Couples

 If you are a fan of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and wild landscapes then look no further, we may have just found your perfect elopement location. Queenstown and the surrounding areas are absolute gold mines for epic photo spots, and I can’t wait to show you. Right, you have hand-picked New Zealand, penciled me in, your new best friend and elopement photographer and now we just need to figure out the best place to elope. 

 I have taken the time to compile a list of some of my all-time favourite elopement location ideas around Queenstown & Beyond that will get all those wild elopement ideas flowing.

Kelvin Heights

Across the lake from town is the Kelvin Heights Peninsula. Here there are a few spots to have a quiet ceremony.

You can choose to go lakefront and on top of a grassy hill looking towards the Remarkables. Kelvin Heights is a great option if you are planning on visiting a helicopter location afterward as it’s only 15 minutes from the airport.

The Remarkables

The name speaks for itself but The Remarkables…well they are remarkable! One of Queenstown’s most famous ski-fields in winter, this is also a stunning summer spot to see the views looking over all of Queenstown. 

Coronet Peak

A famous skifield in Queenstown for night skiing Coronet Peak has a fabulous outlook over the valleys below and The Remarkables mountain range in the distance.

Wilson’s Bay

On the road to Glenorchy, Wilsons Bay is a location not to be missed. The stone beach is sheltered by the bay as it looks out at Walter and Cecil peak in the distance on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Lake Hayes

Checklist for Lake Hayes: Beautiful lake? Check! Gorgeous pier out to the lake? Check! Epic reflections? Check! Close to Queenstown? Check Check!

Jacks Point

Jacks Point is well known for its stunning golf course but it is also a perfect location for a photo shoot as it is nestled below The Remarkable mountains. On one side of Jacks’ Point, the huge majestic mountains stretch for miles and on the other, the turquoise blue waters of Lake Wakatipu glisten below. 

Deer Park Heights

Open again to the public after 10+ years Deer Park Heights is incredible farmland right in front of the Remarkables and only 15 minutes drive from the airport.

From the top you are spoilt for choice with views out over Lake Wakatipu and the townships below or to the left the Remarkables mountain range- you cannot get any closer than this to the Remarks without a helicopter.

Deer Park Heights is a great choice if you want those high views without the price tag of a heli and is the location for several scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Elopements ceremonies at Deer Park cost $800nz.

The Crown Range

Make sure your seat belt is on for this drive as the winding road takes you up into the Crown Range mountains. The higher the road gets the more amazing the view gets! 

For the Adventurous- Helicopter Elopement Packages

Words don’t do these locations justice! These are for the couples who want to feel like they are the only 2 people on earth! Feel free to forget I’m even there as we fly by helicopter to secluded and mind-blowingly beautiful mountain top locations overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the southern alps. Feel the fresh New Zealand wind in your face as you are photographed with the epic views of all of Queenstown in the background.

Check out my blogpost about the best Queenstown & Wanaka helicopter locations in Queenstown & Wanaka

Glenorchy

Glenorchy is commonly known as Lord of the Rings country! However, you don’t need to have seen the movies to appreciate the unbelievable views that Glenorchy has to offer. This location is best suited to a 3-hour package as there is so much to see and so many places to stop. The drive itself is mind-blowing as the road weaves alongside the sparkling blue waters of Lake Wakatipu the whole way. There is even a hidden waterfall that we can walk to, and that is before we even reach Glenorchy. Once there, the most popular and picturesque places are the famous red shed and the pier at the wharf at the ‘top of the lake’.

So there you have it, a round-up of my best places to Elope in New Zealand.

Congratulations, In choosing New Zealand as your elopement destination you have taken the first step to create an incredible elopement experience. I can’t wait to guide you and help capture your epic love story right here in my beautiful hometown.

Love, Kate xx