New Zealand is well and truly boasting its beauty throughout The New Zealand Issue, but sometimes? It can overwhelming knowing where to start when planning your New Zealand day. So we’ve got the goods for you. A list, a roundup, a guide to New Zealand wedding venues (North island this week, South Island to come) that are incredible for your wedding.

As always, our lists are by no means exhaustive (we need to sleep!!). But this list? It’s a jump-off point, a start if you will, to show you a little of what’s out there in the land of the long white cloud.

P.S Want to see the venues we love? Click here to see the Polka Dot wedding venues we recommend!

Old Forest School,  Bay of Plenty

This rustic venue is perfect for a micro wedding or elopement with small spaces that are perfect to say your “I do’s” indoors in the Schoolhouse or outdoors at Sycamore. There are numerous rustic barns and cabins in buildings such as Bar, The Fernery, and Sports Pavilion, giving it a village feel. Planning assistance and support and venue manager on the day and a dedicated indoor dance floor in the Redwood Barn ensure the festivities continue. See it in action on Polka Dot Wedding here.

Above & header image by The Official Photographers via Hana & Ammon’s Glittering Gold Garden Wedding

Black Barn Vineyards, Hawkes Bay

There are several venues to choose from here at Black Barn Vineyards. The Olive Shed is the original shed and is the perfect place for your wedding ceremony for up to 50 people. Through a walkway of fig trees with views over Hawkes Bay is the Bistro seating 100 guests. Then there is the River Room a purpose-built pavilion overlooking the Tuki Tuki River and straight across to the spectacular East face of Te Mata Peak – seating for 40-65 guests, and the Market Round (in amongst a circle of Plane trees) and the Riverside Marquee for up to 120 guests. Beautiful food and wine coupled with expert service make this venue one to consider. See it On Polka Dot Wedding here.

Woodlands Estate, Gordonton 

If anyone can do English-style gardens well, it’s New Zealand. This magnificent garden venue offers several spaces as well as the Wisteria Room as a wet weather option. Weddings can be catered for by their caterer for up to 150 people.

The Duke of Marlborough,  Russell

Located on the waterfront, this historic hotel has been “Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827”. Your whole day can be held here – right up to accommodation. The large deck attached to the ballroom overlooking the sea is the perfect place for your ceremony or have it in the garden under the 150-year-old fig tree. The ballroom seats 140 guests, and an onsite wedding coordinator to assist you with all the finer details. A wine list of 100 wines plus boutique beers paired with your tailored menu as well as exceptional service, ensures your day is just as you hoped it would be.

Abel Estate, Auckland

With extensive well-kept gardens, the famous gazebo, the historic homestead and the large private lake you a spoiled for choice at this venue. They offer several wedding packages to choose from, their team will help you choose the one that’s right for you. Catering for up to 100 people, with all food and drink provided by their onsite kitchen and bar.

The River House,  Hawkes Bay

Boasting stunning grounds, The River House is set on the Tukituki River in Hawke’s Bay. There is plenty of space and plenty of flexibility here – in fact, you can fit everything from 40 guests in the courtyard to a marquee big enough for 200 guests on the lawns! This is a BYO venue – bring the catering, the drinks, the dance floor, and the marquee and make it your own.

Photo by Meredith Lord via Sam & Andre’s Stunning Riverside Garden Party Wedding

Treechurch, Ōhaupo

This beautiful and unique wedding chapel set in stunning gardens is a chapel-like structure covered in foliage creating a living breathing structure and can accommodate 100 guests. An indoor venue overlooking the gardens is part of your package and seats 100 people.

The Red Barn, Waikato

In the surrounding Waikato farmland, with views of the whole of the Hinuera Valley and onto Lake Karapiro, this historical barn is a venue nestled in a manicured garden with trees a feature of the property. The owners are passionate about professional hospitality and work hard to ensure your day is as stress-free as possible, with a dedicated wedding and events manager to arrange everything from flowers to music for you.

Delamore Lodge, Auckland

This venue is ideal for an elegant celebration for up to 55 guests – so perfect for your elopement or a smaller wedding. Locally sourced and garden-raised produce is a feature of their menu, and the wedding team is on hand to ensure that your celebration is unique. Access for disabled guests and onsite accommodation are special features that make this venue accessible.

Tabula Rasa, Ramarama

Just 30 minutes from central Auckland, this venue caters for up to 100 guests. Lovely gardens, and several ceremony and reception options with a dedicated team to assist you ensures that your day is relaxed and welcoming, yet unique to you.

Tarureka Estate, Featherston

This venue boasts three historic buildings onsite – with The Loft barn being built in 1868, having high chapel-like ceilings and a cosy rustic atmosphere. Have your ceremony outside or on the bottom floor of the barn and move upstairs adorned with fairy lights,  for your reception for up to 120 guests. Downstairs transitions to a bar and dance floor to party the night away. The grand historic Homestead provides accommodation with seven bedrooms sleeping up to 18 guests. See it on Polka Dot Wedding here.

Kauri Bay Boomrock – Clevedon

Rolling hills and water views, and covering all weather options for your ceremony this venue also offers a dedicated wedding team to liaise with your vendors and can accommodate 200 seated guests. Celebrating farm-to-table ingredients with wine pairings, they offer platter style or a 3-course menu. See it in action here.

Zane Grey’s Restaurant and Bar, Paihia

Views over the water and the Bay of Islands right in front of you, this event caters for functions from 10- 600. The Dock offers an outdoor location with sunshades, and the Aquarium cocoons your guests inside. Choose from different packages which include options for ceremonies and hiring half the venue for smaller guest numbers.

Ataahua Lodge, Bay of Plenty

Italian chateau your thing? This incredible private property is made for you! Ataahua Lodge is set on two acres of beautiful, perfectly manicured gardens. There are six bedrooms on-site (making this one the perfect all-in-one venue) as well as a pool. Enjoy your wedding on the sprawling lawns, or an onsite marquee and make the most of the stunning space.

See it on Polka Dot Wedding here.

Photo by Sweet Events Photography via Old Hollywood Glamour Inspiration in New Zealand

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, Waikato

For something entirely different if you’re a fan of The Hobbit, this venue is a chance to see the movie set in all of its glory. From Hobbit Holes to themed reception venues there’s a lot to entertain your guests here! There are several themed reception venues including the Green Dragon Inn (a recreated pub serving exclusive Southfarthing™ ale, stout, cider and ginger beer), or the newly created The MillHouse seating 32, and then there is the Party Marquee seating 230 guests.

Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant – Waiheke

Buildings made from – you guessed it – mudbrick, sea views and formal gardens draw you in. Have your ceremony overlooking the sea, and adjourn to The Mudbrick Restaurant to feast on world-acclaimed food, and seating from 40- 126 guests. For small weddings of 20, The Mezzanine Floor “has beautiful views and opens onto its private outside deck which is great for small ceremonies, drinks and canapés.” See it on Polka Dot Wedding here.

Wild Estate, Waiheke Island

A large island is adjacent to Auckland this island is located in the northern area of NZ. This versatile wedding venue offers you options for indoor, outdoor and wet weather backup options – winter celebrations in front of a large open fireplace, or summer celebrations amongst the vines.   Pre-wedding parties are also available with a casual vineyard lunch and games to get the party started. The team here are dedicated to the “way you want to have your celebration is the way we want to deliver it”.

Markovina Vineyard Estate, Auckland

Set in 10 acres of gardens and water features, this venue offers 9 different ceremony locations including the Cherry Blossom Round and the Chestnut Tree. You and your guests dine under a canopy of vines with twinkling lights and the wedding team will make sure that your day runs smoothly with planning meetings with you before your day. You’re able to choose from a buffet meal, sharing platters served to the tables or a plated meal.

Baylys’ Farm, Waitangi

Sandy beaches on the Bay of Islands, and 200 acres of rolling farmlands are at your fingertips here. The Point provides sweeping views over the bay for your ceremony, and the Beachfront Marquee can seat 130 guests with a concrete floor and wooden furniture, to decorate as you wish as a BYO venue, you will be able to choose the drinks that are your favourites.  Accommodation is only a 10-minute drive away in Paihia township.

Tui Hills, Auckland

Thirty minutes from central Auckland lies this venue tucked amongst native gardens and bush, enticing you to marry in the tranquil Kowhai Glade or under cover in the Nikau Pavilion. With several wedding packages to choose from you can create the wedding of your dreams with as little or as much assistance as you require.

Makoura Lodge,  Apiti

In the remote foothills of the Ruhaine Ranges, one hour from Palmerston North, lies this charming country venue with outdoor ceremony options, reception for up to 110 guests, a team to help you and onsite accommodation, catering, boutique bar,  and oh, the beautiful photographic landscapes thrown in for good measure.

Mercury Bay Estate,  Cooks Beach, Whitianga

There are two reception alternatives here – a wedding seating up to 120 at Pond House, or a smaller more casual wedding for around 60 people in the CellarDoor/Restaurant. The Cellar Door with its views of the vines and the sea has an expansive undercover deck and a rustic charm, while Pond House boasts a marquee adjacent to a pond. Everything from fairy/festoon lights, chandeliers, tables/chairs, table cloths and the glassware is arranged by their team and catering options are aplenty with a selection of mobile caterers.

Okahu, Auckland

This waterfront wedding venue gives you the run of the indoor spaces, outside balcony and wharf. Winter or summer this venue shines with its modern decor and views of Rangitoto and the harbour, added to by a cityscape of lights at night. Their professional team goes the extra mile with attentive service, professional catering and beverage service. Seasonal menus are provided you may work with the chef to create a tailor-made menu for up to 180 seated guests.

Olivio~nor, Martinborough

This beautiful three-bedroom holiday home is the perfect wedding venue for lovers of that rustic, Italian charm. Olivio~nor is one with a working olive grove, with a capacity for 10-50 guests. There are plenty of flexible spaces to allow you to enjoy every part of your day- from the ceremony to reception, wandering amongst the grounds.

See it on Polka Dot Wedding here.

Photo by August & Vine via “Under the Martinborough Sun” Classically Romantic New Zealand Wedding Ideas

Mount Richmond Hotel, Auckland

A dedicated wedding planner, with a poolside ceremony and reception venue in the Richmond Room with onsite catering, this hotel has a capacity for up to 160 guests. Onsite accommodation is also available.

Glasshouse Morningside,  Auckland

A modern venue with large glass walls and a roof, this space can accommodate up to 200 seated guests for your ceremony. Filled with lush greenery gives a serene atmosphere to your day, and you can choose to add more botanicals or enjoy the soft glow of festooned lights above you. Select food from their menus, or have the chef create a bespoke meal for you. Whether your wedding is for 10 guests or 160, the team are happy to work with you to create your perfect day.