Waterfall Elopement Locations in New Zealand
A complete location guide to eloping at a waterfall
Why you should have a waterfall elopement in New Zealand
New Zealand’s most famous landscapes are usually Milford Sound, That Wanaka Tree, the lupines of lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, Tongariro and Rotorua. These natural wonders deserve the spotlight, but they can be the most popular and therefore busy spots. If you crave a more private experience during your trip to New Zealand, consider a New Zealand waterfall elopement.
Top five reasons to choose a waterfall elopement in New Zealand
- Nobody will be able to hear your private vows because the falls will drown it out
- Waterfalls are the perfect focal point for a nice hike
- Great even if it’s raining
- Perfect for lovers of lush greenery, ferns, and moss galore
- Epic waterfall elopement photos!
Easy to access waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand
Eloping is for everyone, no matter your ability or desire to hike. Keep your hair and skin looking fine and get all the awesome photos? Count me in! Here are the best waterfall elopement locations with easy access. These are my top 5 best accessible waterfall locations in New Zealand.
Owharoa Falls
Location: Waikino, North Island
Parking: Free, small
A gorgeous fan-shaped cascade located just off the road. Simply walk down a gravel path with a few stairs to this view. It can be a popular swimming hole in summer and the nearby Karangahake gorge offers opportunities for hikers, history buffs, and kids-at-heart.
Whangarei Falls
Location: Whangarei, North Island
Parking: Free
A lovely picturesque waterfall just a ten minute walk away from your car. An arching bridge spans the river and you can continue your hike easily. The town of Whangarei has some great amenities and its close proximity to world class beaches may interest you too.
Hunua Falls
Location: Hunua, North Island
Parking: Free, busy on weekends
This is one of the closest waterfalls to Auckland. An easy stroll across a large bridge to several viewpoints of this large waterfall. It can get popular, but there are additional viewpoints you can hike to for more privacy.
Wishbone Falls
Location: Wanaka, South Island
Parking: Free, requires river crossings to access
If your vehicle can make it through a few shallow river fords, this is one of the most incredible easy-access waterfall elopement locations in all of New Zealand. The falls are very tall and dramatic, and the short walk is enough to get you away from the road.
Fantail Falls
Location: Haast Pass, South Island
Parking: Free, medium size
The icy blue-green glacial stream and thundering falls makes this a great waterfall location, so long as you pack bugspray. Amazing mossy forest awaits just on the other side.
Private waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand
While there is never a guarantee of privacy, these waterfalls are less visited than most and provide the best opportunity for a secluded waterfall elopement in New Zealand.
Marokopa Falls
Location: Waitomo, North Island
Parking: Free
This huge waterfall is one of my favorites. After a 45 minute drive, a 15 minute walk down a forest path leads to two viewpoints of this huge waterfall. There are many nearby highlights to see as well, like the glowworm caves and natural bridge. Highly recommended!
Kitekite Waterfall
Location: Piha, North Island
Parking: Free
Huge Kauri trees and boardwalks dot the easy 2 mile walking trail to this beautiful waterfall. Another tall waterfall nearby and the proximity to Piha’s amazing black sand beach make this a great location for all day adventure elopements or short and sweet elopements.
Waitangi Falls
Location: Kaukapakapa, North Island
Parking: Free
A series of waterfalls are highlights in this very secluded and rarely visited park north of Auckland.
Koropuku Falls
Location: The Catlins, South Island
Parking: Free, roadside shoulder
A super pretty waterfall that is just a 10 minute walk from the unmarked car park. There is a stone creek crossing and once you’re there, it’s incredibly peaceful and private. I highly recommend this one!
Hi, I’m Lucy
I’m your guide to the most epic waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand! I’m an elopement planner and photographer who has been helping couples avoid the fuss and embrace their bucket list instead since 2009. I’m big into ferns, hiking, moss, and photographing people at their best! In this guide, I’m going to go over some of the best waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand. From the easily accessible streams of the North Island to the most rugged and high falls of the far south, I’ve been all over and here are my recommendations.
Moderate hikes to waterfall elopement locations in New Zealand
Don’t let a little hiking scare you off! The further from the road you venture, the more privacy and solitude you’ll find. If you’re a couple who loves to hit the trail together, a hiking elopement to a waterfall may be perfect for you. Pack a picnic, start early, and get the best spots to yourselves. Check out Kaiate Falls, Cascade falls, Double falls, Nihotupu and Tarawera falls too.
Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Raglan, North Island
Parking: Free
A huge and iconic waterfall that can be a busy destination despite its distance from major towns. View it from the narrow paths above, or take the 400 stairs down to a stunning platform at the base where you could have your ceremony. Save your breath for going back up and contact me for more photos!
Wairere Falls
Location: Te Aroha, North Island
Parking: Free
A half day hike leads to a gorgeous viewing platform of the tallest waterfall on North Island. Because it is west facing, this waterfall is best in the afternoon. Best in winter or spring and can get busy, so start early.
Rob Roy Falls
Location: Wanaka, South Island
Parking: Free, river crossings required to access
This wonderful half day hike takes you through some incredibly mountainous NZ scenery to a wide glacial valley where you’ll see not only Rob Roy falls, but Rob Roy glacier too.
Waipohatu Falls
Location: The Catlins, South Island
Parking: Free, medium size
Two waterfalls in one hike! Because there’s a muddy, 2 hour hike through beautiful forest to reach these two falls, Waipohatu is a great waterfall elopement location for those who want privacy and adventure.
South Island waterfall elopement locations
New Zealand’s South Island might just be the waterfall capitol of the world. There are hundreds of waterfalls here, so many that some don’t have names. The World of Waterfalls on the road to Milford sound is like nowhere else, and the Catlins Region between Invercargill and Dunedin is flush with incredible waterfalls too.
Purakaunui Falls
Location: Catlins, South Island
Parking: Free, plenty
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand, this stunner has a developed viewing platform and a steady stream of daily visitors. Early in the day is best!
McLean Falls
Location: Catlins, South Island
Parking: Free, does get busy
This double waterfall is easily accessed by a 20 minute forested trail with stairs at the end. The adventurous couples can scramble up a little further to access this more private viewpoint.
World Of Waterfalls
Location: Milford Sound, South Island
Parking: Free, road shoulder
When it rains, the towering stone valley runs with waterfalls all around you, creating a horseshoe of hundreds of waterfalls. This place is EPIC – and the wild Kea parrots will keep you endlessly entertained!
Thunder Creek Falls
Location: Haast, South Island
Parking: Free
A popular short hike to to the base of a HUGE waterfall elopement location on South Island. While you’re in the area, make sure to see the rugged west coast and lakes Hawea and Wanaka.
Glacier Valley Unnamed Falls
Location: West Coast, South Island
Parking: Free
Walk up many glacial flow valleys and you’ll find dozens of waterfalls tumbling towards you. These locations may require a hike over rocks to access, but are some of the most private and rewarding for the adventurous and fit elopers.
Lady Bowen Falls
Location: Milford Sound, South Island
Parking: Paid
One of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls – but the access track to the base of the falls has washed out. However, there are viewpoints where you can see the falls in the background and have your elopement ceremony in Milford Sound. Super impressive scenery and sand flies will surround you.
Wainui Falls
Location: Takaka, South Island
Parking: Free
A decent hike through beautiful forest brings you to this tumbling waterfall. There is only a small, sloping rock to stand on in front of the falls, so wear rugged shoes! Wainui Falls are close to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, making this a great choice for those seeking a full day adventure elopement in New Zealand.
Matai Falls
Location: Catlins, South Island
Parking: Free
A very short ten minute hike takes you to a viewing platform of Matai falls. Another double feature, you can also visit Horseshoe falls just a few meters further up – but imo it’s not better in any way. There is a developed viewing platform here.
Waterfalls I can’t recommend
Huka falls, Cascade creek, Humboldt Falls, Sutherland Falls, Stirling Falls, Kakahi falls, Roaring Billy and Roaring Meg – all beautiful, but for various reasons don’t make good elopement spots. It’s always best to ask an expert when choosing an elopement location in New Zealand so you can avoid any stress while planning and enjoying your day.
Map of New Zealand Elopement Locations
My New Zealand elopement planning & photography services includes access to my custom interactive map. This planning resource map has all these waterfall elopement locations with color photos & access information. I’ve added many other great sights to explore too! You can explore New Zealand from your living room to help you decide which waterfall elopement location is right for you!
New Zealand Waterfall Elopement Packages
I offer half day, full day, and multi day elopement packages all over New Zealand. Waterfalls are some of my favorite features, and I’d love to show you around the best spots in my backyard. All my packages include my planning services + epic, world class elopement photography in a location of your choosing. Making it easy for you to say heck yes! is why I get up in the morning, lace up my boots, and hit the trails.
Packages can be made all-inclusive with the addition of celebrant, flowers, and hair & makeup styling services.
Short Elopement
$4500usd / $7.500nzdShort & Sweet Waterfall Elopement in New Zealand
SHORT & SWEET
FULL DAY ELOPEMENT
$6500nzd / $10.900nzdA full day of unforgettable activities on your elopement day
MOST POPULAR
Multi DAY ELOPEMENT
$7900usd / $13.500nzd and upTwo full days of epic experiences in 2 locations.
MOST EPIC
You’ve been dreaming of a Waterfall Elopement in New Zealand..
Let me make it happen for you! We can explore the best waterfalls in New Zealand whether you want to hike or take it easy. No two elopements are the same, and there are no cookie-cutter experiences here. Every plan is shaped by who you are as a couple and what makes the day perfect for you. I work one on one with my couples to craft a dream-date style elopement that ticks all your boxes – and some you didn’t even know you had. Here is an example timeline of an all day waterfall elopement in New Zealand.
New Zealand Waterfall Elopement sample timeline
8:00 Get ready and have a first look on the balcony of a rented cabin or eco dome in the forest.
9:00 Hit the trail for a 2 mile hike in the lush rainforest. Look for birds, mushrooms, and neat bugs.
10:00 You arrive at the waterfall and pull your flowers out of your backpack. If it is hot out, take your shoes off and wade into the ankle deep water for an unforgettable elopement ceremony at a waterfall. Make sure to playfully sprinkle some water on each other for good luck.
10:30 Toast each other with granola bars and grab some epic portraits at the waterfall of your dreams.
11:30 Have a picnic lunch with donuts at the falls or go out for a nice lunch at a seaside cafe.
1:00 Head to the beach and explore the tide pools or sea caves. Write “We eloped” in the sand with your elopement date.
3:00 Find a spot in the beachy dunes to read letters from friends and family. Get Ice cream and run down the beach together hand in hand.
5:00 Make low-key pancakes for dinner together at your Airbnb. Or have wood fired pizza in a greenhouse restaurant.
6:30 Take a scenic drive up to a view point for sunset photos overlooking the coast. Pop some champagne!
8:00 Look for glowworms – I’ll show you where to go!