Where to Elope in Waikato, New Zealand
Your complete Guide to Waikato Elopement Locations
If you’re ever wondered how to elope in Waikato, you’ve arrived in the right spot! The Waikato Region on New Zealand’s North Island is an underrated gem – and I’m not just biased because I live here! The mild climate makes it a great place to live, adventure, work and elope, year round! Plus, you won’t believe the amount of hidden gems and diverse landscapes that a Waikato elopement has to offer. Lush forests, great mountains and hiking, waterfalls, beaches, views, glow worm caves, epic wild rivers, lakes, treehouses, hobbit holes, and so much more! Here is my complete guide to where to elope in Waikato, New Zealand.
Top reasons to choose a Waikato elopement in New Zealand
- It’s very easy and convenient to get to from Auckland, where most visitors arrive
- Miss out on the crowds of the most traveled tourist spots
- Waikato’s mild climate means reliably temperate weather
- Variety capitol – we have it all!
- Perfect for lovers of lush greenery, ferns, and moss
- Home of the glow worm caves and Hobbiton!
Hi, I’m Lucy
This is me – holding a kiwi at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari! I’m your local Waikato guide to the best elopement locations in New Zealand! I’m an elopement photographer and planner who has been helping couples avoid the pomp and elope in the wild since 2009. I’m big into ferns, hiking/tramping, moss, and photographing people at their best! In this guide, I’m going to go over some of the best Waikato elopement locations. From the easily accessible venues to the best hikes of the Waikato, I’ve been all over and here are my recommendations.
Map of Waikato Elopement Locations
I’ve custom made this planning resource map that has all these Waikato 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 Waikato elopement location is right for you! I’m a Waikato elopement photographer& planner and my services include access to my interactive location maps. I’ve got maps of North and South Islands, as well as this Waikato specific map and a map of all the LOTR locations where you can elope.
So.. where is “Waikato”?
Waikato is a region, sort of like a US state, that is directly south of Auckland. Waikato contains the popular attractions of Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Gardens, Raglan, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, The Coromandel, Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Bridal Veil Falls, and many more! To the east is the Bay of Plenty region, home to Tauranga and Rotorua.
Want to Elope in Waikato? I can make it happen
Starting at $4500usd / $7.500nzd
I plan & photograph dream-date style elopements for couples who want to skip the fuss and production of a wedding, and enjoy their day instead.
Best Elopement venues in Waikato
So, let’s get into it! If you got here by searching ‘Where to elope in Waikato’, you’re in the right place! Eloping is for everyone, no matter your ability or desire to hike. If you don’t mind spending some coin, you can elope at an easy peasy and beautiful venue in the Waikato. Count me in! Here are the best elopement venues in Waikato.
Elope at Hobbiton
Location: Matamata
Cost: $2000+
The iconic Lord of the Rings location for elopements in the Waikato! This is the most expensive location on this list, but you will get to marry in The Shire. Read my full guide on eloping at Hobbiton here.
Elope at the Tree Church
Location: Ohaupo
Cost: Available for hire – you must pay to reserve
Reserve this one in advance, because it books up! This world class garden is a literal church built out of trees. It’s whimsical, it’s full of greenery and needs no decoration! Book it here.
Alphra Lavender
Location: Te Awamutu
Cost: Available for hire – you must pay to reserve
A private working lavender farm would make a great elopement location for those wanting short, sweet, and beautiful elopement photos in Waikato. Call to reserve a day & time. Their website.
Elopements at Hamilton Gardens
Location: Hamilton
Cost: $400 to $1500+
Two options for elopement locations – the outer gardens, which are stunning and feature a pond and grassy areas for $400, or the inner themed gardens which come with a higher price tag – $1485 and up for 2 hours. More info on eloping at Hamilton Gardens here.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Location: Pukeatua
Cost: You should make a donation
Lush and ferny forest filled with birdsong gives you that Jurassic park feeling as you step inside the pest-free fence. A hiker’s paradise, there are multiple options for an enchanted forest elopement here if you know who to ask. Hint, it’s me. Pair your experience with a kiwi tour for the most unforgettable day! And yes, you can stay on site.
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum
Location: Tauwhere, Hamilton
Cost: By reservation and donation
A huge park is dotted with fascinating sculptures amid beautiful gardens. Secluded and not often visited, this little site offers pond view and forest view locations. Bonus: You can even stay on site at the ruru retreat!
Looking for epic? Consider a Waikato Heli Elopement
Want to arrive in style at an epic location without breaking a sweat? Believe it or not, helicopter elopements are possible in the Waikato. Consider taking a private charter to Blue Duck, a luxury 10-seat restaurant with an unforgettable tasting menu. Contact me to get your Waikato helicopter elopement started!
Hidden Gem elopement locations in Waikato
These lesser known spots offer more privacy than most of the sites you’ll find in travel guides. For locals, these places may be even more special as you can visit them again and again on your anniversaries. Best of all, most of these sites don’t require a cost to reserve, although you may need a DOC permit. Additional locations to check out if you’re up for tramping are Pukemoremore, Kakepuke, Killarney Lakes, and Te aroha Summit tracks.
Yarndley’s Bush
Location: Ohaupo
Parking: Free
A real locals spot, this dense bushwalk features raised boardwalks across huge buttressed trees. A treehouse-like viewing platform is the cherry on top of this forest location.
Taitua Arboretum
Location: Hamilton
Parking: Free
A small park where you’ll see a few dog walkers and lovely gardens. The bamboo forest and doorway is a highlight of this hidden gem elopement location in Waikato.
Lake Rotopiko
Location: Ohaupo
Parking: Free
One of the easiest access lakes in the Waikato, this marshy lake includes flat forest walks around the edge and would be beautiful at sunset.
Mt. Pirongia
Location: Pirongia
Parking: Free
There are caves, easy walks, and a huge Kahikatea tree on the North side of Pirongia that would make for a great elopement location. Or tick off that bucket list with hard hike to a hut trip at Pahautea Hut on Pirongia!
The Natural Bridge
Location: Waitomo
Parking: Free
This almost-cave is absolutely massive, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to say your vows under. The moss coated river and boardwalk bridges make for great photos from every angle. Plus, you can look for glowworms after dark!
Elopement locations in Raglan, Waikato
Location: Raglan
Parking: Free
Check out the Michael Hope and Te Toto Lookouts for great views of the sea and more privacy than the beach! Make it a day hike by going further up Mt Kairoi. You can even ride horses on Ruapuke Beach!
Ruakuri Caves
Location: Waitomo
Parking: Free
A fun hike in the forest takes you through caves, past huge rock walls and rushing streams and of course, ferns galore! Pair this location with the Waitomo caves, Marokopa falls, and the Natural bridge for an epic elopement day.
Karangahake Gorge
Location: Waikino
Parking: Free
This historic gorge is punctuated by scenic swing bridges along the river. Paths along mining tracks can be busy, except in the evening. There are historic batteries and ruins that would make a unique Waikato elopement location.
Lake Te Koo Utu
Location: Cambridge
Cost: Free
A small park with a duck pond, picturesque bridge, and beautiful fountains. Easy and simple, close to many cafes in downtown Cambridge.
Waterfall elopement locations in Waikato, New Zealand
If you’re a couple who loves to hit the trail together, a hiking elopement to a waterfall in the Waikato may be perfect for you. Pack a picnic, start early, and get the best spots to yourselves. Don’t let a little hiking scare you off! The further from the road you venture, the more privacy and solitude you’ll find. Also check out Waiau Falls on the Coromandel peninsula and Tunakohoia Falls near Te Aroha.
Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Raglan
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!
Owharoa Falls
Location: Waikino
Parking: Free
Located right next to Karangahake Gorge, a gorgeous fan-shaped cascade is easy to access. Simply walk down a gravel path with a few stairs to this view. It can be a popular swimming hole in summer, so arrive early!
Marokopa Falls
Location: Waitomo
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!
Wairere Falls
Location: Te Aroha
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.
Coromandel elopement locations
The Coromandel peninsula is a thumb-shaped area in the northern corner of the Waikato region. Only a short drive from Auckland and Tauranga, this is a popular spot for NZ locals on holiday. And for good reason! The steep mountains meet the sea with awe-inspiring beauty, and the rugged & rural feel means you can really get away from it all. If you’re looking to elope in the wild bush, but without going far from a major city- consider eloping on the Coromandel!
Cathedral Cove Elopements
Access: Currently closed except by boat
Parking: Paid
One of the most iconic sites on North Island, but eloping there is a bit of a mish. The access track is currently closed, and a boat charter is the only way to access this beautiful spot. Best in early morning before the crowds arrive!
Pinnacles Hut
Access: Full day hike + hut stay
Parking: Free, does get busy
Another great hut trip, this amazing location is one of the best for a mountain-obsessed elopement couple in the Waikato. Best at sunset or in early morning. There are views for days!
New Chums Beach
Access: Short hike over smooth rocks
Parking: Free, limited
A once-secret beach that requires a small hike to access. Once there, you’ll have the flat bay and pristine beach to yourselves. Plus, there’s a lookout over the beach that provides a colorful view.
Otama Beach
Access: drive right up
Parking: Free, limited
A beautiful white sand beach with offshore rocks, an estuary, and a beach swing. Ahhhh.
Waikato Elopement Packages
Waikato is my home, and I’d love to show you around the best spots in my backyard. I provide half day, full day, and multi day elopement packages. 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 do what I do.
Packages can be made all-inclusive with the addition of celebrant, flowers, and hair & makeup styling services.
Short Elopement
$4500usd / $7.500nzdShort & Sweet Elopement in Waikato, 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, or an overnight hut trip.
MOST EPIC
You’ve been dreaming of a Waikato Elopement in New Zealand..
Now that you know where to elope in Waikato, let me make it happen for you! We can explore the best Waikato locations in New Zealand whether you want to hike or take it easy at a venue or other drive-up option. However, I do not offer cookie-cutter experiences! Every plan is shaped by what YOU enjoy and love doing together. No two elopements are alike. 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 elopement in Waikato, New Zealand.
Contact Me and Start your Waikato Elopement plan!
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Waterfall Elopement Locations in New Zealand
The complete guide to New Zealand’s best waterfall elopement locations, from the beautiful cascades of North Island to the wild and wonderful waterfalls of South Island.
