Love New Zealand

8 Reasons to Elope to Wanaka, New Zealand

By Anna Hayes 2022-07-09

8 Reasons to Elope to Wanaka, New Zealand
Couple elope to Wanaka, New Zealand. Copyright: New Zealand Dream Weddings

Are you thinking of eloping for your dream wedding? New Zealand is a beautiful country full of magical scenery, diversity and culture. Here are 8 reasons to elope to Wanaka New Zealand for your perfect wedding.

1. Wanaka is a Picture Perfect Location

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. Copyright: Miles Holden

Have you ever seen the photo of the lonely tree in the middle of a beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains? If you have, chances are that's Lake Wanaka! Whether you are dreaming of a sunny summer wedding, or a beautiful snow-backed winter wedding, Wanaka is the ideal elopement wedding venue.

The beautiful lake is surrounded by mountains. In Spring and Winter, these mountains are snow covered or snow tipped creating a majestic background to the beautiful lake. Autumn brings beautiful colours of golden to the trees surrounding the countryside and Summer, well Summer is just beautifully warm and the water inviting!

2. Wanaka is a Popular Holiday Resort Town

Mt Aspiring National Park, New Zealand
Mt Aspiring National Park. Copyright: Miles Holden

The small resort town of Wanaka is a popular place for holidays, and in peak seasons such as Christmas comes alive with hustle and bustle!

Avid boaters come from around New Zealand, keen to get their boats, jetskis and other water craft out on the lake. Hikers visit from around the world to walk the surrounding Mt Aspiring National Park, including the well known Rob Roy Glacier Track. Others come to just relax beside the lake and enjoy the sheer beauty that is Wanaka.

3. Get Married beside a Beautiful Lake

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. Copyright: Hayes Photography

Do you love the water? At 45 km long and 10 km wide, Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand - that's 192 km2!

All around the lake there are little bays and beautiful hidden spots, many accessible only by water.

Whether you want to say your vows on the shores of Lake Wanaka, or on a mountain top overlooking the lake, Lake Wanaka is the perfect lakeside elopement wedding destination.

4. Say your Vows atop a Mountain? Yes Please!

Couple are wed at Coromandel Peak in Wanaka
Couple are wed at Coromandel Peak in Wanaka. Copyright: New Zealand Dream Weddings

Do you want to add something a bit special to your wedding? How about a private helicopter flight for you and your partner to a remote mountain top location? Well pick your favourite, because Wanaka offers options!

Coromandel Peak is the most popular location for elopement mountain-top weddings in Wanaka. This incredible location offers dramatic scenery and a level of beauty that words just can't capture. Because of the slightly lower altitude, Coromandel Peak is relatively sheltered regardless of the weather. It's a simply magical location whatever the time of day, but early evening weddings are a favourite as you get to watch the sun set over the lake and mountains.

Lookout Hill is another popular mountain-top wedding venue in Wanaka. This beautiful remote location offers couples spectacular views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges.

5. Say your Vows beside a Remote Alpine Lake

Lochnagar Wanaka, New Zealand
Lochnagar Wanaka, New Zealand. Copyright: New Zealand Dream Weddings

Would you love to say your vows at a remote alpine lake? Lochnagar is a dramatic lake located at the head of the Shotover Valley, feeding the famous Shotover River. In winter this beautiful lake is surrounded by snow, creating a wedding location that is second to none!

Fly by private helicopter to this truly remote location for a true feeling of wilderness, privacy and intimacy for your elopement wedding.

6. Say your Vows beside a Hidden Waterfall

Wanaka Hidden Waterfall Wedding, New Zealand
Wanaka Hidden Waterfall Wedding, New Zealand. Copyright: New Zealand Dream Weddings

Need more reasons to consider eloping to Wanaka? How about flying by private helicopter to a beautiful waterfall hidden in the mountains to say your vows?

7. Skiing!

Treble Cone Lake Wanaka
Treble Cone Lake Wanaka. Copyright: Martyn Williams

Do you love to ski or snowboard? Then in you're in luck. Wanaka has a choice of 3 skifields. Cardrona Alpine Resort, Treble Cone Ski Area and Snow Farm NZ. Nearby in Queenstown, there is also The Remarkables.

8. Take a trip to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand. Copyright: Tourism NZ

Speaking of Queenstown, no trip to Wanaka would be complete without popping over to Queenstown! Queenstown is our world class all-season holiday resort town. Truly, whatever the season, Queenstown is a magical place to visit. From the beautiful lake to a seemingly endless array of adventure activities, you could never be bored in Queenstown.

Anna Hayes

About the Author

Hi! My name is Anna Hayes, and I am your doTERRA Wellness Advocate.

My doTERRA journey began when trying to help improve my health and the health of my youngest daughter who was quick sick as a baby. Discovering doTERRA's amazing all natural products changed our lives, and now I love sharing them with others. I also love that all their products are co-impact sourced, ensuring the well being of everyone involved.

Whether you are looking to join as a wholesale customer and get awesome discounts, become a Wellness Advocate yourself, or simply shop retail, I'm excited to have you here and would love to help you on your doTERRA journey!

If you have any questions, please get in touch or connect with me on Instagram.

Anna Hayes x
doTERRA Advocate ID: 6387974