Milford Sound, Te Anau shocked us with its proximity to water and mountains
Experience the road to Mt Cook - perhaps one of the most famous views of New Zealand, the winding road toward the National Park is an introduction to adventure not to be missed
Kayaking the lush forests of the Milford Sound
Exploring the shores of Lake Pukaki on the road to Mt Cook
Lakefront views from the Boat Shed restaurant outside of Queenstown
Roadside sheep siting on the way to Fjordland National Park
An adventure elopement in Mt Cook National Park
Find inspiration from some of my wEdding work in New Zealand —
Early intimate morning on the shores of Lake Tekapo
A campervan elopement into Mt Cook National Park
Shoreline sunset on Lake Pukaki
Tekapo Elopement in the fields
