In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in New Zealand.
Weddings in New Zealand: What You Need To Know
New Zealand is an amazing country with so much to offer.
From the snow-capped mountains to the pristine beaches, there is truly something for everyone, so it’s no wonder that more and more couples are choosing to have their destination wedding in New Zealand.
Whether you want a traditional Maori ceremony or a more modern celebration, there are plenty of options to choose from.
And with its breathtaking scenery, New Zealand is the perfect place to capture those special memories that will last a lifetime.
So if you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, consider having your destination wedding in New Zealand.
But first: you need to know where in the world New Zealand is…
Where is New Zealand?
New Zealand is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean, located in the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. Its nearest neighbor Australia lies more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) to the northwest.
Area: 102,587 sq mi (265,700 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 5,134,000, Capital: Wellington.
New Zealand Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency:New Zealand dollar (NZD)
- Airports: Auckland Airport (AKL), Wellington International Airport (WLG), Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
- Official Tourism Website:https://www.newzealand.com/int/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting New Zealand for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in New Zealand
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in New Zealand:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in New Zealand or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a New Zealand wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in New Zealand:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in New Zealand
New Zealand Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in New Zealand:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in New Zealand?
- What are the marriage requirements for New Zealand?
- What is the weather like in New Zealand?
- What should you pack for a trip to New Zealand?
- What things are there to do in New Zealand?
- What are the best New Zealand wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in New Zealand Cost?
Marriage license cost in New Zealand is $90.
A registry ceremony must take place on a weekday and costs $50, which is paid to the celebrant on the day.
You can apply for your Marriage license online at this link.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in New Zealand
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Notice of Intended Marriage, before a New Zealand Registrar of Marriages.
- A statutory declaration that the personal details provided are true and there is no lawful impediment to the marriage.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- According to the law, 2 witnesses are needed who must speak English and understand what is happening.
- You should arrange your marriage license at least 3 working days before you plan on getting married.
- A marriage license in New Zealand is valid for 3 months.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in New Zealand, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in New Zealand?
The months of December through March, which correspond to the southern hemisphere’s summer, are optimal for travel to New Zealand. During this time, temperatures on the North Island are mild, while those on the South Island are cool.
If you want to visit the country in the winter, say in August, you can choose the North Island, which is warmer and better protected from cold waves. You also might be able to combine exploring the cities with some skiing in the mountains.
What should you pack for your trip?
Bring clothing appropriate for spring and fall, a sweater, a jacket, and either a raincoat or an umbrella if you want to go to the North Island, Auckland, or Wellington during the winter months (June through August). Bring along some warm clothing for the South Island, such as a down jacket, a scarf, a hat, and a raincoat. Mountain gear is required for high mountains.
During the summer months (December to February), you should pack light clothing for the day, a sweatshirt and a light jacket for the evening, as well as a raincoat or umbrella. This is recommended for the North Island, Auckland, and Wellington, as well as the South Island down to Christchurch.
Clothing appropriate for spring and fall, a sweater, and either a raincoat or an umbrella are essential when traveling to the south. Mountain gear that keeps you warm is essential for the Southern Alps.
New Zealand Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit New Zealand:
Average Temperatures in New Zealand
The table below shows the average temperatures in New Zealand each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 10.8 | 25.1 | 18 | 51 | 77 | 64.3 |
| February | 10.1 | 24.8 | 17.4 | 50 | 77 | 63.4 |
| March | 7.3 | 22.3 | 14.8 | 45 | 72 | 58.6 |
| April | 3.8 | 18 | 10.8 | 39 | 64 | 51.6 |
| May | 1.5 | 13.6 | 7.6 | 35 | 56 | 45.6 |
| June | -1.5 | 8.8 | 3.6 | 29 | 48 | 38.6 |
| July | -2.4 | 8.1 | 2.8 | 28 | 47 | 37.1 |
| August | -0.5 | 12.5 | 6 | 31 | 54 | 42.8 |
| September | 2.2 | 16.4 | 9.3 | 36 | 62 | 48.7 |
| October | 4.4 | 19 | 11.7 | 40 | 66 | 53.1 |
| November | 6.7 | 21.1 | 13.9 | 44 | 70 | 57 |
| December | 9.3 | 23.3 | 16.3 | 49 | 74 | 61.3 |
| Year | 4.3 | 17.7 | 11 | 39.7 | 63.9 | 52 |
Average Rainfall in New Zealand
The table below shows the average rainfall in New Zealand each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 50 | 2 | 7 |
| February | 35 | 1.4 | 5 |
| March | 30 | 1.2 | 5 |
| April | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
| May | 25 | 1 | 7 |
| June | 30 | 1.2 | 6 |
| July | 25 | 1 | 4 |
| August | 20 | 0.8 | 4 |
| September | 20 | 0.8 | 5 |
| October | 30 | 1.2 | 6 |
| November | 30 | 1.2 | 5 |
| December | 45 | 0.8 | 8 |
| Year | 360 | 14.2 | 66 |
Sunshine Hours in New Zealand
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in New Zealand each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 6 | 185 |
| February | 6 | 165 |
| March | 4.5 | 145 |
| April | 4 | 115 |
| May | 3 | 90 |
| June | 2.5 | 80 |
| July | 3 | 100 |
| August | 4 | 125 |
| September | 4.5 | 140 |
| October | 5.5 | 175 |
| November | 6 | 180 |
| December | 6 | 190 |
| Year | 4.6 | 1680 |
Sea Temperatures in New Zealand
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in New Zealand each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 13 | 55 |
| February | 13 | 56 |
| March | 13 | 55 |
| April | 12 | 54 |
| May | 11 | 52 |
| June | 11 | 51 |
| July | 10 | 50 |
| August | 10 | 50 |
| September | 10 | 50 |
| October | 10 | 51 |
| November | 11 | 52 |
| December | 12 | 53 |
| Year | 11.3 | 52.4 |
What To Wear in New Zealand? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in New Zealand so that you can make the most of your time there.
Traveling to New Zealand for a holiday? Here are some essential items to pack:
- Good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots: New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and you’ll want to be able to explore it fully. Make sure your footwear is comfortable and supportive, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Pack some layers: The weather in New Zealand can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to be prepared. A light jacket or sweater will come in handy, especially if you’re planning on spending time in the mountains.
- Don’t forget to pack your camera: New Zealand is full of photo-worthy landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches. Make sure you have enough space on your memory card (or extra cards) to capture all your holiday memories.
- Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in New Zealand
There are many different things to do in New Zealand, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
- Milford Sound
- Te Puia
- Roys Peak Track
- Huka Falls tracks
- Otago Peninsula
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- SkyTower in Auckland
- Cathedral Cove Walk
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings
Best New Zealand Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in New Zealand?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in New Zealand
- Castaways Resort near Auckland
- Black Barn in Hawkes Bay
- The Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat
- Old Forest School near Tauranga
- Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata
- Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant in Waiheke Island
- Lake Wanaka
- Cordis Hotel in Auckland
- Skyline Queenstown
- Bay Of Many Coves in Arthur’s Bay
Hotels in New Zealand
- Hulbert House Luxury Boutique Lodge Queenstown
- Kaipara Views Eco Lodge – Glorit
- Grand Millennium Auckland
- Driftwood Beachfront Accommodation – Cable Bay
- Wyndham Garden Christchurch
- Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
- Lawfield – Glenomaru
- QT Auckland
- King and Queen Hotel Suites – New Plymouth
- Harbour Drive B&B – Matarangi
- Beech Hill – Pet Friendly Holiday Home – Tasman
