Guest Post: The Marriage of Iconic Views of New Zealand with Wedding Destinations

Here at LWB, it’s no secret we’re huge fans of wedding destinations that come with an amazing view. So when Jack Hopkin decided to share with his favourite locations in New Zealand that provide not only something out-of-the-ordinary, but also come with breathtaking scenery, we couldn’t wait to see what he would reveal!

I came from a traditional family where people got married in a church or registry office, went outside to take some photos, and then finished off at the local hall for some nibbles and drinks. While this is still a perfectly good way to get married, most of the world has moved on since then. Couples have started to think outside the box and are now choosing more unusual locations, as well as unusual wedding themes.

Having travelled extensively through New Zealand, I have seen most of the iconic views of this marvelous country. Which got me thinking – these would be perfect places for an unusual wedding destination. So that’s why I’m here today, writing this article. I’ve listed my personal favorite iconic NZ views, all of which I think would be ideal places for couples to get married in.

Lake Matheson

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Located near the west coast of the south island, Lake Matheson is certainly an iconic view, with it’s beautiful reflective lake surrounded by pine trees, and the majestic Mount Cook and Mount Tasman in the background. For me it offers one of the best views of these two famous mountains. It is also an important historical place for the Maori people – it was a ‘Mahinga Kai’ – a place where they gathered their food. I think this would be an ideal place to get married. It’s very popular so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a venue close by. Just imagine these views as part of your wedding photos or even the ceremony itself.

For people wanting a close up view of Mount Cook, I did find one company offering wedding photos on the actual mountain, available for a just a small amount of people.

Mount Doom

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I’m a Lord of the Rings fan – and that is putting it lightly! Mount Doom (it’s actual name is Mount Ngauruhoe), is in the Tongariro National Park. I highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting New Zealand and I also think it makes a great backdrop for photos for fellow LOTR fans. Whilst, you would have to be quite inventive to hold your ceremony here, it is doable in my opinion. The good news is, the Kiwi people are very relaxed and open regarding this type of thing.

Hobbiton

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If you are a fan of the film and prefer to get married somewhere not quite as drastic as Mount Doom, then you may want to try Hobbiton. Yes, I’m talking about where the Hobbits live! I think this is such a cool and iconic place in New Zealand that I’m even thinking about getting my marriage vows renewed here (although I haven’t told my wife yet!). I did find this blog post on a wedding photography site featuring a wedding held at Hobbiton, so they do allow it.

Purakaunui Falls

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One of the most visited and photographed places on the southeast part of the south island is Purakaunui Falls. It’s in the Otago region, and I believe it would be a lovely place to get married. In addition, the falls would make an ideal wedding photo backdrop for nature lovers. You will find a number of Otago wedding venues; however, here is one I found that is ideally near the falls.

Fiordlands

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The views of the Fiordlands are something out of a fantasy film. Especially when you catch them when the misty low clouds are hanging around the surrounding mountains. The most famous of the Fiordlands is known as Milford Sounds. Whilst the second most popular (and equally stunning), is the Doubtful Sounds. With these beautiful views, who wouldn’t want to get married here? 

For something unique you could charter a boat (I’ve seen various boats which are available for weddings), and hold the ceremony out on the water. This isn’t the cheapest way to get married but I think it would be very spectacular.

Pohutu Geyser

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New Zealand has quite a number of active geysers, of which one of the most popular is Pohutu in Rotorua (which is great to visit for their wonderful volcanic hot springs). Pohutu usually erupts one or two times per hour, but it’s well worth the wait, as the super-hot water bursts to a height of around 30 metres (approximately 90 feet). 

If you’re into the primal volcanic power of nature then a wedding in one of the venues in Rotorua would be ideal, and you could have your wedding photos with Pohutu Geyser in the background.

Summary

So those were my personal favorites. I hope these give you some ideas for a more unusual place to get married. 

Have you ever visited New Zealand? Perhaps you were married there? If so, be sure to leave your comment below and let me know if I’ve missed any of your favorites.

 

 

Jack Hopkin is a writer and hopeful published author one day. He works and lives in New Zealand and is working (slowly) on his first book.